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Habitat Intergenerational Program (HIP)

Habitat Intergenerational Program (HIP) is a volunteer community service & learning program begun in 1997 at Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary in Belmont. It enables persons of many generations to participate in environmental service projects and become stewards of their environment.

HIP links people of all ages, dispels myths about how the young & old should act, and promotes the joy of learning together.

In 2003, HIP was awarded the Fran Pratt Award, given to honor an intergenerational program that best exemplifies vision, leadership & service to the intergenerational movement.

HIP projects include:

• Pulling Partners...a weekly afterschool program that brings together students of varied ages and older adults to work outside helping to control the spread of invasive plants, providing trail work and being part of the Weeks Pond rejuvenation project.

• Spring & Fall Trails Days...bringing together 40-60 people of all ages to work at Habitat, plantng native wildflowers, chipping trails, cleaning up the Childrens Garden, the herb garden and more.

• Senior Center Project...bringing together seniors & middle school students to create educational materials to be used by the teachers at Habitat.

• Herb Study Group...a multigenerational womens group formed in 2001 to plan and plant an herb garden, now called the Moon/Sun Herb garden… "A space that moves one from motion to stillness…" In addition this group holds seminars, an annual herb sale and has created an herb section to the Habitat Library.

• Chenery Middle School Courtyard Garden Project... This project, begun in 2002 has transformed a barren 3 story courtyard into a native garden complete with a pond and waterfall. The goals of this project include enriching the academic experiences of the students, fostering positive intergenerational learning & promoting environmental stewardship. It has been awarded the National Wildlife Federation Certificate of Achievement.

• Annual Earth Day Fair... Cosponsored with Generations Inc., Massachusetts Intergenerational Network and the Boston Nature Center in Mattapan, MA. This fair is held at the Boston Nature Center.

• Monthly Bird Walks...these walks encourage birders of all skill levels to enjoy casual bird walks around the sanctuary.

In the past, HIP has also led free nature story hours to very young children and adults at the Fresh Pond Apartments in Cambridge, built bluebird boxes, presented talks to middle school children and the community, & hosted nature walks for seniors at Habitat.

Those involved in HIP come to know and believe that all ages working together can make a difference in helping our Earth to be a better place for future generations.

For More Information...
For more information or to join HIP, please contact:
Phyl Solomon, HIP Coordinator
617-484-0117
PHYL87@comcast.net