PROVIDENCE – Four community conservation projects have been selected to be honored with John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Awards on May 12, Environment Council of Rhode Island announced on Tuesday.

The four projects were selected from an applicant pool of 25 and will be honored at a reception at the Providence Marriott on May 12 at 5:30 p.m.

“The awards highlight the outstanding efforts of Rhode Island groups to promote community sustainability through conservation of our natural resources,” the Environment Council said. “The programs recognized may become a model for other communities, and in doing so, provide significant benefits to the citizenry, community, ecological system and natural resources of Rhode Island.”

The “Rhode Island Farm Produce to School Lunch Program,” developed by the Kids First organization in 1999 and now includes all 36 Ocean State school districts, will receive the John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Award. The program provides students with fresh fruit and vegetables and schools have a network of 26 farmers to buy from. In 2010, more than 200,000 pounds of locally grown food were served at Rhode Island schools.

The benefits include heightened community awareness of the importance of fresh produce, and higher demand for more local produce insures predictable farm revenue and sustainable farming practices, Environment Council RI said.

Those receiving honors are three projects:

The Arpin Group, the West Warwick-based moving company bought an electric charging station, 110-volt and 240-volt capable, and installed it at Cardi’s Furniture. The recharging station is open to the public 24 hours per day.

Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, for the first dam removal on the Pawcatuck River, allowing for the passage of migratory herring species. The project benefits commercial and recreational fishermen, and improved launching sites attract paddlers.

Shalom Housing, the Warwick building which has 101 apartments for seniors and the disabled recently upgraded its energy and water appliances to meet current efficiency standards. Along with the installation of Energy Star appliances and a new boiler, Shalom Housing also installed a 37 meter wind turbine that will provide power for the common areas.