LA PLATA, Md. — What started as a local 4-H project has grown into a nationally recognized environmental nonprofit led by a La Plata student now making an impact far beyond Southern Maryland.
Esther Bonney, a freshman studying Environmental Science & Policy at the University of Maryland, founded Nurture Natives in 2022 with a clear goal: helping communities better understand and use native plants to support local ecosystems.
Bonney’s journey into environmental leadership was shaped during a difficult time in her life. After losing her older brother in 2019, she found direction and support through 4-H, an experience that helped her build both purpose and community.
“I joined 4-H at a very difficult time in my life when I felt like I didn’t have any direction or sense of purpose, and 4-H gave that to me,” said Bonney. “4-H gave me a support system, it gave me a voice, and I want that for every youth,” she told the University of Maryland in an interview.
Her work with the Charles County 4-H Pollinator Ambassador Club, alongside mentors including 4-H educator Amy Lang and Master Gardener Marlene Smith, helped lay the foundation for her nonprofit and its mission of community-driven conservation.
Today, Nurture Natives focuses on engaging young people through educational programs and hands-on environmental initiatives. The organization provides resources such as ready-to-plant trees and guidebooks, making it easier for residents to take part in conservation efforts in their own communities.
The youth-driven effort is focused on biodiversity restoration and community engagement. Under her leadership, the organization has educated more than 10,000 young people, planted 2.5 million native seeds and distributed over 70,000 seedlings across the East Coast.
Bonney’s leadership has earned national recognition, including the 2024 President’s Environmental Youth Award and selection as a 4-H Youth in Action winner. As part of that role, she serves as a national spokesperson, participating in events and encouraging youth involvement in service and outreach.
Bonney has also taken her message to a broader audience, delivering a TEDx Talks that explores the connection between youth mental health and environmental action through horticulture. The talk emphasizes how connecting with nature can inspire purpose and drive meaningful change.
From La Plata to a national stage, Bonney’s story reflects how local passion can grow into meaningful change — and how the next generation is already leading the way in environmental conservation.
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