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.

OPERATION WILDFLOWER GRANTS may be awarded to regions, states, districts, and clubs that sponsor or co-sponsor educational programs, seminars or symposia on native flora and/or wildflowers. A grant of up to $500.00 is available to be used towards direct expenses for an educational program on this subject. State Garden Clubs, districts, councils and individual garden clubs may co-sponsor a symposium with state agencies, arboreta, native plant societies, or similar organizations. Gardeners are eager for information on native plants; state highway or transportation departments need publicity and support for their planting programs. Try to schedule the date when wildflowers are in bloom in your location.

Subjects to be covered:

1. One or more topics on native flora: endangered species, plants for butterflies, plants for special habitats, identification using keys, invasive species management, etc.

2. Public planting: state highways, rest areas, preservation of community naturalareas.

3. Propagation of wildflowers.

4. Designing native plant gardens or developing nature trails

5. Operation Wildflower Awards information

Exhibits: such as fresh or pressed wildflowers, charts, propagation examples, books.

Field Trip: Need not be a long excursion. Select a facility for the meeting where there are

native plantings on the grounds, or a nearby nature trail.

To Apply:

1. At least two months in advance send two copies of the tentative program and a copy of the proposed budget to the NGC chairman.

2. If approved, half of the grant requested will be sent by NGC.

3. At the conclusion of the workshop, within two months, send a short report, including a financial statement and the number of people in attendance, two copies of the final program, and any publicity. Remaining funds will be sent if merited according to the scale of points:

Scale of Points:

Program 40

Field trip 25

Exhibits 10

Attendance 15

Participation of other groups 5

Report 5

Total 100

NGC Wildflower Awards and Grants Chairman:

Sue Redden

16 Appian Way

Barrington, RI 02806

Phone: 401-245-8215

Link to NGC Grant Information & Application

Information on Operation Wildflower Awards can be found on the Club Information page.