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Roots & Shoots USA is the Jane Goodall Institute's youth program. Welcome to the Roots & Shoots USA page!

Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots is a global movement of youth who use their voices and actions to help people, other animals, and the environment we share. Connect with global Roots & Shoots offices here: https://www.rootsandshoots.org/about-us/our-global-chapters/

Roots & Shoots is the youth program of the Jane Goodall Institute. Roots & Shoots is about making positive change happen — for our communities, for other animals and for the environment. With tens of thousands of young people in over 50 countries, the Roots & Shoots network connects youth of all ages who share a desire to create a better world. Young people identify problems in their communities and take action. Through service projects, 1-Click Actions, Challenges, and an community collaboration, Roots & Shoots members are making a difference across the globe.

10/20/2026

Today is World Food Day 🌍🥬

Access to safe, nutritious food is a basic human right, not a guarantee. Here’s how Roots & Shoots groups are helping build it, from four different corners of the world. 🌱

🥬 Uganda: Students grow kale, spinach, cabbage and carrots in recycled containers for school meals, and sell the surplus. They’ve since passed their techniques on to neighbours, sparking new home gardens across the community.

🍈 Ecuador: In the Amazon, the Hylea Foundation brought two abandoned greenhouses back to life and trained communities in biofertilisers and native seeds. 24 people trained directly, reaching an estimated 121 more through their families.

🥕 South Africa: The Gardens of Hope Program created three food gardens at two primary schools and a care centre for people with disabilities. 120 children learned permaculture skills from university student volunteers.

🍎 USA: Teenagers in Maryland discovered that many local seniors lacked access to healthy food. They partnered with farmers’ markets to collect unsold produce and delivered it to 150 seniors in adult care centres.

Four countries, four different approaches, one shared goal: food security built from the ground up. 🌿💚

📸 Credits:
1. JGI South Africa
2. Fundación Hylea
3. JGI USA
4. R&S Uganda

10/20/2026

Dr. Jane Goodall's legacy continues through young people like William, who is using technology to restore reefs! 🪸🤩

🪨🦪 William organizes events in areas like Mamaroneck Harbor, which used to be full of rocky oyster reefs that supplied food and habitat for a variety of marine wildlife. But when people dredged out a lot of the rock formations, these animals had nothing to latch onto.

Through his project "Build-A-Reef," William and his Roots & Shoots group release 3D-printed artificial reefs into the water, made specifically to allow oysters and other creatures to attach easily and build reefs. Taking it a step further, William's AI-smart artificial reefs include sensors and cameras to capture data that is remotely sent to marine scientists around the world! 💻🌎

William also organizes fishing events around these reef releases to help connect communities to nature and share the importance of these ecosystems. Through this outreach, he's preparing a new generation of conservationists to help take care of their harbor. 🐟💚

William "hopped in" to make a difference for countless marine species! We are so proud to support him as a winner of the "Hop into the Animal Kingdom Challenge," launched in celebration of Disney and Pixar’s film “Hoppers,” the 30th anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund, and the 35th anniversary of Roots & Shoots.

🎥: Jane Goodall Institute

10/20/2026

Recently, our Tampa Bay Basecamp organized and hosted an exciting educator summit with partners, educators, and youth leaders from around the Tampa Bay area! 🤩🌊

Day 1, held at The University of Tampa, engaged the group in building connections and community. Through interactive workshops, Roots & Shoots project pathways, and tips on applying for Basecamp grants, participants learned how they could level up their community action by working together. 📗🤝

Day 2 took place at The Florida Aquarium, where the group was immersed in place-based learning through hands-on environmental experiences and conservation exploration. This included a ride on the Aquarium’s Wild Dolphin Cruise to observe local wildlife while learning about conservation efforts in the region! ⛴️🐬

It was altogether such an inspiring two days, and a great reminder of why Roots & Shoots Basecamps exist: to connect people and community resources for a greater impact. Thank you to the Roots & Shoots Alliance of partners and friends for making this possible. 💚🌱

📸: Hassan Sarbakhshian

Keep Pinellas Beautiful Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network Tampa Bay Watch Indi-ED Girl Scouts of West Central Florida

10/19/2026

Dr. Jane Goodall's legacy continues through young people like Cash, who is protecting sharks through education and outreach! 🌊🦈

When you think of sharks, what do you picture? Cash knows many people fear sharks, and he wants to remind them that these animals are still worth saving.

🎣🥤 Sharks face many human threats today, including overfishing, plastic pollution, and the shark fin trade. As apex predators, their population affects their marine ecosystem, impacting everything from tourism to seafood. Fueled by his deep love for sharks and the support of Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots, Cash is working to save these animals even from the landlocked state of Tennessee!

📖 He has written a book, "Shark Defender," about getting kids involved in shark conservation.

🏫 He regularly gives presentations at schools and education events about the importance of sharks.

✉️ He writes letters to policy-makers, ensuring they have the information needed to take a stand for sharks.

Because Cash started taking action at such a young age, he's now built up a movement of people caring for sharks across the US. 💚

Cash's shark advocacy shows how young people can "hop in" to make a difference for animals. We are so proud to support Cash as a winner of the "Hop into the Animal Kingdom Challenge," launched in celebration of Disney and Pixar’s film “Hoppers,” the 30th anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund, and the 35th anniversary of Roots & Shoots.

🎥: The Jane Goodall Institute. Filming courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

10/08/2026

What an amazing turnout for our inaugural ! 🌱📋 In the US alone, we had 22 events across the country with 230+ total attendees, all committed to continuing Jane's legacy. This included four of our Basecamps:

🪻🥾 organized three hikes at Rainbow Springs State Park, Little Manatee River State Park, and Alafia River State Park.

🐛🎨 gathered at Shipley Nature Center to explore the nature center, learn about Jane, and do nature-themed crafts. @ Friends of Shipley Nature Center

🐦‍⬛📗 held their hike at Silver Falls State Park, where they discover breathtaking views of the falls and watched birds along the way.

🐸⛰️ and collaboratively led their group on a hike around Bullfrog Lake for a total of 2.73 miles.

Outside of our Basecamps, we saw many other grassroots Hikes for Hope, including hikes organized by members and alumni, partners, and friends. So to everyone who got outside this past weekend to honor Jane — thank you. 💚

Learn more about our Hike for Hope campaign here >> https://janegoodall.org/hikeforhope/

📸:

1+2: JGI/Springs Pacelli

3+4: JGI/Erin McCombs

5+6: JGI/Washo Shadowhawk

7+8: JGI/Alex Biswas

10/07/2026

🌟📢 Exciting announcement: the application to join Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA is now OPEN! 📢🌟

Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA (RSYC) brings together extraordinary changemakers from across the United States who represent the Jane Goodall Institute’s commitment to building hope through action.

RSYC members are high school and college age Roots & Shoots members who organize and implement service projects in their communities and are interested in deepening their connection to Roots & Shoots. Our Youth Council members address a range of issues from supporting pollinators to aiding stray animals to food insecurity to climate change. During their time on the , our youth leaders:

📝 Gain essential, resume-building skills in creating impactful community projects from experts in their fields

🎤 Represent Roots & Shoots across the country (and in some instances, globally!) for events and media

🤝 Join a tightly-knit community of fellow changemakers taking action on behalf of people, other animals, and the environment we share

And much more! Applications close October 28 at 8pm ET, so apply today for a chance at joining this inspiring group >> https://janegoodallinstituteusa.submittable.com/submit/367518/2027-roots-shoots-youth-council-usa-application

📸 credit:
1, 2, 4, 5: JGI/Eric Guzzetta
3: RSYC member David S.

10/02/2026

Meet Charlee C. from Alabama, a member of our who's focused on sustainability in schools! 🤩🏫

🗑️✏️ Charlee was inspired to act when she observed how much waste was produced from school supplies in her underfunded, rural high school. To counter this, she developed her “GreenLearn” initiative, which provides opportunities for others to learn about sustainability in rural communities.

📚🖊️Through her Roots & Shoots project, Charlee works with administrators, educators, and students to decrease their school supply–related waste, choose more sustainable materials, and engage individuals in sustainability education. With this work, Charlee highlights the intersections between sustainability, education, and economic resources.

🔍🥖 Outside of Roots & Shoots, Charlee is a committed and busy leader in her community. She founded the non-profit Wiregrass Women for STEM, whose mission is centered around increasing STEM education access for girls living in rural areas. For fun, she enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and going on nature walks.

Charlee shares this encouragement, “Even small, intentional acts of service and kindness can create change.” 😊💚

Learn more about Charlee and the rest of Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA >> https://rootsandshoots.org/about-us/rsyc/

📸: RSYC member Charlee C.

10/01/2026

Remembering our fearless founder, Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE 💚

As we reflect on Jane's passing, one year ago today, we are reminded of the immense impact she had throughout her lifetime. Dr. Jane Goodall left behind a remarkable legacy, and she also left us with a clear directive: We are a part of the natural world, and we all share a responsibility to protect it.

🐵 Jane transformed our understanding of what it means to be human through her discovery that chimpanzees make and use tools

🐕 Jane advocated tirelessly on behalf of all animals — not just chimpanzees — and used her platform to advance animal welfare causes

🌳 Jane believed in a world where people and wildlife could both thrive, and championed community-led conservation initiatives to help restore ecosystems

🌱 Jane inspired millions to make a positive difference, especially the young people who gave her hope for the future

We are so proud to continue what Jane started: her landmark research through JGI's Gombe Stream Research Center, her animal welfare work through JGI's Tchimpounga sanctuary, her commitment to conservation through our community-led approach Tacare, and her legacy of engaging young people through Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots.

Thank you, Jane. We miss you, and we will continue what you started.

📸: Penelope Breese, Morten Bjarnhof /GANT, Norman Jean Roy, Fernando Turmo, Eric Guzzetta, Stacy Lorraine, Christian B. Valle, Katherine Holland. The Jane Goodall Institute does not endorse handling or close proximity to wildlife. This represents a sanctuary context with trained professionals.

09/30/2026

Meet Nateli S. from Washington state, a heartfelt conservationist and member of our ! 🤩🌊

🐟🐚 Nateli is dedicated to protecting the Puget Sound’s natural ecosystem and inhabitants. Her main project focuses on the conservation of the Southern Resident orca and salmon populations, which she approaches through education and action.

🌿👕 To help this endangered and unique population of orcas, Nateli and her Roots & Shoots group conduct audits of stormwater runoff and waste. Nateli also leads restoration events at a local feeder creek and launched a clothing drive for low-income families, emphasizing the importance of repurposing items to combat waste!

✍️🥾 In her free time, Nateli enjoys writing, hiking, and organizing community events. She has published two books about orcas, spoken at environmental conferences, and founded four Roots & Shoots groups to expand her impact. She is a passionate spokesperson for Roots & Shoots initiatives in the Pacific Northwest and an active participant in our Portland Basecamp!

“By joining the Roots & Shoots Youth Council, I will get to spread hope and inspire more people,” Nateli shares.

Learn more about Nateli and the rest of Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA >> https://rootsandshoots.org/about-us/rsyc/

📸 credits:
1+4: JGI/Eric Guzzetta
2-3: RSYC member Nateli S.

09/27/2026

Meet Yoyo W. from California, a member of our who's devoted to building connections to inspire sustainability! 🤩🤝

Yoyo is currently leading her group, the Environmental Solidarity Network, to foster unity between environmental initiatives in her college community. She also leads the Social Media team and co-leads the Lobbying team of a Sunrise Movement hub, building awareness across campus for legislative campaigns like Make Polluters Pay and the Climate Superfund. 🌳🫶

As part of her environmental commitment, Yoyo established a monthly cleanup project, and most recently hosted the 4th annual spring garden festival, Garden Fest 2026! A celebration of our planet, community, art, and social justice, the event featured local partners and their community work as well as dancing to music played joyfully by student bands. 🌊🌿

At college, Yoyo is triple majoring in Environmental Studies, German Studies, and Government. With such a busy schedule, she keeps calm with practicing her Japanese zither, Koto, and shamisen as an Associate Instructor of her music school. She also volunteers for a local food pantry and meditates under the Plum Village tradition. 🎶🧘‍♀️

Yoyo reflects on her commitment to make a difference after the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall saying, “To know that a person so true to and open about her care for all beings inspires me to embrace my love for mother Earth and all her children and navigate this complex world with the lens of compassion, patience, and curiosity.” 💚

Learn more about Yoyo and the rest of Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA >> https://rootsandshoots.org/about-us/rsyc/

📸:
1+2: JGI/Eric Guzzetta
3+4: RSYC member Yoyo W.

Address

1120 20th Street NW, #520s
Washington D.C., DC
20036

Website

http://www.rootsandshoots.org/

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