Our Mission
The Vesper Meadow Education Program is building a culture of land stewardship and strengthening community connections through partnership with scientists, Tribes, artists, educators, and other community leaders. More about our mission
The Vesper Meadow Restoration Preserve is a place-based restoration project, as well as the outpost for community science, native food cultivation, and art programs.
Our Programs
With the vital support of our donors, Vesper Meadow Education Program creates joyful and hands-on learning experiences for diverse community members. All our programs encourage participants to explore, examine, hypothesize, and express themselves through vibrant classes and programs. We act to ignite inspiration and knowledge to build a stronger stewardship community in our region.
Stewardship & Restoration
Our projects are diverse in scope, and often accomplished in team work parties. Get involved as a land steward, learn new skills, and join the community effort.
Education Programs
To promote deep learning, we create powerful experiences with meaningful activities, inter-generational mentors, and ways to take action on local issues.
Tribal Partnership
We support Indigenous-led efforts to restore First Foods and cultural practices, teach and reconnect at Vesper Meadow.
Inspired Art
Infused with creativity, innovation and mentorship, our programs build deep connection with nature and each other.
Community Science and Long-term Monitoring
Everyone is welcome to learn how to use science as a tool for understanding and creating a healthier environment. Tracking ecosystem changes over time is important to build community skills and useful scientific knowledge. Weâre in it for the end game.
Upcoming events
Our programs primarily take place between late April and October. Stay tuned here, on Facebook, or join our mailing list.
Our Impact
Since our establishment in September 2018, we have engaged people ages six to ninety-one in over thirty public and eighteen youth education programs for over 5,000 hours of volunteer-stewardship.. We hope you will get involved and support our ongoing restoration, monitoring, and education programs.
5000+
Volunteer hours spent
We have been busy engaging volunteers to develop biological inventories, research restoration planning, further land stewardship, and jump-start our education programs. Thank you volunteers!
2500+
People engaged
We are looking forward to increasing our education workshops, volunteer events, K-12 programs, and other plans to work with our community. Learn how you can be a part of making this goal a success this year.
450+
species documented by biologists
To understand the current state of ecological function at Vesper Meadow, we have been taking an inventory of plant, bird, insect, and mammal species.
Initial biological and archaeological surveys at Vesper Meadow have yielded a wealth of information thus far. We are excited to continue collecting baseline information this coming year and share it with visitors, volunteers, and on our blog over time.
Our Partners
A diverse community
Vesper Meadow is a crossroads for artists, local businesses, learning institutions, scientists, tribes, restoration practitioners, and students - a broad network is what makes Vesper Meadow a thriving hub. We have deep gratitude for everyone we work with.
Our team
We have a small but growing team of dedicated visionaries, scientists, and educators. The Vesper Meadow Education Program is a program of The Understory Initiative 501c3, providing a supportive team of ecologists and advisors.
We include diverse ideas through partnership from the start of all of our work - involving community organizers, artists, indigenous leaders, and scientists in the creative process of designing and implementing programs. Volunteers play a huge role in mentoring, conducting research, and putting sweat equity toward the vision of stewardship and nature connection.
Get Involved
Vesper Meadow is a place for people!
We welcome your knowledge, skills, and desires to learn and connect with the landscape. Opportunities range from conducting field research and contributing data to our community science projects, helping at community events, or getting dirty at volunteer workdays. If you have a passion for land management, science or sharing knowledge of the natural world with the public, weâd love to work with you!
If you donât have time right now and would like to support, please consider a donation to make our education programs available to those who donât have the means.
Sign Up For a Program
Check out a diverse offering of hands-on learning with practicing biological observation and field skills, wildcrafting and agroforestry, and inspired art and story telling:
Volunteer opportunities
From our creek and meadow restoration efforts, mentorship programs, and inspired art, Vesper Meadow is powered by volunteers. Check out the opportunities:
Make a Donation
Thank you for donating today and supporting our education programs. Your support helps to build the culture of stewardship and lasting connections with nature. All donations are tax exempt.
Stay tuned for our discoveries, events, and more information on our Community Blog, Facebook, Instagram, and in the news:
Current updates
