Inspiring the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards

Over the past several months, student groups from LEAP for Education, Glen Urquhart School, and Harborlight Montessori School have visited Greenbelt’s Cox Reservation to learn about land conservation and stewardship through hands-on activities and demonstrations.

These field trips are designed to foster a deeper connection to the natural world and the importance of protecting it for future generations. For older students, an additional emphasis is placed on understanding the impacts of environmental challenges, such as climate change, while introducing potential career opportunities in the conservation field.

This summer and fall, several field trips from LEAP for Education — an after-school program in Salem dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for underserved students — were coordinated through Outside Mind, a local nonprofit and frequent Greenbelt partner. These visits featured a tour and scavenger hunt, a “touch a tractor” session and discussion led by the Stewardship team, and a drone demonstration.

“One of Greenbelt’s goals is to provide equitable opportunities for experiencing nature and its many health benefits, which aligns perfectly with Outside Mind’s core belief that everyone should have easy and safe access to the outdoors,” says Jane Rumrill, Events and Outreach Manager. “This shared mission makes these visits all the more meaningful for both organizations.”
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The fifth graders from Glen Urquhart School in Beverly visited Greenbelt with a clear purpose: to gather ideas for a trail maintenance project at their school. During their visit, they met with Dave McKinnon from Stewardship, who demonstrated how various tools and machines are used to manage the Cox Reservation property. He also led a tour, highlighting the challenges Greenbelt faces in managing and preserving such diverse natural spaces.
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Similarly, in June, students from Harborlight Montessori School in Beverly explored the Cox Reservation Stewardship barn, where they learned about land management practices, and then enjoyed a guided tour of the property.
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​​​​​​​All of these school visits play an important role in Greenbelt’s mission, helping raise awareness of the region’s natural resources and inspiring families to explore its many outdoor spaces. By fostering a love for nature and an understanding of stewardship, we’re cultivating the next generation of conservationists — perhaps even inspiring a future member of our Stewardship team!