North Salem’s D.I.G.Farm’s, Access Nature Project, announces new Coordinators of Programing, expanding outreach to community organizations and people with disabilities

The Access Nature Project, an Initiative of D.I.G.Farm is pleased to announce the hiring of Jessica M. Colón and Marie Calo, as Co-Coordinators of Programing. “We are delighted to have these two amazing accomplished women join our team”, said Bonnie Robins the Director of ANP. “Our Access Nature Project creates outdoor nature programs for the underserved (people with disabilities and the disadvantaged), so they can access the benefits of nature. Jessica and Marie, will add greatly to the success of our work.”

Jessica M Colón Will oversee the division that reaches out to community organizations serving those in need. “Jessica comes to us with a wide array of expertise in education and nature learning” according to Robins. She currently serves as an Educator at the New York Botanical Garden and as a Museum Educator at the Bronx Children's Museum and Morris Jumel Mansion Museum. She is the founder of For the People and Kids!, an educational company that teaches STREAM based classes, kids' gardening programs, day camps, homeschooling, and after-school programs.

“We are honored to have such an accomplished woman head up our outreach to community organizations, bringing the benefits of nature to those in need” said Robins. “Jessica’s deep connection to nature, dedication to education, and commitment to inclusivity make her a passionate advocate for learning and environmental stewardship. And, her bi-lingual approach will insure inclusivity and accessibility for a diverse audience of all ages, from children to adults.”

“Marie Calo, also comes to us with a wealth of experience in education and a passion for nature and the environment”, said Robins. “Marie will coordinate our nature programming for people’s with disabilities”

A lifelong learner and educator, Marie began her career teaching students with disabilities in the New York City Public School system. There she supervised educational and community programs for young adults with autism to support independence and growth. Marie previously was Assistant Principal at Lewisboro Elementary School, where she managed and coordinated school wide events and community outreach programs and instituted innovative educational programs. She currently also is a registered Yoga Instructor, trained in Children’s Yoga and Mindfulness. A nature enthusiast, Marie enjoys many outdoor pursuits and is a volunteer at the New York Botanical Garden, Westchester Land Trust, and the Northern Westchester Community Center.

“We cannot believe our good fortune to have such a qualified person joining our team”, Robins said. “Her experiences and knowledge will help us create the best outdoor nature experiences for the people with disabilities we serve, primarily adults with developmental disabilities and Autism, and those with severe mental illness”.

The Access Nature Project, an Initiative of D.I.G.Farm, is a 501c3. For more information or to help or support their work please visit https://www.digfarm.org/access-nature or send a note to accessnatureproject@gmail.com.