HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Esther Bonney, a 17-year-old environmental advocate from La Plata, captivated audiences at TEDxHagerstownWomen on Dec. 10, 2024, with her message on the transformative power of youth-led environmental action. Bonney, founder and director of the nonprofit Nurture Natives, shared her journey and vision during the event themed “Ideas Big Enough to Change the World.”
Bonney’s organization has made significant strides in addressing biodiversity loss and youth mental health through initiatives like planting over 2.2 million seeds and distributing 60,000 native seedlings along the East Coast. Her work has garnered national acclaim, including the 2024 President’s Environmental Youth Award from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.
In her talk, Bonney highlighted the intersection of environmental stewardship and youth mental health, emphasizing how connecting with nature can empower young people and foster resilience. “Reconnecting with nature is more than a movement; it’s a return to who we are,” she said. “In nurturing the land, we nurture ourselves.”
Bonney underscored the urgency of engaging youth in environmental action, citing startling statistics: “A Sanford Health study found that the average American youth spends less than 10 minutes outside each day, compared to over seven hours in front of a screen. While three-quarters of youth worry about the future of the planet, 83% of youth aged 5 to 16 cannot identify a bumblebee. How can we expect the next generation to protect native species and biodiversity if they have no understanding, let alone connection, to what they’re losing?”
Through her work with Nurture Natives, Bonney has collaborated with experts like the University of Maryland Extension’s Master Gardeners to produce educational resources, including “Nurture Natives: A Guide to Invasive Species and their Native Look-Alikes.” The guide has been distributed to nurseries across seven East Coast states.
Reflecting on her TEDx experience, Bonney told The BayNet, “The whole evening felt surreal. I was in awe of the opportunity to be there and connect with such incredible women, including the TEDxHagerstownWomen team and Ms. Beth Harvey. Sharing my story and passion was exciting, but what really meant the most was having my family and my mentor, Ms. Marlene Smith, there to experience it with me. It was one of the most beautiful and unforgettable experiences I’ve ever had. And yet, I know this is just the beginning of what I hope to accomplish with Nurture Natives.”
Bonney extended gratitude to those who supported her journey, including her parents, mentors, and the TEDxHagerstownWomen team. “I wouldn’t be able to do what I love and pursue what I believe to be my life’s mission without their unwavering support,” she said.
TEDxHagerstownWomen, hosted at Hagerstown Community College, brings together local changemakers to share innovative ideas and foster community. According to its website, the event aims to cultivate “intentional community by gathering prominent change-makers in our city from diverse backgrounds into a shared space.”
Bonney’s work with Nurture Natives continues to inspire youth and promote environmental sustainability. To watch her TEDx Talk, visit TEDx Talks YouTube channel. Learn more about Nurture Natives at nurturenatives.org.
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