Ensuring access to inclusive outdoor education
The root2RISE project was founded on the fundamental belief that all children deserve to feel a sense of belonging to the land.
We strive to create positive change through the outdoors. The ‘outdoors’ means something different to everyone and yet we are all connected to the land through our individual and shared experiences. Unfortunately, many outdoor spaces such as our parks, gardens and recreational areas are not always welcoming and accessible to all. We believe that outdoor experiences rooted in place, culture and community has the power and the potential to reconnect people to themselves, each other, the community and the world.
root2RISE is committed to promoting equity and access to the outdoors and we are dedicated to creating inclusive outdoor spaces, building awareness and uplifting diverse voices in outdoor learning.
School Learning Garden
A multi-cultural learning garden belongs in public education. This outdoor space can provide our children with many benefits such as healing & connection, a sense of stewardship, and agency of food and land. root2RISE, as a School Garden Support Organization, can help provide schools various levels of support depending on their needs.
Our Strategy
root2RISE will create inclusive outdoor learning spaces through observation and data collection to better understand our community’s needs, educational programming at school (see School Learning Garden Initiative), advocacy for equity and access throughout the community, and collaboration with community partners and families.
Acknowledging Land and People
Our approach to outdoor education is fundamentally place-based. Who lived here before me? How did they care for the land and all living things on it? Where are they now? Through questions like these, we have an opportunity to understand the true history of our home through a clearer lens and begin healing.
root2RISE honors the stewardship, past and present, of the original caretakers of this land - the Tunxis, Wangunk and Saukiog. It is with gratitude and humility that we share their knowledge with the next generation.
Check out sample Lesson Plans and the Resources page for more information.