By Tyler Amorando
What began as a quiet idea among friends has quickly bloomed into one of Greenwich’s most exciting new youth-led environmental initiatives. The Greenwich Eco-Alliance, founded just last November, is already making a visible impact in the Old Greenwich area. With community-minded projects, a passion for sustainability, and a hands-on approach to environmental care, the volunteer group, spearheaded by high school students, has planted its roots firmly in local soil.
Their debut effort centered around creating a new Holly Grove near Perrot Library and Binney Park. Over fifteen volunteers gathered to plant holly trees and pawpaw trees, native flora chosen both for their beauty and ecological benefits. The team also removed an aggressive invasive plant species by hand. It was no small task but a testament to their commitment to natural preservation.
“We just finished up our first project for the organization,” explained Mark Zolotarevsky, one of the lead volunteers. “We planted the holly trees and pawpaws for animals in the area. At the same time, we also removed an invasive species called Ranunculus ficaria. It was a lot of work, but really rewarding. We worked alongside Friends of Binney Park, and I think it was a great way to gain exposure for our organization.”
That invasive species, commonly known as lesser celandine, was a particular challenge. Native to Asia, the plant is notorious for its rapid growth and ability to overtake native vegetation. “It spreads really quickly and has a deep root system,” Mark said. “It smothers other life and would have prevented our trees from growing well. The only way to remove it without chemicals is by hand, so that’s what we did.”
While the first project was labor-intensive, it also served as a meaningful kickoff to what founders Chase Karson and Mark Zolotarevsky hope is a long-term movement.
“I’ve always wanted to start an environmental organization,” said Chase Karson, who first launched the Greenwich Eco-Alliance in late 2023. “There wasn’t really a big moment that triggered it. I just reached out to a few friends, including Mark, and we went from there. We made the logo, started a GoFundMe, got on social media, and raised enough to fund our first project.”
That initial campaign brought in around $1,600 through GoFundMe, plus an additional $1,300 donation facilitated by the Friends of Binney Park. The support came largely from Old Greenwich residents, which was one of the reasons the group chose the Holly Grove site for their first installation. “We wanted to make an impact in the area where most of our donors live,” Mark said. “We had the option to do something in Cos Cob or Greenwich, but Old Greenwich felt right.”
The founders are already thinking ahead. Although they are not quite ready to announce the details, they hinted at a major project currently in the planning stages. It could involve dozens of volunteers from Greenwich High School and will likely require significant fundraising. “We’re really excited about it,” Mark said. “It’s going to take a lot of coordination and definitely a lot of funding.”
In addition to that, the team is in discussions with a local pollinator group that may donate a large batch of oak trees grown from acorns. That donation could form the basis of a future planting project this fall.
For a group that only began a few months ago, the Greenwich Eco-Alliance is moving fast, but not without intention. At its core, the mission is simple and powerful: give young people a way to directly care for their environment.
“We’re a youth-led initiative that wants a healthy environment in our neighborhood,” said Mark. “We’re hoping more people from Old Greenwich and the greater Greenwich area can support us, especially through donations. Every little bit helps.”
As they continue to grow, the Greenwich Eco-Alliance is proving that community, passion, and a little dirt under the fingernails can go a long way. In a town known for its natural beauty, these students are working hard to ensure that the green in Greenwich stays vibrant for generations to come.
To support their efforts, donations can be made through their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/students-for-a-greener-greenwich
