On Wednesday, June 25, the South Shore YMCA proudly reintroduced its beloved Nature Center to the community, celebrating a multi-year transformation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly redesigned José Carreiro Children’s Garden. Named in memory of José Carreiro—a passionate volunteer and champion of environmental education—the garden was unveiled in the presence of community members, YMCA staff, and supporters.
Paul Gorman, CEO of the South Shore YMCA, opened the event by reflecting on the Nature Center’s legacy and the community’s role in its revitalization.
“This center has been a cornerstone of outdoor education for over 60 years,” Gorman said. “Since merging with the Y, we’ve invested more than $5 million into revitalizing this space. The José Carreiro Children’s Garden is a shining example of what we can achieve together.”
Gorman then introduced Andrew Sullivan, President and CEO of Protectowire, who shared heartfelt memories of his connection to the YMCA and the Nature Center. He spoke about the influence of early mentors in philanthropy and how his experiences with the Y shaped his values around community giving—values he now hopes to pass on to his children.
Sullivan fondly recalled his mother’s dedication to the original greenhouse and his family’s involvement in its creation. In a moving gesture, he announced a $100,000 lead donation toward the restoration of the Coes Greenhouse, reaffirming his commitment to the center’s future. He praised the integration of nature into YMCA programs—especially in the post-COVID era—and expressed excitement about the upcoming EcoZone renovation and the center’s continued impact on local youth and families.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Trevor Williams, President of the South Shore YMCA, expressed deep gratitude to all who contributed to the creation of the Children’s Garden. He recognized the vision and dedication of longtime supporter Liz Carreiro, whose late husband José inspired the garden’s mission. Liz then shared her reflections, honoring José’s dream of creating a space where children could experience the joy of gardening. She had the honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon, officially opening the garden to the community and friends.
Designed to be fully accessible, the José Carreiro Children’s Garden features kid-height garden beds, a new maple grove, a hand-washing station, a kid-safe waterfall, and interactive elements that encourage hands-on learning and discovery.
Founded in the 1960s, the Nature Center has long served as a hub for environmental education. This year, it celebrated the first full school year in its new state-of-the-art Nature Center Preschool building, designed to immerse children in nature through both indoor and outdoor classrooms. The campus also hosts the popular Nature Adventures Camp. The preschool’s move into its own dedicated building has allowed for the restoration of the historic main Nature Center building and Vine Hall, bringing back beloved community programs.
“We are thrilled that nature-based community programs have returned to the heart of the Nature Center,” said Sarah Kugel, Nature Center Director. “Vine Hall and the main building are once again filled with the energy of families learning together, children exploring nature, and a community coming together to connect with the outdoors.”
Community programs now in full swing include the Greenhouse & Gardens Education Series, Kids’ Nature Night Out, Forest Friends Nature Playgroup, Nature & Flow Yoga, Petals & Paint, Mud Day, Outdoor Movies, Garden Nights, Junior Naturalists, and more.
The South Shore YMCA extended heartfelt gratitude to Kate Smith, Y Farm Coordinator; generous donor and volunteer Liz Carreiro; and Paul Caruso of Caruso Landscape Design for their creativity and care in designing the Children’s Garden.
Volunteers of all ages—including corporate groups, families, adults, children, and seniors—are welcome to help tend the gardens or restore the Nature Center’s wooded trails.
The South Shore YMCA Nature Center is located at 48 Jacobs Lane, Norwell, MA.
For program details and ways to get involved, visit: ssymcanaturecenter.org
