Our Work
Holistic approaches to environmental education and ecosystem preservation
Angel Conservation is a dedicated community organization based in the heart of Brooklyn, committed to the vital mission of environmental preservation and sustainable living. We believe that the health of our planet is intrinsically linked to the well-being of our communities, and our work is centered on the idea that collective action can yield extraordinary results. Our organization serves as a bridge between scientific conservation strategies and local community engagement, ensuring that every individual has the tools and knowledge necessary to contribute to a sustainable future. By focusing on both local ecosystem restoration and global environmental advocacy, we create a multi-faceted approach to conservation that addresses the most pressing challenges of our time, such as habitat loss and climate change, while fostering a deep, personal connection between urban residents and the natural world. This connection is vital because we recognize that people only protect what they love, and they can only love what they truly know and understand through direct, meaningful experience.
Play & Exploration
Fostering a lifelong love for the earth through unstructured discovery
The second pillar recognizes the essential role of unstructured time in nature for personal development, creativity, and mental well-being. We provide safe, guided opportunities for children and adults to immerse themselves in the natural world, fostering a sense of joy and wonder that is often missing in the fast-paced, high-stress environment of urban life. This aspect of our work is vital for building a lifelong love for the environment, as it allows individuals to form a personal, emotional connection with the earth that is not based on fear or duty but on pure appreciation. By allowing for moments of quiet observation and imaginative play, we help our participants rediscover the restorative power of nature. This emotional bond is the strongest motivator for long-term stewardship, turning the act of conservation from a chore into a deeply felt personal priority.
Social & Emotional Development
Using the natural world as a backdrop for resilience and empathy
Our third pillar uses nature as a backdrop for building essential life skills such as patience, cooperation, and resilience. We emphasize teamwork and empathy in all our activities, recognizing that a healthy relationship with the environment goes hand in hand with a healthy relationship with oneself and others. In the outdoors, challenges are met collectively, and successes are shared, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support among our participants. By addressing the whole person—their emotional health as well as their intellectual understanding—we create a more profound and lasting impact that extends far beyond environmental science. This approach builds the social fabric of our community, ensuring that our members are not only better environmentalists but also more compassionate and resilient neighbors.
Programs and Services
Tailored environmental experiences for every stage of life and learning
Angel Conservation offers a wide variety of programs designed to meet the specific needs and developmental stages of different age groups, from early childhood to active adulthood. Our youth programs are particularly popular, providing a safe and stimulating environment where children can learn through discovery, play, and peer interaction under the guidance of expert educators. We offer a specialized environmental curriculum that aligns with and expands upon state standards, providing a much deeper dive into science than traditional classrooms allow. Our special activities include weekend family workshops where parents and children learn side-by-side, seasonal nature camps that offer immersive experiences during school breaks, and community restoration days where everyone comes together to work on a local project. We are proud to serve a diverse population and are committed to making our programs accessible to all families in our community, offering scholarships and community-based events to ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of environmental connection and education.
Community and Engagement
Building a strong network of families and partners dedicated to a sustainable future
Community is at the heart of everything we do at Angel Conservation, and we are committed to fostering deep levels of family involvement and community pride in all our programs. We believe that when families learn and act together, the impact is far greater and the lessons are more likely to be integrated into the home environment. We also place a high value on our community partnerships, working closely with local schools, neighborhood associations, businesses, and other non-profits to create a unified front for environmental preservation and urban greening. Our calendar is filled with events and activities that bring people together, from neighborhood clean-ups and native plant sales to environmental film screenings and guest lectures by leading scientists. These gatherings provide a vital opportunity for our members to connect, share ideas, and celebrate our collective achievements in protecting our planet, building a social fabric that is as resilient as the ecosystems we strive to protect.
Testimonials
Real stories of growth and connection from our Angel Conservation family
Amanda Miller, Parent of a 4-year-old Finding Angel Conservation has been a truly transformative experience for our family and especially for our young son, who was previously quite disconnected from the outdoors. He used to be very hesitant about getting his hands dirty or exploring the local park, preferring to stay inside with his toys, but since joining their early childhood program, he has become a true nature lover. The educators are incredibly patient and they genuinely care about each child’s individual development, creating an environment where he feels safe to take risks and explore the world around him. I’ve seen such a significant growth in his confidence and his empathy for living creatures, from the smallest bugs to the tallest trees in our neighborhood. It’s a wonderful community to be a part of, and I can’t recommend them enough to any parent looking for a meaningful and nurturing experience for their child.
Robert Sullivan, Parent of a 10-year-old Our daughter has been participating in the weekend workshops at Angel Conservation for two years now, and the impact on her worldview has been incredible. She has developed a deep and sophisticated understanding of environmental issues that goes far beyond what she learns in her standard school curriculum, and she is constantly coming home with new ideas for how our family can be more sustainable. The team at Angel Conservation treats the children with such respect, empowering them to see themselves as real scientists and advocates who have the power to change the world. It’s more than just a program; it’s a place where she feels heard, valued, and inspired to take action. We are so grateful to have such a professional and caring organization right here in Brooklyn that prioritizes the future of our children and our planet.
Jessica Wu, Parent of an 8-year-old The summer camps at Angel Conservation are the absolute highlight of my son’s year, and he looks forward to them for months in advance. He comes home exhausted but absolutely beaming with stories about the things he discovered, the animals he saw, and the new friends he made while exploring the urban forest. What I love most as a parent is the perfect balance between structured learning and just letting the kids be kids in a natural setting. The staff is exceptionally qualified and they handle everything with such a professional yet warm and personal touch that makes us feel like family. As a parent, I feel completely confident in the safety and quality of the programs they provide. It’s rare to find an organization that manages to be so scientifically grounded while remaining so family-friendly and welcoming to all.
Daniel Goldberg, Parent of a 6-year-old We initially joined Angel Conservation just looking for an outdoor activity for our daughter, but we found a second home and a community of like-minded people. The sense of community here is palpable, and the commitment to the mission is inspiring to everyone who walks through their doors. My daughter has learned so much about the local ecosystem and she takes such immense pride in the restoration projects she’s helped with, often dragging us to see “her” trees in the park. The social and emotional growth I’ve seen in her is just as significant as the environmental knowledge she’s gained over the past year. She’s learned how to work in a team and how to care for the world around her in a very practical, hands-on way that has changed her perspective on life. Angel Conservation is a true gem in our city and a vital resource for families.