About ReTreeUS
Since 2012, we've planted 100 school and community orchards throughout the Northeast.
Our Mission
To inspire generations of food growers, environmental stewards and problem solvers through experiential education in orchards and gardens.
Our Vision
A fruitful educational garden in every community.
Our Core Beliefs
-
Young people are powerful.
-
Small actions can create big results.
-
We can create food security in our communities.
-
Reconnecting to the earth is essential to human and environmental health.
-
Experiential education in gardens and orchards provides students with meaningful learning opportunities.
Why We Plant Orchards
ReTreeUS
Staff
Richard Hodges
Richard is the Founder and Program Manager of ReTreeUS. He became inspired to create orchards in schools through many experiences as an outdoor educator and farmer in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, California and Costa Rica. He is dedicated to empowering the younger generations to grow their own food sustainably and care for the environment. Richard has a degree from the University of Vermont, a certified Permaculture Designer, Master Gardener, and graduate of Maine’s Sustainable Food System Leadership Institute.
Shelley Kruszewski
Shelley is the Program Coordinator at ReTreeUS. She has a master’s degree in Community Planning and Development with a focus on land use, food system planning and the environment from the Muskie School of Public Service and a B.A. from UNH. Before coming to ReTreeUS she was the Executive Director of the Androscoggin Land Trust.
Sam Tracy
Sam is a Communications Coordinator at ReTreeUS. By day, she works as a School Counselor in rural New Hampshire and holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership with a focus in Community Wellness and Counselor Education. She has nearly 7 years of experience in the non-profit sector and feels passionate about sharing the mission of ReTreeUS to inspire the next generation through hands-on education in school orchards and gardens.
Prisca Hermene
Prisca is a Community Orchard Steward at ReTreeUS. She is Congolese-American, and recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History and International Political Economy. Prisca has previously worked with the Youth Conservation Corps and the National Forest Service. Previous to her work with MobilizeGreen, she worked as a Linguistic Support Specialist at Garfield Elementary Community School in Boise, ID. In addition, she served as an AmeriCorps Basic Needs Coordinator for Boise State University (BSU), providing resource referrals for students, ensuring food security, and other student basic needs.
Advisory Committee
Willie Grenier
Executive Director - Maine Agriculture in the Classroom
Jonah Fertig
Community Partner, Food Systems - Elmina B. Sewall Foundation
Daniel Feller
AI Program Lead - Rhino Healthcare
Stephanie Cesario
Program Officer - Maine Community Foundation
C.J. Walke
Organic Orchard Educator - Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA)
James Ford
Family and Community Support Coordinator - Lewiston Public School
Ryan Parker
Maine Program Associate Director - FoodCorps
Mark Sprackland
Executive Director - Independent Retailers Cooperative