Summary

This episode of Change Hampton Presents: Save the Planet One Yard at a Time features high school students Shirley Jiang and Griffin Beckmann, interns and youth organizers with Rewild Long Island’s Summer Intern Program. They share their hands-on experiences in ecological restoration projects across East Hampton, including planting native species, removing invasives, composting, and maintaining community pollinator gardens. Both reflect on their motivation to fight climate change, the skills and community they’ve gained, and the hope they find in seeing peers and neighbors join the movement. They also discuss the challenges of balancing commitments, transportation, and time while remaining committed to environmental stewardship. The conversation closes with inspiring personal stories about food security work at Share the Harvest Farm and building the Change Hampton Community Pollinator Garden.

Quotes:

• “I really felt so motivated to do anything I could to help our environment… and seeing all the excellent work that Rewild has done… I was really inspired to take on a greater role in mitigating climate change in my community.” — Griffin
• “Just knowing that taking my part in the program can make a bigger change in the community has been a really rewarding experience.” — Shirley
• “Every time we pull a mugwort out, it’s really rewarding and satisfying… at the end when you see the mountain of mugwort, it’s like, oh my gosh, we did that.” — Shirley
• “Rewild is really special in that you really do learn how to be a professional… seeing the end goal is really special because you’re seeing the impact you’re having firsthand.” — Griffin
• “Even though what we do now might be on a small scale… maybe we can make more change. Seeing the younger generation being more involved can bring awareness to the older generation.” — Shirley
• “In the past, people passionate about helping the environment were called tree huggers… but you really never hear that anymore. Our generation is switching towards a more active and positive role.” — Griffin
• “Even though the times are changing, I feel like we’re going to be the change that we want to see in the future.” — Shirley

Segments / Themes

1. Introductions & Motivation
   
   • Griffin and Shirley explain how they joined Rewild and why environmental work matters to them.
3. Hands-On Work
   
   • Invasive removal (mugwort)
4. • Bioswales for flood mitigation
5. • Composting and food waste reduction
7. Connection to Climate Change
   
   • Reducing lawns, chemicals, and fertilizers
8. • Promoting biodiversity and pollinator habitats
9. • Compost as a methane reduction strategy
11. Role of Youth Organizers
    
    • Behind-the-scenes logistics: spreadsheets, applications, events, communications
12. • Mentoring and leadership
14. Challenges
    
    • Transportation/time conflicts
15. • Balancing school, work, and activism
17. Community & Peer Influence
    
    • Recruiting friends and siblings
18. • Shifting generational attitudes about climate activism
20. Hope for the Future
    
    • Small-scale community impact as a foundation
21. • Belief in Gen Z’s ability to lead future climate solutions