From the highlands of Peru to a theatre in Illinois, USA, and a wetland in South Korea, three Roots & Shoots stories show what happens when young people pay close attention to what their communities and ecosystems need.
Frogs do not get much attention in conversation stories. A Roots & Shoots project in Peru’s Junín region is changing that.
Las ranas y yo (Frogs and Me) works with secondary school students and teachers to fill knowledge gaps about aquatic ecosystems and the threats facing frog species, using community science and the students’ own existing knowledge as starting points. Field visits to the Reserva Nacional de Junín saw students working alongside park rangers to carry out biological monitoring and log species on iNaturalist.
The experience built something lasting: A stronger understanding of local biodiversity, and a foundation for ongoing conservation work through art, sport and community science.
Bailey M., a Roots & Shoots member in Illinois, USA, is a big theatre fan who volunteers for programmes like Penguin Project, a theatre programme for children with disabilities. She realised that live theatre can pose real challenges for those with sensory needs: Bright lights, loud sounds and sudden surprises can feel overwhelming. Bailey spoke with the participants’ families and project organisers, and everyone agreed that they could be doing more to help.
For her Silver Award in Girl Scouts, Bailey decided to create sensory friendly theatre kits to make going to a performance more comfortable and welcoming. With the help of her troop members, family and theatre staff, they put together kits that included headphones and disposable earplugs for better sound control, a laminated book of social rules at the theatre, fidget toys and a wiggle seat for self regulation, sunglasses to block out bright lights, and hand sanitiser and cleaning wipes.
The Penguin Project team will continue to use these reusable Waddle & Watch kits during performances and rehearsals. Bailey also shared directions, handouts and project information so other Penguin Project chapters can create their own. Now, children with sensory needs can feel calm and prepared, and enjoy the wonder of theatre without worry.
Yeokgok Wetland in Bucheon, South Korea, is the only remaining natural wetland in the city. It is home to the narrow mouthed toad and native crayfish, among other vulnerable and endangered species. In 2025 it was designated for apartment development and faced being landfilled.
A small Roots & Shoots group that had been running nature education activities at the site reached out for help. What followed was a coalition of civic and environmental groups, coordinated media releases, public forums, rallies and protests, and ultimately a formal commitment from the construction company and municipal government that the wetland will not be filled.
The focus now is on how to conserve the wetland while developing the surrounding area as a public park. A different kind of problem to have, and proof that a small group refusing to stay quiet can turn a demolition order into a promise of protection.
If you feel motivated by these stories, you can be part of this global movement.
Find your local Roots & Shoots office and take action today!
Image Credits: R&S Peru / JGI USA / R&S South Korea
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