AWARD WINNERS: The Ridgeview Turtles, who have been working to open Ridgeview Woods since 2009, were honored last week by the Alliance of New Jersey Environmental Education. The student volunteers spend every Sunday removing invasive species and designing woodland trails.
By Anne Levin
On just about any given Sunday morning — no matter the weather — a group of at least 30 teens can be found hard at work along Ridgeview Woods, removing invasive species while preserving those that are native to the forest.
The Ridgeview Turtles are a determined, disciplined bunch. The Princeton High School students, current and former, were honored for their efforts on Friday, January 16 by the Alliance of New Jersey Environmental Education, which presented them with its Community Award at a reception held at The College of New Jersey.
“Since 2009,” reads a statement about the award, “the group has worked to open Ridgeview Woods, a 55-acre forest reserve along Princeton’s northern boundary. Much of the forest had been infiltrated with invasive species which covered diabase boulders and suffocated trees and native wildflowers. Dedication and hard work on the part of the youth stewards have demonstrated what collective action toward a common good can accomplish.”
They are “young people protecting old forests,” as PHS junior and two-year Turtle member Melvin Qui said during a presentation by 15 of the students at the reception. “We started with Princeton High students. Now we have students coming from neighboring towns of Hopewell, Montgomery, and East Windsor,” he said, adding that over the past 12 years, 600 Turtles have worked in more than 400 acres of forests and built four miles of trails.
PHS graduate and Marist College student Kate Krehel, a Turtle for 6 years, spoke about her experiences. “I had no idea how Ridgeview would open my eyes to everything nature can offer,” she said. “There is a certain curiosity and wonder that cannot be tamed once realized. And I have had the privilege of witnessing others transform through this magical experience. A connection is formed; and with it, a desire to protect and expose others to a world relentlessly sidelined today but crucial for our survival.”
The Turtles are a program of the Ridgeview Conservancy, which is dedicated to conserving Princeton’s forests and wetlands, fostering connections with nature, and making green spaces more equitable. Director of Stewardship Patricia Shanley is proud of the Turtles, with whom she regularly interacts.
“It was a really warm reception,” she said of the January 16 event. “Everybody loved meeting the Turtles. They had two central messages: climate change and extinction. Youth are bearing such a heavy load. But when they see how their activities and actions make such a difference — which is positive feedback — that’s the reason they stay for so many years, even after they graduate.”
Shanley added, “Many of them had never lifted a tool or stepped in a forest in their lives before becoming part of the Turtles. So it is possible to instill this connection to nature at all ages. They really learn empathy for other living things by being in the forest. They want to help native species. Their collective action toward a common good is hugely beneficial for them. And to do it in an activity that will enhance native forests, at a time when many feel unable to work against such major global problems, is important.”
Jackie Katz, the K-12 science supervisor for Princeton Public Schools and director of professional learning for the New Jersey Science Teachers Association, has watched the Turtles evolve since teaching Shanley’s daughter at Princeton High School.
“She and a friend kickstarted the program, and I watched it grow from a small community service option to a very large program that is so much more than the original intention to clear the trails and connect the ‘emerald necklace.’ The educational outreach has grown so immensely,” she said. “And my new role has allowed me to work with that side of the program, more so than ever.”
The Turtles are on the job every Sunday morning, even on the coldest days. The work tends to draw out even the shyest of the group.
“There have been so many moments, this year alone, when I have interacted with students I taught as freshmen, who are now juniors —kids that maybe for an entire school year were very shy and withdrawn,” said Katz. “Here, they are getting to advocate for something they are passionate about. It builds their confidence out in the woods. They are able to think about their priorities more.”
The group’s work with elementary school students is key. “The grammar school curriculum is devoid of nature studies today,” said Shanley. “It is lab-based, but not about nature and the ecosystem. And at a time of such global crises, we need that.”
During their remarks, the students explained their work and advocated for others to get involved. They urged new Gov. Mikie Sherrill to move boldly on environmental issues.
“Invasive species and teenagers are a great combo,” said Shanley. “They have a lot of energy and they grow quickly. The teenagers, in teams, like to tackle the most massive vines. It’s a beautiful thing — they transform the forest, and the forest transforms them.”