Get to know us

Our Mission

Restoring Carolina’s Roots (RCR) is a student-led organization bringing South Carolina's native plants back to schools and communities.

Through habitat restoration, invasive plant management, and hands-on education, students work together across school chapters to protect local biodiversity and explore how healthier green spaces contribute to community well-being.

Why it matters?

South Carolina’s native plants and habitats are disappearing as invasive species continue to spread. When these spaces are lost, wildlife loses food and shelter, and communities lose the benefits of healthy, welcoming outdoor spaces.

While many plants provide shade and greenery, native plants play a special role in supporting local wildlife, protecting biodiversity, and maintaining healthy ecosystems. By restoring native habitats, RCR helps preserve South Carolina's natural heritage while creating greener, more welcoming spaces for communities to enjoy.

Aarya Sundhar Mortha

Founder

Meet our Founders

Shivam Shukla

Founder

Mrs. Christina Smith

State advisor

Our State Advisor

What do we do?

RCR chapters lead student-driven projects that restore native habitats, improve school green spaces, and support healthier communities across South Carolina.

Plant native species and improve spaces that support pollinators and birds.

Restore Native Habitat

Grow and Care for School Gardens

Build a Healthier Carolina

Create and maintain native gardens, pollinator gardens, vegetable gardens, and other student-managed green spaces.

Explore how better environments with shade, clean air, green spaces, and clean outdoors contribute to healthier communities and support community well-being.

Learn what is growing locally and take part in supervised, property-approved removal projects.

Address Invasive Plants

Study and Share Local Ecosystems

Learn about native and invasive species, keep track of your chapter’s projects, and share information with our local community.