Fwd: You're invited — Rooted Trails 2026 Outdoor Learning Series
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Newark Green Team
Apr 28, 2026, 12:14:15 PMApr 28
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Forwarding an amazing opportunity called Rooted Trails 2026 Outdoor Learning Series for youth and families. More information below.
We are excited to invite you to Rooted Trails 2026 — our Outdoor Learning & Exploration Series offering hands-on environmental education, science, and nature-based adventure to youth and families across New Jersey. Please find the registration form attached.
ABOUT URBAN SEEDS GROW
Rooted Trails is organized by Urban Seeds Grow (USG), a Newark-based nonprofit committed to social and economic justice — working at the intersection of food security, workforce development, housing, and education, and business to build a more equitable Newark.
USG redevelops vacant properties in Newark's North and South Wards into year-round hydroponic farms, affordable housing, aquaponics facilities, and community wellness and educational centers. At full operation, USG's projects aim to produce 50,000 pounds of fresh, locally grown, pesticide-free food annually for residents in a city where 64% of people report being food insecure. USG also partners with the City of Newark and collaborates with schools, grassroots organizations, and nonprofits across the region — providing workforce readiness, educational programming, and access to the local food supply chain.
"These are underserved neighborhoods that deserve and need the resources the most," says Bilal Walker, Chief Program Officer of Urban Seeds Grow. "We are an organization that is led by people from this city who have worked as educators, scientists, and business owners."
Rooted Trails is an extension of that mission — taking USG's commitment to community empowerment beyond the farm and into New Jersey's forests, coastlines, and night skies.
WHY PROGRAMS LIKE THIS MATTER
In Newark — where more than 90% of public school students identify as Black or Latino — recent state assessments reveal a persistent opportunity gap. Only 34% of students met proficiency standards in English Language Arts and just 21% in math. In science, 93% of fifth graders scored below grade level. These numbers reflect not a lack of potential, but a lack of access.
Research shows that outdoor and environmental education is one of the most effective tools for closing that gap. Studies of U.S. schools using outdoor and nature-based learning show significant student gains in science, social studies, language arts, and math — with students in outdoor science programs improving their science test scores by 27%. A National Wildlife Federation report found that outdoor learning measurably improves academic performance among students from low-income and under-resourced communities, while also boosting classroom behavior, focus, and motivation. A review of 41 studies involving more than 10,000 students confirmed that outdoor teaching supports academic achievement and strengthens self-awareness, motivation, and well-being.
Simply put: getting young people outside and into nature changes outcomes — and Rooted Trails is designed to do exactly that for Newark's youth.
NJ DOE SPONSORSHIP
Several events in the Rooted Trails 2026 series are sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education as part of their Climate Change Professional Development initiative for educators and learning opportunities for students. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to equipping students and teachers with the tools to understand and respond to our changing environment. Educators attending select events may be eligible for professional development credit — please reach out for details.
2026 UPCOMING EVENTS
• May 30 — Deep-Sky & Constellation Mapping | 8:00 PM | Jenny Jump State Forest
• Jun 10 — Youth Save Barnegat Bay Trip | 10:30 AM | Barnegat, NJ
• Jun 12 — Youth Oceanography Field Trip | 10:00 AM | Sandy Hook, NJ
• Jun 20 — Summer Triangle / Milky Way Viewing | 8:00 PM | Jenny Jump State Forest
• Aug 15 — Perseids Meteor Shower Observation | 8:00 PM | Jenny Jump State Forest
• Sep 28 — Overnight Camping Experience | Overnight | Wawayanda State Park
Events are open to youth and families of all ages. You may register for one event or the entire series.
HOW TO REGISTER
Complete the registration form below. Spaces are limited — we encourage you to register early.
ABOUT URBAN SEEDS GROW
Rooted Trails is organized by Urban Seeds Grow (USG), a Newark-based nonprofit committed to social and economic justice — working at the intersection of food security, workforce development, housing, and education, and business to build a more equitable Newark.
USG redevelops vacant properties in Newark's North and South Wards into year-round hydroponic farms, affordable housing, aquaponics facilities, and community wellness and educational centers. At full operation, USG's projects aim to produce 50,000 pounds of fresh, locally grown, pesticide-free food annually for residents in a city where 64% of people report being food insecure. USG also partners with the City of Newark and collaborates with schools, grassroots organizations, and nonprofits across the region — providing workforce readiness, educational programming, and access to the local food supply chain.
"These are underserved neighborhoods that deserve and need the resources the most," says Bilal Walker, Chief Program Officer of Urban Seeds Grow. "We are an organization that is led by people from this city who have worked as educators, scientists, and business owners."
Rooted Trails is an extension of that mission — taking USG's commitment to community empowerment beyond the farm and into New Jersey's forests, coastlines, and night skies.
WHY PROGRAMS LIKE THIS MATTER
In Newark — where more than 90% of public school students identify as Black or Latino — recent state assessments reveal a persistent opportunity gap. Only 34% of students met proficiency standards in English Language Arts and just 21% in math. In science, 93% of fifth graders scored below grade level. These numbers reflect not a lack of potential, but a lack of access.
Research shows that outdoor and environmental education is one of the most effective tools for closing that gap. Studies of U.S. schools using outdoor and nature-based learning show significant student gains in science, social studies, language arts, and math — with students in outdoor science programs improving their science test scores by 27%. A National Wildlife Federation report found that outdoor learning measurably improves academic performance among students from low-income and under-resourced communities, while also boosting classroom behavior, focus, and motivation. A review of 41 studies involving more than 10,000 students confirmed that outdoor teaching supports academic achievement and strengthens self-awareness, motivation, and well-being.
Simply put: getting young people outside and into nature changes outcomes — and Rooted Trails is designed to do exactly that for Newark's youth.
NJ DOE SPONSORSHIP
Several events in the Rooted Trails 2026 series are sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Education as part of their Climate Change Professional Development initiative for educators and learning opportunities for students. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to equipping students and teachers with the tools to understand and respond to our changing environment. Educators attending select events may be eligible for professional development credit — please reach out for details.
2026 UPCOMING EVENTS
• May 30 — Deep-Sky & Constellation Mapping | 8:00 PM | Jenny Jump State Forest
• Jun 10 — Youth Save Barnegat Bay Trip | 10:30 AM | Barnegat, NJ
• Jun 12 — Youth Oceanography Field Trip | 10:00 AM | Sandy Hook, NJ
• Jun 20 — Summer Triangle / Milky Way Viewing | 8:00 PM | Jenny Jump State Forest
• Aug 15 — Perseids Meteor Shower Observation | 8:00 PM | Jenny Jump State Forest
• Sep 28 — Overnight Camping Experience | Overnight | Wawayanda State Park
Events are open to youth and families of all ages. You may register for one event or the entire series.
HOW TO REGISTER
Complete the registration form below. Spaces are limited — we encourage you to register early.
https://forms.gle/3HRoCiwmtW6ffyRB9
For questions or more information, visit www.Al-MunirConsulting.com or email us at urbanse...@gmail.com.
For questions or more information, visit www.Al-MunirConsulting.com or email us at urbanse...@gmail.com.
We look forward to exploring New Jersey's great outdoors with you.
With gratitude and excitement,
Bilal Walker
Urban Seeds Grow / Al-Munir Consulting
urbanse...@gmail.com
www.Al-MunirConsulting.com
With gratitude and excitement,
Bilal Walker
Urban Seeds Grow / Al-Munir Consulting
urbanse...@gmail.com
www.Al-MunirConsulting.com
- Newark Green Team
"Dedicated to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Newark"
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