Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay is pleased to announce that Nurture Natives has been awarded a Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education (SFE) Grant. The funds will support the creation of a Native Peace Garden at the East John Youth Center in Lusby, MD. Being the only youth-led organization awarded in the US is truly an honor, and we couldn’t be more excited for Esther and Samantha, founders of Nurture Natives!
Nurture Natives is a youth-led environmental group that has grown from its roots at the 2022 National 4-H Youth Agriscience Summit to a nonprofit organization. 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 seven East Coast states, Nurture Natives has reached over 9,280 youth and 36,165 individuals. From a local 4-H Club to a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through environmental initiatives that enhance native biodiversity, cofounders 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 others. Partnering with organizations such as the Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the University of Maryland Extension 4H and Master Gardeners, and National 4-H, Nurture Natives is empowering youth and enhancing native biodiversity across Maryland and beyond. Esther is also a member of Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay.
As Nurture Natives grows, they hope their team will grow alongside it. If you or a youth you know is between the ages 13-18 and have a passion for native species and making a difference, visit NurtureNatives.org to join their team!