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 52 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

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.

GCFP promotes donations to support this worthwhile work.

NATURAL DISASTERS USA

A garden club or clubs may apply for funds to help replant, restore and beautify a public area that has been damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, floods, fires, etc.

The restoration project is to be sponsored by State Garden Club or Member Club/s.  A member club may receive up to $5000.00 per disaster project and may receive no more that $5000 per disaster within the NGC Fiscial Year.

Information needed to apply:

• Application form

• Nature and severity of disaster

• Location of area to be restored

• Proposed restoration plan by garden club/s

• Estimated itemized costs of your project

• Other funds received toward restoration project

All applications are reviewed by the Natural Disaster, USA Chairman and Committee. Link to Natural Disasters USA page/application.

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.