LA PLATA, Md. – Two high school students from Southern Maryland, Esther Bonney in 11th grade from Charles County, and Samantha Rutherford in 12th grade from St. Mary’s County, have gained national recognition for their dedication to preserving and advocating for native plants and biodiversity. Together in 2022, they co-founded Nurture Natives, a youth-led organization based in Southern Maryland, with a mission to empower youth through environmental initiatives that enhance native biodiversity. Nurture Natives is mentored by Extension 4-H Educator Amy Lang and UME St. Mary’s Master Gardener Marlene Smith.
Nurture Natives recently celebrated its selection as a recipient of the Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education (SFE) Grant by National Wild Ones. The SFE Program honors Lorrie Otto, who inspired school garden projects in the 1970s in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. For more than 20 years, Wild Ones has awarded SFE grants to youth-serving organizations for acquiring native plants and seeds for outdoor learning areas that engage youth (preschool to high school) directly in planning, planting and caring for native plant gardens throughout the United States. In 2023, Wild Ones received applications from more than 150 projects and garnered requests totaling over $60,000.
Out of over 150 projects and requests totaling $60,000, Nurture Natives was selected as one of 23 winning projects and the only youth-led organization awarded in the United States. The funds from the grant will support the creation of a Native Peace Garden at the East John Youth Center in Lusby, MD. The project aligns with Wild Ones’ mission to promote native landscapes through education, advocacy, and collaborative action. Native plants play a crucial role in protecting and restoring biodiversity, improving air and water quality, and providing wildlife with quality food and shelter.
Nurture Natives has evolved from a local 4-H club to a nationally recognized nonprofit across seven East Coast states. Through the distribution of 35,400+ native seedlings, 550 native trees and shrubs, and 150 self-designed and published Nurture Natives Guides to nurseries across the East Coast, Nurture Natives has reached over 9,280 youth and 52,375 individuals. Nurture Natives has received several national awards and grants, including the prestigious National 4-H Scale for Success Award.
Esther and Samantha have discussed Nurture Natives’ mission with President Biden, Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, UMD Dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources Dr. Craig Beyrouty, and TIME 2020 Kid of the Year Gitanjali Rao, among other esteemed figures and youth leaders. Partnering with organizations such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the University of Maryland Extension 4-H and Master Gardeners, National 4-H, and Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay, among others, Nurture Natives is leaving a lasting impact across Maryland and beyond.
Nurture Natives has two core objectives: first, to increase biodiversity. Nurture Natives is raising biodiversity levels across the East Coast by supporting local nurseries and farmers and educating communities on native species, pollinators, and sustainable agriculture. Through educational programs, native plant giveaways, and partnerships with community organizations, Nurture Natives spreads awareness about the importance of native species in preserving local ecosystems and natural resources. Second, to empower youth. Nurture Natives cultivates an environment where young individuals can discover and ignite their passions, find their voices, and actively contribute to driving positive change.
Esther’s and Samantha’s belief in the inimitable purpose and impact of every youth is the driving force behind their commitment to inspire, educate, and advocate for a future where both our youth and environment thrive.
As Nurture Natives grows, Esther and Samantha hope their team will grow alongside it. If you or a youth you know is between the ages 11-18 and has a passion for native species and making a difference, visit NurtureNatives.org to join their team! Stay updated on their journey and events by following @NurtureNatives on Facebook.
Don’t miss Nurture Natives’ upcoming giveaway events at Maryland Day at the University of Maryland, College Park, on Saturday, April 27, 10 AM-4 PM, and NatureFest at Tilghman Lake Park, La Plata, on Saturday, May 25, 10 AM-2 PM.