Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay is deeply passionate about highlighting the accomplishments of our chapter and of our members. We are excited to begin 2026 with two notable achievements of chapter member, Esther Bonney.
“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
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]
- 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
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!
