Greenagers Inc

AgricultureAnnually, we employ 10 20 youth and serve over 100 families annually through our agricultural programs. April Hill Farm and Farm Crew: At the April Hill Conservation and Education Center, we practice agriculture that responds to climate change, enhances soil health, and teaches sustainable farming methods. Youth apprentices and crew members work under the guidance of our head farmer to cultivate vegetables, flowers, and our orchard. Produce grown by the youth crews is distributed in the community to contribute to a resilient local food system.Annual Women in Conservation, Agriculture and Trades Conference: highlights careers and opportunities for young women in fields in which they have been historically underrepresented. WICAT offers an experiential connection to working professionals in these fields. Workshops take advantage of the outdoor space at April Hill with subjects such as turtle tracking, arboriculture, mushroom cultivation, carpentry and seed saving. During the conference day, students rotate through three workshops, each introducing them to a different perspective and career path.Front Lawn Food Crew: In collaboration with the Berkshire Community Action Council, this program encourages families to grow their own organic vegetables and pollinator gardens. Greenagers youth build and install garden beds, provide summertime advice, and conduct periodic check-ins. For every garden sold, one is donated to an income eligible local household.

EducationOur educational programs engaged over 896 students this year.Explore!: Middle school students from local public schools participate in after-school and summer programs focused on environmental education. Activities include exploring nature, learning about climate change, and engaging in service-learning projects that benefit both the community and the environment.Workshops: We host various workshops annually, emphasizing farming, gardening, sustainable building, and traditional skills and arts.Volunteer Days, School Visits, and Open Tours: Greenagers has site-specific curricula for April Hill to enhance our educational offerings. With 100 acres of diverse habitats, we welcome youth from rural, suburban, and urban areas to participate in hands-on activities and service projects that foster a deeper connection with the environment. Visits range from half-day to week-long experiences.Trades & Build Crew : In partnership with local high schools, this program introduces students to various trades through site visits and hands-on projects. Participants engage in construction, and trail maintenance tasks, earning school credit and a weekly stipend. The program aims to connect students with apprenticeships in fields they are interested in pursuing.Summer Build Crew: provides employment to area youth through projects at April Hill Conservation and Education Center, as well as at job sites in the community and conservation sites assisting the trail crews. The Build Crew learn a variety of building and construction skills in addition to working with, and gaining knowledge of, other construction trades. Crew members use and learn the proper operation of Greenagers woodworking shop and equipment, with a focus on traditional skills and sustainable practices.