New Roots Program
Engaging underserved youth in place-based, environmental education since 2014.
The New Roots Program (NRP) is an innovative and unique avenue to bring under-served youth into nature. The NRP is a multi-week program for middle to high-school aged refugee and immigrant youth, offering daily field trips filled with hands-on, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) learning. The program is completely cost-free for students and provides all meals, transportation, and gear the students need while they explore nature through experiential education.
To date more than 120 youth have engaged in 5,000+ hours in nature through this program.
Learn more about the program and its many partnerships below. New Roots is funded by grants and the generous support of the community.
In 2024, we will celebrate the program’s 10th year! Help the program continue to serve more students and expand its reach by donating today.
About the Program
The New Roots Program (NRP) is an innovative and unique avenue to bring under-served youth into nature. The NRP is a multi-week program for middle to high-school-aged refugee and immigrant youth, offering daily field trips filled with hands-on, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) learning. The program is completely cost-free for students and provides all meals, transportation, and gear the students need while they explore nature through experiential education.
The NRP is offered to up to 30 middle-school students in the Boise area each summer as a way to experience the diversity of the environment in their new home, fostering a sense of security and a sense of place. Each day during the NRP we take field trips to different sites and contribute to conservation through stewardship activities and curriculum. We collaborate with scientists, natural resource managers, and numerous partner organizations to create a diversity of experiences and mentorship opportunities.
Mentorship is a fundamental element of the NRP and we are proud to say that prior program graduates have returned to lead the program as adults. Many students choose to return to NRP year after year, leading to deep connections with program leaders, students, and the environment. These outcomes truly set this program apart.
Impact on Public Lands
Each year, New Roots engages more youth in this unique in-depth experience, and creates increasingly impactful changes on our public lands.
Since 2014, New Roots participants have planted hundreds of native plants, picked up more than 50 pounds of garbage, built dozens of bird nest boxes, monitored plant and animal species, and much more.
Leadership & Community Partnerships
The program was founded by Liz Urban and Dr. Megan Jones. Liz Urban serves as the Director of the program and brings a strong background in natural resources, ornithology, and community partnerships to NRP. Dr. Megan Jones served as an English-Language-Learner teacher in the Boise School District for more than 30 years and brings community connections, teaching skills, and curriculum refinement to the program. Together they have created an enduring program that grows each year with the help of the rest of the wonderful NRP leadership team.
New Roots is made possible by numerous partnerships. Our generous partners make this important work possible. Our partners include the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, the City of Boise, and over a dozen other agencies, colleges, and nonprofits. If you are interested in partnering with New Roots or learning more about the program please contact Cynthia Wallesz at cwallesz@goldeneagleaudubon.org.
