Roots & Shoots is the environmental and humanitarian program for youth of the Jane Goodall Institute. It was started in February 1991 by Dr. Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and conservationist, and a group of Tanzanian students who wanted to help make their community and world a better place. Since that time, the program has spread rapidly throughout the world to educate young people and to engage them in service projects that benefit animals, the environment, and the human community. More than 2000 groups have registered, in all 50 states and 67 countries worldwide. The Ohio State University chapter of Roots & Shoots formed in August of 2000.

The group's name is from the follwing quote by Dr. Goodall:
"Roots creep underground everywhere and make a firm foundation. Shoots seem very weak, but to reach the light they can break through brick walls. Imagine that the brick walls are all the problems we have inflicted on our planet. Hundreds and thousands of roots and shoots, hundreds and thousands of young people around the world, can break through these walls. You CAN change the world."
- Jane Goodall