Orion Grassroots Network

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New Haven Ecology Project, Inc.

New Haven Ecology Project, Inc., 358 Springside Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515, USA
phone: 203-389-4333
http://www.commongroundct.org

The New Haven Ecology Project, Inc. (NHEP) was founded in 1990 by local educators seeking to provide environmental education to the residents of greater New Haven.  NHEP’s mission is to cultivate habits of healthy living and sustainable environmental practices for a diverse community of children, adults and families. NHEP accomplishes this mission by: 1) Operating Common Ground High School, a public charter school with a focus on the environment and the academic foundation for post-secondary education; 2) Offering environmental education programs and demonstrating environmentally appropriate practices for the general community; and 3) Maintaining a 1-acre demonstration farm-in-the-city and sustainably managing our 20 acres of urban forest.  The mission is supported by a five year strategic plan.

NHEP program areas are divided into three categories: youth development, environmental education, and urban agriculture.

Youth Development Programs and Accomplishments:
ՠ   Common Ground High School nurtures the next generation of New Haven’s leaders. In addition to providing 150 students with the basic skills they need to succeed, our courses engage them in timely and relevant environmental issues, such as environmental justice, food policy, and urban ecology.
ՠ   The Common Ground 21st Century Community Learning Center offers academic enrichment, educational, cultural and recreational programs for students and families during non-school hours.  45 teens participate in learning center activities on an average school day.
ՠ   The Youth Crew provides meaningful work opportunities for youth through an after school and summer youth job training and employment program. Approximately 52 teenagers participate in the program each year, working on site in our garden, kitchen, and community programs.

Environmental Education Programs and Accomplishments:
ՠ   Farm and Forest Field Trips teach standards-based lessons to New Haven elementary school children about food, nutrition, and ecology through. 23 New Haven schools have participated in this program from 2004 to the present. Field trips are free of charge and serve a growing number of students annually.
ՠ   The Ecology Summer Camp serves approximately 120 children ages 6-12 each year.
ՠ   After School and School Vacation Environmental Education programs provide opportunities for elementary and middle school students to explore nature, cooking and nutrition
ՠ   Weekend and Evening Programs and Workshops for adults and families are focused on ecology, agriculture and nutrition.

Urban Agriculture Programs and Accomplishments:
ՠ   NHEP grow a variety of vegetable crops and educates the community about incorporating seasonal produce into healthy diets.  The One-Acre Garden produced over 3,400 pounds of produce in the 2006 growing season.  The garden features a variety of crops, and emphasizes ecologically-sound farming methods.
ՠ   In 2006 NHEP sold over 1,100 pounds of produce at the local Farmers’ Market, providing community residents with access to fresh food and educating customers about the importance of healthy eating habits and local produce. Healthy recipes are distributed at market as well as publicity about family programs. Youth Crew participants assist in the management of the market booth, providing them with leadership opportunities and job training.
ՠ   Garden produce is processed in the kitchen as part of the Farm to School program, and is served to Common Ground students as a part of fresh, healthy meals. Over 1,375 pounds of produce was harvested in 2006 for use in the school kitchen.
ՠ   In 2006 NHEP donated over 225 pounds of produce and prepared meals to agencies in New Haven that distribute food to the hungry.

Issues: Agriculture, Animals & Wildlife, Biodiversity, Conservation & Restoration, Sustainable Development, Education, Human/Environmental Health, Social & Environmental Justice, Sustainability, Water & Watersheds, Wilderness & Ecosystems, Youth

Location: New Haven area,

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