The 2026 Outdoor Ambassadors.
Welcome 2026 Outdoor Ambassadors
The Outdoor Ambassadors have joined the Trustees for summer 2026! Formerly known as Waterfront Ambassadors, the program was renamed to better reflect the broad range of experiences youth participate in throughout the summer.
Through projects, field experiences, and partnerships with local organizations, ambassadors explore environmental justice, climate resilience, food systems, and access to open space while building confidence as environmental leaders.
The Ambassadors are already hard at work, tabling across the communities they are serving.
What’s in Store This Summer
This summer, the ambassadors will engage with the city of Boston and other communities in the following ways:
- Stewardship and restoration projects at sites including Nightingale Community Garden, City Natives, Leatherbee Woods, Belle Isle Marsh, and Joe Ciampa Community Garden.
- Having a regular presence at the East Boston Farmers Market, helping distribute CSA produce through the Mobile Market. The Ambassadors will also visit Powisset Farm to learn about food access and help prepare produce for CSA shares.
- Mentorship opportunities with Boston University PhD students.
- Youth-led public programming through the “Meet the Ambassadors” pop-up series.
Highlights of the schedule include visits to both Boston City Hall and the Massachusetts State House, where youth will learn about climate resilience, civic engagement, public policy, and pathways to getting involved in local government.
The ambassadors are exploring new places in Boston and beyond, while also serving these communities.
The program connects youth to Trustees’ special places across Massachusetts, including Fruitlands Museum, where they will explore Indigenous art, history, and environmental connections, as well as an overnight camping experience at Crane Beach and Crane Estate that includes kayaking to Choate Island and learning about coastal ecology, archaeology, Indigenous history, and intertidal ecosystems.
The cohort will also engage in exchange and collaboration opportunities with several Urban Outdoors Year One partners, including the Regional Environmental Council’s Youth Grow and Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust (PPLT), creating opportunities for youth-to-youth learning and relationship building across communities.
The summer will culminate with youth-led research project presentations and a celebration of the relationships, leadership skills, and environmental knowledge developed throughout the season.
A trip to the Boston Harbor Islands.
Meet The Ambassadors
The nine ambassadors have been on the job for two weeks, already engaging with various staff and partners, and exploring the communities they will be serving throughout the summer.
Afomiya, Amelia, Andrea, Anthony, Ava, Isa, Kevin, Lena, and Pauletta make up the 2026 Ambassador Group. Below, learn more about their favorite spots in the city, favorite outdoor activities, and their goals for the summer.
What is your favorite spot in Boston?
Andrea: My favorite place to go outside in the city is definitely Constitution Beach in East Boston. I love spending time near the water.
Kevin: My favorite place to go outside in the city is the Northern Strand Community Bike Trail. Whether it’s walking, running, or cycling, I really appreciate having a green space to stay active and hang out with friends.
Afomiya: I love going to the walking trail by a pond near my house. It’s refreshing, there are many bunnies, and I can watch the sunset!
The Outdoor Ambassadors pose for a photo during their first week.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Amelia: My favorite outdoor activity is sitting in a green space listening to music or talking to my friends and observing people. Recently I walked through the common with an old friend, and we sat on a bench just catching up.
Isa: My favorite outdoor activity is walking around and enjoying the environment or swimming at the beach and getting cooled off.
What do you hope to gain from the program this summer, or how do you hope to grow?
Ava: By the end of the summer, I want to grow as a leader by giving the other ambassadors a safe space to be themselves. I also want to build friendships and learn more about how to help our environment.
Pauletta: Facing my fears more, being more outspoken, and practicing and or rebuilding the ways I communicate with others.
Keep up with the latest from the outdoor ambassadors via our blog this summer as they work hard and contribute meaningfully to the communities they live in and serve.
