About ReTreeUS
We began planting school orchards in 2012 . Since then we've planted 94 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
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Young people are powerful.
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Small actions can create big results.
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We can create food security in our communities.
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Reconnecting to the earth is essential to human and environmental health.
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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 the Communications Lead at ReTreeUS.
Daniel Feller, PhD
Daniel is our webmaster and data-guru. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Informatics from Columbia University and a BA in Philosophy from Haverford College.
Advisory Committee
Steph Cesario
Maine Community Foundation
CK Walke
MOFGA
Ryan Parker
FoodCorps
Jonah Fertig-Burd
InterRooted
James Ford
Lewiston Public Schools
Willie Sawyer Grenier
Maine Agriculture in the Classroom
National Partners
