Future Stewards: Growing Tomorrow’s Environmental Leaders Today
At Great River Greening, we believe a healthier, greener future starts with our youth. But for many young people— especially those in urban and community areas—nature can feel out of reach.
And, without access to green space, it’s hard to form a personal connection to the outdoors, let alone feel empowered to protect it.
Our Future Stewards program is working to change that. By connecting students directly with nature and equipping them with the knowledge and resources to take action, we are cultivating the next generation of environmental leaders.
What is Future Stewards?
Future Stewards is an environmental education program for Pre-K through 12th grade students that blends school curriculum with hands-on, real-world nature experiences.
Students don’t just learn about ecosystems, they design habitats, plan restoration efforts, and plant species native to Minnesota.
They are out there in the field, rolling up their sleeves, and making a real impact on their communities.
Jessica Drummond, Greening Education and Outreach Coordinator, leading a Future Stewards program.
We partner directly with schools—at no cost to them—to deliver lessons grounded in biology, ecology, and plant science. The curriculum is aligned with Minnesota state education standards and led by Jessica Drummond, a licensed teacher and Greening’s Education and Outreach Coordinator.
The program also connects students with mentors who reflect their communities and cultural backgrounds, exposing them to careers in ecology, restoration, and environmental science. It’s more than education—it’s about creating real opportunities and purpose.
From Pilot to Impact
Future Stewards launched in 2022 with three pilot schools:
South High School’s All Nation Program (Minneapolis)
Garlough Environmental Magnet School (ISD 197)
Two River High School (ISD 197)
In that first year, 4th graders and AP biology students from ISD 197 participated in school-based restoration projects and South High’s students created a native medicine garden rooted in Indigenous knowledge.
Future Stewards Offerings:
Curriculum aligned with pre-K through 12th grade state standards.
Hands-on restoration projects on or near school campuses.
Mentorship from environmental professionals who reflect students’ backgrounds.
Interdisciplinary nature-based learning, as well as curriculum-aligned activities in biology, ecology and plant science.
Exposure to green careers and leadership opportunities.
Creation of native habitats that serve as outdoor classrooms.
Since then, our program has grown significantly:
We expanded grade levels to include 3rd grade, as well as ELL biology classes to support students new to the U.S. whose first language is not English.
In fall 2025, we will launch a co-designed, year-long seasonal curriculum for 2nd graders at Garlough.
We welcomed two more partners in 2024: Hiawatha Leadership Academy Northrop and Faribault High School.
We have engaged more than 2929 students since 2022, including 764 this year alone.
Curriculum Evolution
The program’s curriculum has expanded beyond its two foundational lessons—an introduction to native plants and landscape restoration, and an exploration of pollinators’ roles in the ecosystem—to include more advanced, interdisciplinary learning. For example:
Garlough Elementary Students collecting seeds.
At South High School, students now connect their school garden to Oȟéyawahe (Pilot Knob), a sacred Dakota site. They now participate in spring and fall field trips to harvest, identify and collect native seeds – bridging scientific and cultural knowledge.
In 2025, we partnered with three Indigenous knowledge keepers and plant experts to help guide field learning at both school sites and Oȟéyawahe.
2024 Program Highlights
690+ students engaged across five schools in the metro area.
Native gardens created at four metro-area schools, providing hands-on learning spaces for students.
84% of participants identify as BIPOC or experience barriers to financial security, making this program especially important for underserved communities.
More than 500 plants and trees have been planted, helping to boost local biodiversity and pollinator habitats.
Future Stewards in Action
South High School in Minneapolis and its All-Nations magnet program—a culturally grounded academic community that integrates Indigenous knowledge with the modern curriculum, has been a powerful example of the impact of our program. You can learn more about our work with South High School’s All Nations Program here.
Students from South High School’s All-Nations Program
“It’s powerful for students to feel this continuity—showing that Indigenous people are still here and connected to their ancestors’ heritage.”
Why It Matters
Future Stewards is about more than planting trees. It’s about breaking down barriers to nature-based learning for students who will benefit the most, as well as increasing access to green spaces through direct, student-led action.
Get Involved
Want to bring Future Stewards to your school? We’d love to help get you started. Complete our interest survey, or reach out to Jessica Drummond, our Education and Outreach Coordinator.
Want to support this work? Make a gift today and help more students connect with nature, build leadership skills, and make a lasting impact on their communities.
This program is funded by private donations and the Robert E. and Edith M. Grissinger Foundation, the Mason Family Foundation and the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).