PROJECT BLOOM

Project Bloom partners with nonprofit organizations in greater Worcester to deliver hands-on, nature-based experiences to youth aged 5 to 18. Built around the interests and needs of participants, Project Bloom activities promote environmental literacy, connect youth to nature, and provide opportunities for peer and community relationship building outside of school.  

Project Bloom got its start in 2016 when the Garden partnered with the Worcester Refugee Assistance Project (WRAP), a network of individuals committed to assisting local refugees from Burma, to host annual activities for their youth audience at the Garden. Today, Project Bloom engages groups of young people from five different community-based organizations: Girls Inc. of Worcester, the Regional Environmental Council’s YouthGROW program, Open Sky Community Service’s Safe Homes program, and WRAP.  Latino Education Institute, Safe Homes (a program of Open Sky Community Services), and WRAP.   

Project Bloom groups visit the Garden several times throughout the year. Green industry career explorations, climate change lessons, nature photography, and habitat hikes are just a few of the activities they take part in. To help make the program accessible, the Garden coordinates free transportation for each Project Bloom group visit. 

Project Bloom is made possible thanks to generous support from Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Webster Five, and DCU Kids.