Principles That Light Our Path
Become a Conservation Champion:
Join the Movement
Conservation Champions are individuals who care deeply about the future of our planet. They are leaders, influencers, and everyday citizens who use their voices and actions to create positive change.
By joining our community of Conservation Champions, you'll have the opportunity to:
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Inspire others: Share your passion for conservation and motivate others to take action.
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Make a real difference: Contribute to impactful environmental initiatives and projects.
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Connect with like-minded individuals: Join a community of passionate individuals who share your commitment to a sustainable future.
Together, our individual and collective actions can have exponential impact! Please join us and become a Conservation Champion today.
Conservation Collaborators: Partners in Environmental Stewardship
Conservation Collaborators are a distinguished group of organizations, foundations, businesses, influential individuals, and government entities united by a shared commitment to environmental protection.
These forward-thinking partners leverage their influence to:
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Champion sustainable practices: Implement policies and practices that minimize their environmental impact.
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Educate and inspire: Raise awareness about environmental issues and empower individuals to make informed choices.
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Support conservation efforts: Invest in and support initiatives that protect biodiversity and restore ecosystems.
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Foster sustainable communities: Empower rural communities to thrive while protecting their natural resources.
By joining forces with Conservation Collaborators, we can accelerate progress towards a more sustainable future.
'Art For Earth' Awards Celebration
The 4 Conservation Charitable Foundation (4CCF) is buzzing with excitement following the grand finale of our 2025 "Art for Earth" pilot program! As teaching artists, we believe that when you mix the precision of science with the soul of art, you create a powerful catalyst for change. On Monday, December 8, 2025, that synergy came to life in a truly unforgettable way.
The “Art For Earth” Contest is a powerful way to engage students in real-world environmental issues. The Contest encourages a student-driven approach that fosters creativity, mindful collaboration, and critical thinking. As students navigate the artistic process, they’ll develop a deeper understanding of the environment and discover how their voices can make a real difference. The goal is to give students a chance to start important conversations and connect with their community and nature. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate imagination while promoting conservation efforts and showing kids that their voices—and their creativity—can make a real difference… Becoming advocates for a healthier world.
A Gathering of Green Minds
The beautiful home of Nanci and Robert DeRobbio in New London, CT, was transformed into a vibrant gallery of student genius. It was a heartwarming scene as the families of our Connecticut winners gathered alongside local dignitaries and environmental leaders. The air was filled with "conservation conversations" as guests admired the original works that successfully translated complex ecological themes into inspiring visual messages.
The entire 4CCF Board of Directors was in attendance to personally congratulate our young visionaries. A highlight of the evening was an impassioned address by board member Kenneth Reels, who spoke movingly about the profound importance of hearing youth's ideas. He reminded us all that these students aren't just the leaders of tomorrow—their creativity is providing the solutions we need for our Earth today.
The Purpose: Sparking Local Action
The "Art for Earth" contest serves as a pedagogical bridge. By engaging student artists, we aim to move conservation out of the textbook and into the community. Our winners have become "Eco-Champions," using their craftsmanship to connect with vital local organizations like the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, the Alewife Cove Conservancy, and the Mystic River Watershed.
Celebrating Our Connecticut Eco-Champions
The spotlight shone brightly on our talented Connecticut cohort. These students didn't just draw pictures; they designed futures:
Serena A. (Age 8, Grade K-5) – Lawrence Elementary: 1st Place
Edward C. (Age 12, Grade 6-8) – Isaac School: 1st Place
Samira V. (Age 12, Grade 6-8) – Isaac School: 1st Place
Amanda R. (Grade 6-8) – Isaac School: 1st Place
Frederick R. (Age 13, Grade 6-8) – Isaac School: 2nd Place
Impact by the Numbers: The 2025 Pilot
Our inaugural year has provided us with "high-quality data" and even higher inspiration. Here is how the engagement broke down:
Elementary (K-5): 1 Pioneer
Middle School (6-8): 13 Powerhouse Winners (Our most active engagement zone!)
High School (9-12): 5 Rising Leaders
Total Excellence: 6 First Place, 4 Second Place, and 7 Honorable Mentions across the region.
Gratitude to Our Supporters
This night of celebration—and the educational journey leading up to it—was made possible by our dedicated sponsors:
Ken Reels: $5,000 Leadership Gift
Nanci & Robert DeRobbio: $1,500 Event Sponsorship & Hosting
Our Collaborating Partners: Alewife Cove Conservancy, Alliance for Mystic River Watershed, and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum.
'Art For Earth' Awards Celebration
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Our History
4CCF was born from a simple yet powerful belief: hands-on learning is the key to fostering a sense of wonder, curiosity, responsibility, and deep connection to the natural world.
The seeds of 4CCF were sown in the rich soil of environmental education and community engagement. Inspired by the power of hands-on learning and the urgent need for sustainable practices, a group of passionate individuals came together to create a legacy of environmental stewardship.
Our journey began in 1991 with our pioneering non-profit, Recycling for Rhode Island Education (RRIE), an organization established to promote environmental education and waste reduction. The organization was dedicated to inspiring environmental stewardship through active engagement. Recycling became more than just a chore; it became a catalyst for creativity, problem-solving, and community building. Over the years, RRIE expanded its reach and impact, inspiring countless learners of all ages to take action. This has ultimately lead to the formation of 4 Conservation Charitable Foundation, Inc.® in 2024.
RRIE evolved into the 4 Conservation Charitable Foundation, broadening its mission to include Connecticut and the broader New England region. This expansion allowed us to connect with diverse communities and foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues.
As our mission expanded, so did our vision. We sought to create a foundation that would empower individuals to take action and make a positive impact on the world. The 4 Conservation Charitable Foundation was established to carry on this legacy, extending its reach to Connecticut and collaborating with Indigenous communities in the New England region.
We recognized the transformative power of experiential learning. By encouraging students and families to experiment, explore, and discover, we ignited a spark of curiosity and a sense of responsibility for the planet. Recycling, a seemingly simple act, became a gateway to understanding the complex interconnectedness of our environment.
Mission
4CCF's mission is to raise funds to devote to waste reduction, environmental education, and personal action.
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to inspire individuals in becoming champions of our planet.
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to take action for environmental conservation through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
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to empower communities to create a positive impact on the environment.