Starting in April, ReGreen Springfield, in partnership with the City of Springfield will be offering free green skills and natural resources training to youth living in low and moderate neighborhoods of Springfield. The Springfield Green Corps is a hands-on environmental experience for youth, ages 12-19 years old.
Benefits for participants include the following —
Awareness and Stewardship: Learning about trees, ecosystems, and sustainability practices fosters environmental awareness. Urban youth develop a sense of stewardship for their local environment, leading to a stronger connection with their communities.
Improved Physical and Mental Health: Access to green spaces encourages physical activity, reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues. Exposure to nature has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced mental well-being, addressing the emotional challenges faced by urban youth.
Academic Engagement and Achievement: Environmental education stimulates curiosity and critical thinking. Engagement with the natural world can lead to improved academic performance, especially in science and related subjects.
Life Skills Development: Learning about sustainability and green practices imparts valuable life skills, including problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. Urban youth gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge that can be applied in various aspects of their lives.
Community Engagement and Empowerment: Involvement in environmental initiatives encourages youth to become active members of their communities. By participating in tree planting, conservation projects, and sustainability efforts, they gain a sense of purpose and empowerment.
Please check back soon for details and registration information.
Through our tree advocacy efforts, ReGreen Springfield has collaborated with businesses, community organizations, educational partners and government agencies to promote the reforestation of Springfield, improve growing conditions for trees and engage new allies in tree care and monitoring, education and citizen science. We realize that the strength of our city is found in the neighborhoods. With this as the foundation for our work, we have embarked on an effort to ‘regreen’ the city… one tree at at time.
