Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay is deeply passionate about highlighting the accomplishments of our chapter and of our members. We were excited to begin 2026 with an article by our chapter President in the Wild Ones Journal. And we continue celebrating the achievements of chapter member, Esther Bonney. Throughout the year, we celebrate many chapter accomplishments in various forms of media.
Stratification in Action – Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay and the USGS Bee Lab
Did you know that many native seeds need a period of cold, moist stratification before the seed will germinate? If you missed it, check out the article in the Wild Ones Journal (Winter 2025) for “Winter’s wake-up call: The science of seed stratification.” Written by Wild Ones Staff, the article explains why seeds need stratification, what it is, and the four types of stratification. Included in the article is a sidebar written by our President on “Stratification in Action – Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay and the USGS Bee Lab.”
“A Conversation with Robin Wall Kimmerer & Esther Bonney”
There’s still time to register for the upcoming free Wild Ones National webinar, “A Conversation with Robin Wall Kimmerer & Esther Bonney“. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear this special collaboration between Robin Wall Kimmerer, author, botanist, and founder of Plant Baby Plant, and youth leader and Nurture Natives founder Esther Bonney for an intergenerational conversation about belonging, reciprocity, and native plant action.
Together, they will explore questions such as:
- How do we create opportunities for young people to have a voice and feel empowered, even when they are not homeowners or decision makers?
- What kinds of relationships and mentorships help people stay engaged in native plant work over decades?
- Why do stories, shared practices, and community invitations matter just as much as plant lists?
- Robin and Esther will reflect on what invites people into this work, what keeps them here, and what elders and youth have to teach each other.
Esther Bonney named to Youth Advisory Council
Congratulations Esther on being selected to the Inaugural Youth Advisory Council of the Center for Rising Generations of the Aspen Institute.
The Youth Advisory Council is officially here. 🎉
Young changemakers who have already brought change to their local communities.
Young changemakers whose lived experiences span rural, urban, suburban, and tribal communities across the U.S.
Young changemakers who are about to help shape what CRG does next.
We’re not selecting them to be tokens or symbolic representations.
They’re here because youth perspectives aren’t just valuable—they’re 100% necessary. And we’ll say that with our whole chest because this council will have real, tangible influence over CRG’s strategy, programs, partnerships, and storytelling.
If you’ve ever felt like “youth voice” was just a buzzword…this Council is proof it doesn’t have to be.
Welcome to our YAC. 👏 ~ Source: Instagram
“I’m excited to join the CRG Youth Advisory Council because it creates space for young people to learn from one another and lead with purpose,” said YAC member, Esther Bonney, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Maryland, College Park. “My passion is empowering youth and supporting community-based solutions at the intersection of mental health and environmental stewardship. I’m eager to bring my energy, creativity, and perspective to the YAC, and to help build initiatives that make a meaningful impact in communities across the country.” ~ Source: Aspen Institute Press Release
“How Nurture Natives is Revitalizing Native Ecosystems Through Youth Leadership”
If you missed our 2025 Annual Meeting blog, check it out. We were excited to have Esther as our special guest. Esther shared her Nurture Natives journey with us. Check out the recording of our 2025 Annual Chapter Meeting to hear Esther speak about “How Nurture Natives is Revitalizing Native Ecosystems Through Youth Leadership.”
“Find your passion; find your partner!”
Esther Bonney, I am so fortunate that our paths crossed several years ago. When we met at the first NatureFest in May 2021 and then again at the Rotary Interact club through NCAC and 4H in January 2022, I could never have imagined the journey we would take together. Growing Nurture Natives from a 4H project to your own non-profit was an inspiration for me to take the leap to founding Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay. And together we are making a difference, along with all the other wonderful friends and supporters we’ve met along the way. Thank you for sharing your journey with us; we have so many memories together! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us in 2026 and how far your passion for biodiversity and youth mental health take you in the future! ~ Marlene Smith, Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay President
College of Southern Maryland Seed Library Photo Gallery
Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay assisted chapter member Maddie Kaba in opening the CSM Seedbox Seed Library in March 2025. As ongoing support of the Seedbox, we offer seasonal opportunities to CSM to bring attention to the importance of native plants in our local community. To showcase the various events, we shared with them our inventory of photos from our joint events and workshops, and the library webmaster created a beautiful photo gallery.
Farm Credit Highlights Mission, Policy Advocacy and Customer Support During 2026 Annual Meeting
Although chapter member Esther Bonney (Nurture Natives) was not mentioned by name, she was included in photos of the event that were shared on social media. She participated as one of the youth speakers who “explored the next generation of agriculture, from its future leaders to the key innovations being developed that will enable it to thrive. Attendees heard from a panel of student representatives from Farm Credit partnership organizations, including FFA, MANRRS, Agriculture Future of America, 4-H, and Tribal Agriculture Fellowship, who discussed the importance of continued investment in youth agriculture initiatives.”
An Interview with Esther Bonney, Founder of Nurture Natives and Environmental Justice Advocate
Chapter member Esther Bonney (Nurture Natives) was featured in an interview with Future Female Scholars, a student-created platform that matches volunteer tutors with students who don’t have access to private one-on-one tutoring. Their goal is to bridge the income gap and provide as many girls as possible with opportunities to explore and succeed in STEM.
When asked “What has been the most impactful project or program so far, and why did it work?”, Esther mentioned our joint seedling giveaways. One of the reasons for their success, says Esther, “Establishing partnerships: long-term relationships, especially with Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay and local nurseries, provided mentorship and early credibility.”
The Nature of Nurturing: Freshman Turns 4H Project into a Nonprofit
Chapter member Esther Bonney’s journey growing Nurture Natives from a local 4H project to a national nonprofit was recognized. Included in the article was a mention of the leaders of Esther’s 4H Pollinator Ambassador Club, including chapter President, Marlene Smith, who is also a St. Mary’s County Master Gardener.
We Invite You to Share Your Story!
Sharing our chapter’s and members’ activities and awards allows Wild Ones National the opportunity to celebrate and share our achievements through various channels, including the Wild Ones Journal, at the Annual Member Meeting, in Wild Ones chapter/member newsletters, on the Wild Ones website and social media channels, in programs/presentations, and in printed brochures/materials. If your work in the community has been recognized in the media or if you’ve received an award, please let us know so we can share it with our chapter members and the national office. We know our members are doing a lot of great work out in our community, and we’d like to share and recognize your accomplishments.
Check out the links below to view media and awards featuring Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay and our members. Have a story to share? Submit links and details to [email protected]
- Winter 2025 Wild Ones Journal – “Stratification in Action” (p. 26) featuring Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay and the USGS Bee Lab
- 1/7/2026 “Center for Rising Generations at the Aspen Institute Launches Inaugural Youth Advisory Council to Power Youth-Led Solutions to Today’s Most Pressing Challenges” featuring Esther Bonney
- 1/9/2026 ‘Meet the Inaugural Youth Advisory Council” featuring Esther Bonney
- 2/4/2026 “College of Southern Maryland Seed Library Photo Gallery“
- 2/6/2026 “Farm Credit Highlights Mission, Policy Advocacy and Customer Support During 2026 Annual Meeting” featuring Esther Bonney
- 2/12/2026 “An Interview with Esther Bonney, Founder of Nurture Natives and Environmental Justice Advocate“
- 2/26/2026 “The Nature of Nurturing: Freshman Turns 4H Project Into a Nonprofit” featuring Esther Bonney (page 10)
Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay is deeply rooted in native plants and cultivating partnerships, while striving to educate, advocate, and collaborate to connect people and native plants for a healthy planet. Our vision is native plants and natural landscapes thriving in every community. Check out our Events page, Google calendar, Facebook, and/or Instagram for our upcoming events. And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and email list!
