In Minnesota, the Green Crew, a youth-led environmental group, is giving teenagers a platform to actively participate in conservation efforts. This initiative allows them to address their climate anxiety through meaningful hands-on work, such as tree planting and trail restoration.
Minnesota Teens Empowered to Combat Climate Change Through Hands-On Conservation Efforts

Minnesota Teens Empowered to Combat Climate Change Through Hands-On Conservation Efforts
The Green Crew initiative in Minnesota enables youngsters to transform climate anxiety into action by engaging in environmental projects.
On a bright Saturday morning in the heart of Minnesota, a diverse assembly of teenagers converged at a picturesque six-acre plot. With backgrounds in robotics, marine science, art, athletics, and scouting, these young individuals came together, united by a common passion for tackling climate change through direct action. Sophia Peterson, the 18-year-old leader of the group, energized her peers with enthusiasm, saying, “Cool, let’s get started.”
The Green Crew, an environmental organization birthed from the creativity of a local teenager, has become a vital platform for Minnesota’s youth. This initiative aims at transforming the pervasive fears young people face regarding climate change into tangible efforts that contribute to conservation and environmental health.
Their work involves various projects, from planting trees to restoring trails and managing invasive species. These activities serve as not just physical labor but also as therapeutic outlets for youth coping with climate-related anxieties.
As part of the “50 States, 50 Fixes” series focusing on local environmental solutions, initiatives like the Green Crew represent the proactive spirit of a generation determined to influence positive change in the world. More stories highlighting grassroots solutions to environmental challenges will follow throughout the year.