RIEEA to Assume Leadership of Rhode Island Envirothon
Jeanine Silversmith
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: March 24, 2026
Contact: Jeanine Silversmith, jsilve...@rieea.org, 401-569-8758
RIEEA to Assume Leadership of Rhode Island Envirothon
Transition supports long-term sustainability and expanded access to environmental education statewide
[Providence, RI] – The Rhode Island Environmental Education Association (RIEEA) is pleased to announce that it will assume stewardship of the Rhode Island Envirothon program beginning in August 2026. This transition was mutually agreed upon by the Rhode Island Envirothon Board of Directors and the RIEEA Executive Board, with a shared commitment to strengthening and sustaining the program for years to come.
Envirothon is an internationally recognized environmental and natural resource education program that engages high school students in hands-on, team-based learning across five topic areas: aquatics, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, and a current environmental issue. Since 1995, Rhode Island Envirothon has provided students with opportunities to develop critical thinking skills, explore environmental careers, and connect with the state’s natural resources through a rigorous, field-based competition.
“Envirothon has a long and respected history in Rhode Island, and we are honored to carry this program forward,” said Jeanine Silversmith, Executive Director of RIEEA. “This transition reflects a shared vision for expanding access to high-quality environmental education and ensuring that more students across the state can participate in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.”
As part of this transition, RIEEA will focus on stabilizing participation, expanding access to resources for coaches and teams, and strengthening the program’s long-term capacity. Planned enhancements include the development of Envirothon Field Kits, expanded training opportunities, and increased outreach to schools and community-based organizations.
RIEEA also announced that it has posted a part-time Program Manager position to support coordination and growth of the program. The organization is seeking a highly organized, collaborative individual with a passion for environmental education and youth engagement.
The Rhode Island Envirothon program will continue to operate as usual through the 2026 competition season, with RIEEA working closely alongside current leadership to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition. The organization has secured lead financial support from Embolden Environment Foundation to grow and support the Envirothon program.
“We are deeply grateful to the many educators, volunteers, and partners who have built and sustained Rhode Island Envirothon over the past three decades, in particular Norman Hammond, Janet Hammond, Paul Dolan, and Peter Stetson, for their unwavering commitment to the program,” Silversmith added. “Their dedication has created a strong foundation, and we look forward to building on that legacy.”
Founded in 1978, RIEEA is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting high-quality environmental education. Through collaboration, professional development, and advocacy, RIEEA works with educators, students, and partners to advance high-quality environmental education that responds to community needs and supports a more just and sustainable future.
For more information about RIEEA and updates on the Envirothon transition, visit www.rieea.org.
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Shaun Kirby
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This message was sent through the Rhode Island Environmental Education Association (RIEEA) Google Group. The views and opinions expressed within the content are solely the author’s (i.e. the email address it was sent from) and do not reflect the views and opinions of RIEEA, nor should any events or programs be assumed to be endorsed or supported by RIEEA.
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