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A Message from Executive Director Andria Bibiloni

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Peter Grove, one of the early leaders of Norris Square Neighborhood Project and a lifelong advocate for our mission.

Although I did not have the privilege of working alongside Peter, I have had the opportunity to meet him and learn about the remarkable impact he had on this organization. Through conversations with former staff, board members, alumni,  and friends of NSNP, one thing has become abundantly clear: Peter believed deeply in young people and in the power of connecting them with nature.

His leadership helped shape an organization that continues to serve the community more than 50 years later. Every garden we care for, every young person who discovers something new outdoors and every neighbor who finds belonging in these spaces is part of the foundation he helped build.

On behalf of everyone at Norris Square Neighborhood Project, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Peter's family, friends, former colleagues, students and all whose lives he touched.

We are grateful for his years of leadership, his lifelong support of NSNP and the example he leaves behind.

— Andria Bibiloni
Executive Director

A Leader Who Believed Learning Happens Outside the Classroom

In 1975, at the encouragement of NSNP founder Nathalie Kempner, Peter Grove became executive director of Norris Square Neighborhood Project during the organization's formative years.

Peter believed some of life's most important lessons couldn't be taught from behind a desk. Young people learned by planting gardens, paddling canoes, exploring forests, camping under the stars and working together to improve the neighborhoods they called home.

During his tenure, he expanded environmental education opportunities that introduced countless children to experiences many had never had before. Canoeing trips, camping adventures, neighborhood cleanups and hands-on science became defining parts of the youth experience at NSNP.

His approach reflected a simple philosophy: when young people are trusted with meaningful work and connected to the natural world, they gain confidence, curiosity and a stronger sense of responsibility for their communities.

After leaving NSNP, Peter returned to teaching science, but he never truly left the organization behind.

A Lifelong Connection

Over the next four decades, Peter remained one of NSNP's most dedicated supporters.

He attended board meetings, contributed to fundraising efforts, volunteered with youth programs and generously shared his knowledge whenever he was asked. In 2021, he returned to help prepare the Butterfly Garden, once again working alongside young people in the gardens he had helped nurture decades earlier.

Those who knew Peter remember not only his commitment to environmental education but also his willingness to quietly step in wherever he was needed. Whether mentoring youth, lending his expertise or supporting the organization behind the scenes, he remained deeply connected to NSNP's mission throughout his life.

The Seeds He Planted

Peter's influence can still be seen throughout Norris Square Neighborhood Project.

One of his most enduring contributions stands in the gardens today: the greenhouse he helped build in the early 1980s. Equipped with solar panels—an innovative feature for its time—it reflected Peter's belief that education and environmental stewardship should go hand in hand.

His impact, however, extended far beyond any single structure.

Generations of young people experienced the outdoors, discovered a love of science, developed leadership skills and built lasting memories because Peter believed they deserved those opportunities. His work helped shape an organization where gardens became classrooms, neighborhoods became places of learning and community became the foundation for growth.

In 2020, Peter included a handwritten note with a donation to NSNP. Rather than focusing on buildings or programs, he hoped his gift would help provide "fun trips with the kids" or support someone working alongside them to make those experiences "fun and informative."

He ended his note with four simple words:

"Keep us in touch."

It's a fitting reminder of how Peter lived his life—with humility, generosity and a lasting belief in the power of young people, community and nature.

As Norris Square Neighborhood Project reflects on Peter's extraordinary contributions, we are exploring meaningful ways to honor his legacy. Among the ideas under consideration is dedicating the greenhouse he helped build in his memory—a space that continues to inspire learning, stewardship and community for generations of young people.

We look forward to sharing more as plans develop.

Learn More About Peter Grove

Peter Grove shared his memories of Norris Square Neighborhood Project in an oral history interview, reflecting on his years as executive director, the construction of the greenhouse and pond, youth education programs, fundraising efforts, and the people who helped shape NSNP's early history.

We invite you to watch the interview and hear Peter tell his story in his own words.

▶ Watch Peter Grove's Oral History Interview
https://archive.org/details/interview-with-peter-grove-norris-square-neighborhood-project

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