During the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) conference in Philadelphia, the Walking Softer Education team took a short trip outside the city to visit one of our program partners: GreenAllies, a student-led nonprofit based in Pottstown, PA. We toured their 17-acre outdoor learning space and met the students preparing for a large-scale community rewilding event, which they planned and implemented as part of the Walking Softer Education program, and were supported by the program's project funding.

Their rewilding project in Pottstown is a shining example of how hands-on environmental education, guided by Walking Softer Education’s resources, can make a meaningful, lasting impact. To learn more about how the project came to life, we connected with Ken Hamilton, Executive Director of GreenAllies, who guided the students throughout the process and shared insights into the successes, challenges, and lasting impact of their work.

Meet GreenAllies: Student-led Sustainability

GreenAllies, based in Pottstown, PA, is dedicated to empowering students to be environmental and community changemakers through hands-on projects that promote environmental preservation, health, and wellness. The Althouse Arboretum serves as their home base, where students from various high schools come together to lead environmental projects benefiting the greater community. Their mission is rooted in youth leadership, real-world problem-solving, and deep engagement with the local community.

After joining Walking Softer Education, GreenAllies went through the program’s ready-to-use sustainability lessons, then received funding and resources to support a new student-led project. With the help of the program’s How-to Guide and mentorship, their students were able to turn ideas into action.

“Creation is central to the DNA of GreenAllies. We build projects from the ground up, learn through trial and error, and treat creativity as a form of leadership. This is why we believed in the power of the Walking Softer program.”

From Idea to Impact

When we visited GreenAllies in the spring, students were hard at work preparing for a native plant distribution event. They were organizing the plants that would soon be delivered to homes and gardens across the region.

The idea for the project was the result of collaboration between students from four different high schools. At first, there were lots of ideas and not much consensus. Walking Softer’s rewilding lesson helped them clarify their goals, and Ken helped them narrow their options to three strong concepts. Ultimately, the group voted to move forward with rewilding.

“Our group had certain goals they wanted to achieve and certain ideas they wanted to try… but the Walking Softer lessons helped to narrow their focus.”

Once the project was selected, students focused on creating a plan. Each participant completed the How-to Guide independently to accommodate their different school schedules. Their input was compiled into one shared roadmap.

“The concept of ‘rewilding’ was never really discussed prior to the project, but by formally introducing it, students gained a clearer picture of its purpose. Like any student-led effort, there were challenges with follow-through, time management, and outreach, and when the work shifted from planning to physical labor, it became even more demanding. Still, with flexible scheduling after school, evenings, and weekends, the students had every opportunity to complete the project.”

Like any student-led effort, the project came with its share of challenges. Follow-through, time management, and outreach required extra effort and flexibility.

“When the work switched from designing and planning to physical labor, it became more challenging… Flexible scheduling with work hours after school, evenings, and on weekends allowed the students every opportunity to complete the project.”

Promoting the event was another major learning curve. The team used local Facebook groups, flyers, press releases, and their social media channels to spread the word.

“Handing out information to their peers is not effective because they were not the audience we needed. Instead, we had to be where the community is.”

Their strategy worked. Nearly 2,000 native plants were distributed to local homes and properties. For many participants, it was their first time planting a native species.

“Some sent us pictures of their gardens after they planted. Many provided social media comments on how much they appreciated the program.”

Growth Beyond the Classroom

The rewilding project offered students more than environmental education. It taught leadership, teamwork, and the value of taking initiative.

“This authentic learning experience was something that the students could not have done within school walls…They created a bond through their time with this community project, which has translated into better collaboration this summer. This kind of hands-on learning is priceless.”

The success of the rewilding project is already shaping the future. GreenAllies students have launched a Student Network, with plans to collaborate and share ideas with youth groups beyond their own community. They’re also preparing to open a new Leadership Hub at their GreenCup Café, which will host regional programming and student-led initiatives year-round.

“The Walking Softer project has provided us the ability to make the native plant distribution sustainable for years to come.”

Advice for Getting Started

Ken shared practical advice for first-time participants in the WSE program.

“Use the lessons provided by Walking Softer to provide inspiration…The power needs to be in the hands of the students. It must be their vision and their goal.”

He encouraged educators to begin with a clear sense of purpose and to support students in setting a focused, meaningful goal from the start.

“Create a road map. Brainstorm resources together so every student is aware of what needs to be done. Reach out early to those who may help you.”

Ready to Launch Your Own Project? Want to Get Involved?

Walking Softer Education supports educators and students in designing impactful, student-led environmental projects. We provide a ready-to-use curriculum, project guides, and funding to help you bring a sustainability project to life with your students in your community. Sign up for the program.

‍

We invite anyone looking for advice/help to contact:

Ken Hamilton, Executive Director of GreenAllies

‍ken@green-allies.org

‍267-371-2288

‍Or

Our student Program Director (for student outreach)

‍programs@green-allies.org

‍