The Valley Fellowship grew from a simple belief: every child deserves the chance to dig in the dirt, wonder at the changing seasons, and build a real connection with the natural world.

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Founded by Crystal Merino, an early childhood educator with a fondness for green things and a heart for hands-on learning, the Fellowship began as a small garden project at a local daycare in Sullivan County, New York. What started with just a few raised beds and a handful of curious toddlers has blossomed into a growing nonprofit rooted in community, curiosity, and care.

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We're still small. The gardens are modest. The animals are few. But the dream is big: a community where families support one another, where children grow up with meaningful outdoor experiences, and where knowledge is shared like heirloom seeds—hand to hand, heart to heart.

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The Valley Fellowship exists to plant those seeds. We teach children to care for gardens and animals, to notice the world around them, and to find joy in the simple, grounded rhythm of nature. And as we grow, we hope to build not just a larger program—but a stronger, more connected community.

This is just the beginning, and we’re so glad you’re here for it.