Lawrence's Afterschool Students Discover Nature in Their Schoolyard

Since 2021, students enrolled in Lawrence-based afterschool programs with The Community Group have been working with Mass Audubon to discover nature in their schoolyard, and we've added Greater Lawrence Community Boating to our partnership roster this year. Part of this work includes learning what it means to be part of a watershed—in this case, that of the mighty Merrimack River. 

During this time, our capacity to serve youth has been steadily increasing, and we are now engaging over 350 youth at TCG's three charter schools. Participants have analyzed water quality in the Merrimack River, completed wildlife surveys with trail cameras, and learned how to use binoculars to spot birds. Childhood experiences exploring nature are invaluable or developing one's sense of place and a stewardship ethic.

What Does an Afternoon of Nature Discovery Entail?

Mass Audubon educators head into these out-of-school-time programming locations with a captivating topic through which we hope to spark the bright minds and sense of wonder among the youth. For instance, our "superhero abilities" programming engages students through guided discovery about the unique adaptations developed by animal species, known as, their "superpowers." Every time Mass Audubon walks through the door, the kids know they are in for something new and interesting! What they may not appreciate is that these topics are aligned with state education standards and provide critical STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) enrichment outside of the traditional classroom. The youth love that this time gives them the opportunity to get outside; perhaps this be the most important part of our programming. 

To quote the Community Group staff—

• "Students are excited to see Mass Audubon staff when they arrive. They know they are in for a fun and interactive learning experience."
• "Mass Audubon brings quality programing to our students and parents during their lessons and our program showcases!"
• "I learn just as much as the students when Mass Audubon comes to run their programing at our centers."

During the last week of each session, typically 10 weeks long, students present what they have learned via program showcases. Parents and community members are invited to browse student artwork, informational posters, and theatrical performances. Students that work with Mass Audubon are proud to display what they have learned and worked on throughout the session.

To quote students—

• "We love going outside and exploring nature."
• "We learn so much about wild animals while also playing fun games."

Lawrence's Story

Lawrence, known as a "gateway city," is a historical industrial city that largely produced textiles in the mid-19^th century. Immigrants moved here to get a good job and a "gateway" to the American dream. As the textile industry has dried out, economic reinvestment has been slow to materialize. 

The industrial legacy has compromised equitable access to nature for many living in the city. The city has become a hub for families who have recently arrived from central and Latin America, as well as other regions of the world. Our programming helps students to discover wildlife and plants they may have scarcely noticed. After a long day of school, the ability for students to get outside and have fun in nature is therapeutic.

Investigating Schoolyard Habits

Students are always surprised to find out what lives in their schoolyard and its immediate neighborhood. As part of our programming with The Community Group, we complete a "bioblitz" of schoolyard habitat to find out and thoroughly document all the things that are living there. In the past, we have found red-backed salamanders, worms, beetles, white-tailed rabbits, turkey vultures, and spiders that call the city home. 

It’s important for the students to understand that schoolyards and cities can be habitats too. In the summer, we are also partnering with the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge to deliver quality summer enrichment experiences for youth at "the Boathouse," home to Greater Lawrence Community Boating on the Merrimack River. Our goal for all of these programs is to get children connected with nature so they are lifelong stewards of the natural environment.  

What You Can Do to Support

Mass Audubon’s North Shore team is working to reduce barriers to nature across its region.  The city of Lawrence is severely lacking greenspace and equitable access to nature. We are incredibly grateful to the Essex County Community Foundation, Lucia B. Morrill Foundation, Abbot and Dorothy H. Stevens Foundation, and the Alces Foundation for their support of this work since our work in Lawrence began.  

Wondering how you can help? Consider donating here

To learn more about our education programming in Lawrence, email us