Causes: Children & Youth, Education, Youth Development Programs

Mission: The Agawam knew the Merrimack River as "merroh awke, " meaning "strong place. " At Merrohawke, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, youth grow strong by nature through experiential learning on land, river and sea to inspire empathy, resilience, grit, and a deep connection to the earth.

Results: From October 1,2018, through September 30,2019, Merrohawke staff provided 36,363 hours of nature experiences to 3,514 youth. In 2019, Merrohawke awarded $56K in financial aid to children who wished to attend, thanks to the generosity of philanthropic supporters. No child has ever been turned away due to lack of financial ability to attend.

Target demographics: youth and families living within a 50-mile radius of Newburyport

Direct beneficiaries per year: 3,514 youth and families to connect to nature, themselves and their community through experiential learning on land, river and sea.

Geographic areas served: The Lower Merrimack River Valley along the northeast coast of Massachusetts.

Programs: summer camps, school programs, and all-outdoor forest kindergarten, and more.