National Projects

BLUE STAR MEMORIAL MARKERS

During World War II the country became committed to supporting the war efforts by erecting war memorials. Generally these were stone or bronze statues or buildings that commemorated a hero or specific battle. Garden Club members visualized a living memorial, and, in 1947, the project was born. This nationwide living memorial projected ribbon dedicated highways across the country in every state with markers at appropriate locations such as state lines, entrance to towns, intersections and rest areas. It was decided that a blue star should be the centerpiece of the memorial sign. This was chosen because it symbolizes the Blue Star on the World War II service flag, which hung in so many homes of service men and women as a tribute. Garden Club members immediately responded to this program. The first step in placing a marker was to petition the state legislature to designate a section of highway in that state as a segment of the Blue Star Memorial Highway. Upon approval, garden clubs could then buy a marker and plan the landscaping at the memorial site. National Garden Clubs, Inc., policy favored naturalistic plantings of diversified indigenous trees and shrubs to blend with the existing landscape at the location. The site would have to meet with the approval of the state highway commission and the highway department. When completed the Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker, with the appropriate plantings, would identify the memorial route. There are already 43 Blue Star Memorial Markers in Pennsylvania, including those on the PA Turnpike. Many of the Districts are planning to install Blue Star Memorial Markers in their Districts during the next year or two.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY LANDSCAPING

In May 1999, a partnership was formed between National Garden Clubs, Inc. and Habitat For Humanity. HFH's mission is to eliminate poverty housing from the face of the earth. NGC Inc.'s goal is to encourage garden clubs across the nation to participate in the landscaping of HFH homes. The theme of this project is "Open Your Hearts and Hands", and the philosophy is that no commitment -- physical or monetary is too small. All endeavors and contributions will be gratefully acknowledged.

Emphasis is on enhancing the environment by landscaping HFH homes, landscaping with native trees, shrubs and plants that also attract butterflies. It is the hope of NGC to have the community, both adult and young gardeners, involved in this very worthy project. NGC's goal is 100% participation, in some manner, across the nation.

WORLD GARDENING & NATURAL DISASTERS

Since 1947, National Garden Clubs, Inc., has reached out to developing countries to help struggling communities become more self-sufficient and productive. In recent years, NGC worked with non-profit development organizations such as CARE to help families learn how to manage and preserve natural resources and increase their productivity. Presently, due to the tremendous devastation caused by natural disasters in a number of our International Affiliate countries, special donations will be used to plant trees in the areas of greatest devastation. The National Funded Project is now "World Gardening/Natural Disasters/International". The purpose is to aid those countries that have been devastated by ravages of fires, floods, pestilence, hurricanes, tornadoes and the like. Natural Disasters, a chairmanship of the National Garden Clubs, Inc., demonstrates the caring nature of all garden club members for those states experiencing a natural disaster. Monetary gifts toward the restoration of garden related areas may be made available for projects undertaken by garden club members. Member garden clubs may make contributions through their district or directly to the State World Gardening Chairman with checks made payable to GCFP and the notation "World Gardening/Natural Disasters/International" in the lower left corner.

Global Partners Running Waters Inc. is a nonprofit organization established to build relationships through collaboration on water, food and health projects in Latin America.

As part of NGC’s World Gardening Committee, NGC has chosen to:

• Support Global Partners Running Waters
• Promote awareness of this important cause in our publications
• Raise funds to bring safe drinking water to Ojo de Agua Quiche, Guatemala.

All monies raised by NGC will be used to support this project.

You can choose to donate as an individual, a club, a district or a state. It is an excellent way to celebrate a special occasion, honor a loved one, or recognize a special achievement. All donations will be acknowledged with a printed tax receipt form.

Donations may be made in any amount. Make checks payable to:GCFP. Please indicate “NGC--Global Partners” on the memo portion of your check.

OPERATION WILDFLOWER

"Operation Wildflower" is a National Garden Clubs, Inc., program dedicated to the beautification of roadsides and other approved areas. This program aims to stimulate interest in the restoration and establishment of wildflower and native plants along Pennsylvania highways. It encourages the development of natural areas incorporating wildflowers and other indigenous plant material in historic or memorial gardens, nature trails, outdoor classrooms and in private home gardens. Promoting wildflower workshops across the state to increase individual knowledge of native flora in each locale.

LAND TRUST

The Land Trust program promotes preservation of natural areas by cooperating with others to acquire, maintain and protect areas of ecological significance. Another goal is to develop increased awareness of Pennsylvania's and other states threatened natural heritage. The Nature Conservancy, which our GCFP Land Trust supports, is working with private landowners, businesses, government and other conservation groups to preserve habitats vital to the biodiversity of the State of Pennsylvania. GCFP promotes donations to support this worthwhile work.

Penny Pines Reforestation Program

The Penny Pines Reforstation program is an on-going project throughout the United State. All donations made to Penny Pines are used to repair and  maintain the State and National Forests here in the United States. More information about how to participate in this program in Pennsylvania is available on the Penny Pines page of this web site.

THE GREAT SUNFLOWER PROJECT

The Great Sunflower Project, a community science project with the goal of increasing our understanding of where bees are doing poorly and how the pollination of our garden and wild plants are being affected, is creating a Buzz! Join this project by planting sunflowers in your garden. Community, demonstration, and school gardens are invited to participate.

Participants will be sent some free native sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seed and twice a month, you time how long it takes for 5 bees to visit one flower on that sunflower. This information will give an index of pollination that can be compared across the United States.  Once we know where bees are in trouble, we can start developing a plan to help them.

You can see the details about the project and register at www.greatsunflower.org or contact sfbee@sfsu.edu for more information.