Disney Announces $1 Million for Roots & Shoots as Young Conservation Leaders Gather
Ten young conservation leaders brought local project experience to a Walt Disney World summit, with yearlong mentoring ahead and new Disney support for Jane Goodall’s youth action program.
The short answer: Ten young conservation leaders brought local project experience to a Walt Disney World summit, with yearlong mentoring ahead and new Disney support for Jane Goodall’s youth action program.
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Planting native species and installing bat boxes are among the ways 10 young conservation leaders have expanded their community projects with small Disney grants. Now, the program connecting their work has new backing: on October 26, 2026, the Disney Conservation Fund announced a $1 million investment in Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots. The announcement came as the young leaders gathered for a multiday conservation summit at Walt Disney World.
The investment brings Disney’s total support for Roots & Shoots to more than $7.5 million. Founded in 1991 by the late Dr. Jane Goodall, the Jane Goodall Institute’s youth action program helps young people identify local needs and organize projects benefiting people, animals and the environment. Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2026, the program operates in 75 countries and counting, including all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico.
From a Pixar-linked challenge to yearlong mentoring
The participants earned their places through the “Hop into the Animal Kingdom Challenge,” created with Roots & Shoots USA to celebrate Disney and Pixar’s 30th film, Hoppers, and the Disney Conservation Fund’s 30th anniversary. The challenge selected two winners from each of five U.S. regions: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest and West. All were already leading conservation projects in their communities.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom and EPCOT, the participants learned from specialists in animal care, veterinary medicine, science, conservation and storytelling, exploring careers dedicated to protecting the natural world. The support extends beyond the park visit: each participant was paired with a Disney mentor whose expertise matches their interests and who will provide career and education coaching over the next year.
The future of conservation depends on supporting and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Claire Martin, Senior Manager, Biodiversity Conservation Programs at The Walt Disney Company
Local habitats, different approaches
The projects show how differently that work can take shape. In New Jersey, Angela Butz focuses on native pollinator habitats and biodiversity restoration. An April 22, 2026, WABC report described her work planting native species to improve conditions for pollinators. In Illinois, Marlee Christiansen works on bird and bat conservation through habitat creation and community awareness.
Other participants bring technology and education into the picture. Minnesota’s William Tan focuses on aquatic ecosystems through reef technology, while Ethan Park in Texas combines prairie restoration with conservation education. Their projects connect the summit’s career discussions to work already underway back home.
The challenge offered each winner a $500 project grant. Since receiving their small grants, the winners have expanded their work through activities including native plantings, reef restoration events, bat-box installation and turtle-themed care packages for pediatric cancer patients.
The winners also helped select other youth-led community projects for Roots & Shoots grants, resulting in 102 awards across 32 states and territories. The new $1 million commitment supports Roots & Shoots more broadly.
Starting a project close to home
For families interested in starting something locally, Roots & Shoots offers free membership for individuals and group leaders. Its online resources include community-mapping tools and a four-step project formula to help young people identify a need, plan their response and carry it out. Those tools support community action; the summit and yearlong mentoring add opportunities to explore where that interest could lead professionally.