On a sunny Saturday morning in Bloomington, Minnesota, a diverse group of teenagers gathered at the edge of six acres of wooded land, united by a common goal: to take meaningful action against climate change. The Green Crew, a youth-run environmental organization, offers teens the opportunity to engage in hands-on conservation efforts such as tree planting, trail restoration, and invasive species removal.
As they stood ready to begin their day's work, the group’s enthusiastic leader, 18-year-old Sophia Peterson, encouraged her peers with a smile, “Cool, let’s get started.” This grassroots initiative is specifically designed to help a generation that has grown up under the specter of climate anxiety channel their worries into productive activities.
The Green Crew, founded by a teenager in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area, not only fosters a sense of community among participants but also empowers them to combat the climate crisis on their own terms. By participating in projects that directly impact their local ecosystems, these young activists transform feelings of helplessness into action-oriented solutions.
The initiative is part of a broader series titled "50 States, 50 Fixes," which highlights local solutions to environmental challenges across the United States. The Green Crew embodies the spirit of this series by illustrating how youth can lead the charge in addressing pressing environmental issues right in their own communities. As they dig their shovels into the earth, the teens are not only planting trees but also cultivating hope for a more sustainable future.
