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September 26, 2024—The Marion Institute was proud to welcome employees from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to Frogfoot Farm for their 2024 Service Day, a meaningful collaboration that reflects our shared commitment to environmental sustainability and community wellness.

During their time at Frogfoot Farm, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts employees engaged in a variety of impactful activities, including:

  • Applying organic soil amendments to enhance soil health and fertility
  • Conducting biodiversity surveys to monitor and preserve local ecosystems
  • Constructing wildlife shelters to support native species and promote ecological balance
  • Removing invasive plant species to protect and restore native vegetation

The day of service resulted in a total of 126 volunteer hours donated, equating to approximately three full 40-hour work weeks of essential labor—a significant contribution to the ongoing success of Frogfoot Farm. These efforts highlight the power of collaboration and demonstrate the tangible impact of trust-based philanthropy in action.

The generosity and hands-on support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is invaluable. It embodies the spirit of trust-based philanthropy, where partners invest not only financial resources but also time, energy, and care. This is what meaningful community engagement looks like.

-Liz Wiley, Executive Director of the Marion Institute.

Broader Collaboration with Local Partners

In addition to the work at Frogfoot Farm, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts employees partnered with several other organizations for their 2024 Service Day, including the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (Lynn), GreenRoots (Chelsea), Balanced Learning Center (Fall River), Save the Harbor Save the Bay (Boston), El Buen Samaritano (Worcester), Grow Food Northampton, and many more. These partnerships underscore the breadth of the day’s impact, as volunteers across the state worked to address critical environmental and social issues.

The Health Benefits of Green Spaces

Research continues to affirm the vital role of green spaces in promoting well-being. According to the National Library of Medicine, exposure to plants and natural environments—especially through activities like gardening—has been shown to improve both mental and physical health, further emphasizing the importance of initiatives like these.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts’ Service Day and its positive impacts, read the full press release here.

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