August 25, 2026

 

Dear Friends,

 

Is Boxerwood a garden, a school, or a building association? Perhaps all of the above. With our earth care mission you could say we’re builders for a better world, one child, one family, one hometown at a time.

 

“Community development” might not be the first phrase that comes to mind when you think of Boxerwood, but in the fullest, thrivingest way possible, that’s what we do. Lately, we’ve been building big! – read on to find out more.

 

Yours for a thriving Earth,

 

The Boxerwood Team

Meet “The Meadowlark,” – a new, covered stage and outdoor classroom, to be built in October. Our envisioned timber structure is just part of the Great Build at Boxerwood this year. With an eye on the future, Boxerwood is excited to announce our first ever Capital Campaign! After months of quiet conversations we have already raised $470,000 of our $500,000 goal. Now we’re reaching out to everyone: learn more about our hopes & dreams from executive director, Ben Eland.

It was a really good year. As a non-profit organization, Boxerwood made significant strides this year in three key areas. Our assets are up. We also sustained and further developed school and community outreach. The impact keeps growing. Check out our cool charts and stats.

What does it feel like to be an earthworm tunneling through the underground, or a star-nosed super-sensitive mole, or a sprawling network of mycorrhizal fungi, or a cicada grubbing itself out of the earth for the light? Earlier this month, 30 Underworld Explorers, ages 4 - 8, descended upon Boxerwood for 5 days of discovery, play, creativity, and wonder. Led by inspiring camp directors Caroline Coons and Liz Kuehner, the children twisted, turned, and tunneled to their hearts’ delight. Among memorable creations: a giant worm tunnel built from recycled cardboard.

Great news! After a 10-month federal hiatus, U.S. NOAA/B-WET has restored grant funding for Boxerwood’s 3-year planning project with local schools. The goal is to more deeply integrate naturally connected learning for all preK - HS students. Back in gear, Boxerwood convened a series of work sessions in late July with a dozen teacher-leaders. New things are already happening in the schools – stay tuned.

Boxerwood school programs commence Sept. 2 and already our fall calendar is filling up. Our annual back-to-school appeal is still underway. 100% of every gift to the Boxerwood Educational Foundation helps subsidize program fees for specific public schools in need. Last year, BEF donors helped ensure outdoor learning for 1,551 children from low-income communities. A big thank you to those who are already part of the effort. Together we’ve raised 22K, with just 8K to go to meet the 26-27 need.

Just in time, donations from the still-underway Capital Campaign helped us make immediate, much needed repairs to the roof of the Education Wing. This month the skilled construction team of Will Barry-Rec, Kurt Rosenberger, and friends removed decayed soffits, replaced rotted roof framing and decking, rebuilt damaged sections of the building, and more. We’ll be tight and tidy again by the time programs start next month – and good for years to come. Thank you, donors!

Fond farewell and best wishes to Jenna Hill, who tended the Boxerwood garden for more than two years and will now be teaching at Blue Ridge Outdoors School. That means we’re looking for the next person to help care for this place. We need someone who's happiest with dirt under their nails (or a chainsaw in hand, or driving the tractor) and who takes real pride in a well-mulched path that holds up after a hard rain. Horticulture experience helps, but what we're really after is someone who will love this land and find joy in its tending. If that sounds like you – or someone you know – let’s talk.

Autumn is both a lovely and busy time at Boxerwood, and a season when we need help welcoming visitors, tending the garden, teaching children, and more. Curious about volunteering? Join us for a no-obligation meet-up on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 10 – 11 a.m. in the Lodge. During this session, we’ll provide a brief history of Boxerwood and share ways to connect. All ages and abilities welcome. Last year, more than 80 folks pitched in to help Boxerwood flourish: come join us. The gathering is free, but registration is requested. Refreshments and optional tour follows.

Next up in our summertime outdoor music series: Friday, September 4: Shester, Datz, and Newhall. Friday, September 11: Fatty Lumpkin and the Love Hogs. Bring your picnic blanket and stay awhile.

From Ben Eland’s Tribute: Jim helped keep the physical spaces at Boxerwood functional and beautiful, but even more importantly, he was an outstanding model of integrity, generosity, a good work ethic, and kindness. He was an excellent leader and a true friend. After working alongside Jim for over a decade, my language is peppered with phrases I picked up from him: "Let's not confuse motion with progress," or "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good." When I think about how to be a good leader, I think of Jim. 

Boxerwood Education Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Federal Tax ID: 54-1937944

Sent by Boxerwood.

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