At ICG, our mission is to connect children to nature to create a more beautiful, resilient, and just world. Central to this mission is our commitment to keeping our planet clean.

Since 2018, World Cleanup Day has rallied people across the globe to address environmental challenges head-on. The best part? Everyone can join in —wherever you are, your efforts make a difference.

Here are some ways you can get involved:

• Collect Trash: Organize a litter pick-up in your local park, beach, or playground.
• Recycle Beyond Home: Set up a recycling station in your classroom or workplace.
• Create Art: Craft art projects using recycled materials.
• Sort Waste: Learn and practice sorting waste into recyclables, compostables, and trash.
• Assist in a Community Garden: Help maintain a community garden that promotes sustainability.

This season, ICG is thrilled to welcome two new team members to the permanent staff!

Sarah Marquart (she/her) joins us as the Communications Coordinator. She brings a decade of experience in content strategy and marketing. Her career began at Keuka College, where she played a key role in their $30M outreach campaign. Sarah was part of the founding editorial team at Futurism, where she drove growth, launched products, and spent time reporting on the ground at The Kennedy Space Center. Her client roster includes brands such as Porsche, the NFL, and IBM, as well as former Vice President Al Gore. Currently, she consults and crafts content for Firelight Camps, Cornell Tech, and Cornell Bowers CIS. Passionate about creating meaningful change in her local community, Sarah enjoys gardening, exploring trails, painting, and volunteering at the SPCA. 

Caro/line Ryan joins us as the Assistant Educator/Playworker for the Playful Nature Explorers program. Caro previously worked at summer camp for ICG as a Playworker and After Care Mentor. They are extremely excited to build relationships with the children and support their self-led exploration. Caro has a BS in Biology & Society from Cornell, is Wilderness First Aid certified, and loves all dogs (but loves rescue dogs MORE). In their free time, they love to perform and make art.