At Wild Ones, we believe that connecting people and native plants is the key to a healthier planet. That’s why we are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Nurture Natives, an inspiring youth-led nonprofit dedicated to environmental advocacy and biodiversity restoration. This collaboration, started with the Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay Chapter, will bring together our shared passion for native ecosystems and empower the next generation of environmental stewards.
About Nurture Natives
Founded by high school students Esther Bonney and Samantha Rutherford after attending the National 4-H Youth Summit on Agriscience, Nurture Natives addresses the pressing issue of invasive plant species in their community. Their initiative has grown into a nationally recognized organization making significant impacts through education, advocacy, and hands-on conservation efforts.
Key accomplishments of Nurture Natives include:
- Developing Nurture Natives: A Guide to Invasive Species and Their Native Look-Alikes to help individuals make informed planting choices.
- Leading environmental outreach across the East Coast, educating communities on biodiversity and sustainable landscaping.
- Distributing tens of thousands of native plants through giveaways and nursery partnerships.
- Successfully advocating for legislative action, including a ban on the invasive Callery pear tree in Maryland.
- Receiving national recognition, such as the 2024 President’s Environmental Youth Award.
Their mission aligns seamlessly with Wild Ones’ vision of native plants and natural landscapes thriving in every community.
Learn More about Esther Bonney
About Esther Bonney
Esther Bonney, co-founder and director of Nurture Natives, is a passionate advocate for youth-led biodiversity restoration and environmental education. A senior in high school, Esther’s impressive dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, recognition as a semi-finalist for the 2024 Brower Youth Awards, and finalist for the National 4-H Youth in Action Award two years running. She serves actively with several environmental organizations, including the Maryland Native Plant Coalition, Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay, Friends of Patuxent, and the MD 4-H State Council. Esther’s inspiring journey was featured at TEDxHagerstownWomen, highlighting how native plants have shaped her personal growth and environmental vision. Looking ahead, Esther intends to pursue a career in environmental law to amplify her advocacy efforts. In her free time, Esther enjoys playing the violin and caring for her five goats.
We sat down virtually with Esther Bonney, co-founder of Nurture Natives, to learn more about what drives her work, the challenges and triumphs of youth-led advocacy, and the deep connection she feels to native plants. Her words offer insight, wisdom, and a powerful reminder of why nurturing the next generation of conservationists is so important.
Q: Who inspires you as a leader and changemaker?
Esther: My greatest inspiration is Ms. Marlene Smith, President and Founder of Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay. She’s not only a Wild Ones Chapter Leader, University of Maryland Master Gardener, and Xerces Ambassador, but also the most generous mentor and friend I could ask for. Her knowledge, commitment to native plants, and passion for community have been integral to Nurture Natives’ success and my personal growth. I feel incredibly grateful to have her in my life.
Q: You’ve achieved a lot already—what accomplishment are you most proud of?
Esther: If I had to choose one, it would be being invited to speak at TEDxHagerstownWomen in December 2024. That experience allowed me to share not only Nurture Natives’ mission, but also my personal journey—how I transformed grief into purpose after losing my brother, and how native plants helped me heal.
Q: What advice would you give other young people who want to make a difference?
Esther: Don’t underestimate yourself or your impact. You don’t need to have all the answers or wait for permission. Start where you are, use what you have, and trust in the power of your voice. The most important step is simply beginning.
Q: As a young ambassador for the movement, what challenges have you faced?
Esther: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by climate change and biodiversity loss, especially when you’re not a homeowner or lack family support. But I’ve seen youth reclaim their agency—planting school gardens, organizing removals, educating peers. Small actions add up. These challenges have only deepened my commitment.
Q: What is your favorite native plant?
Esther: The white oak (Quercus alba). It supports more wildlife species than nearly any other tree in North America and symbolizes strength, resilience, and legacy—everything I hope our generation can grow into.
A Partnership Rooted in Growth
By joining forces, Wild Ones and Nurture Natives are creating new opportunities to expand our impact. This partnership will:
- Engage more young people in native plant advocacy, fostering a new generation of conservation leaders.
- Support Nurture Natives’ growth, providing resources and connections to help them expand their programs.
- Increase accessibility to native plant education through collaborative events, workshops, and outreach efforts.
- Strengthen advocacy efforts, amplifying the call for native landscaping and the removal of invasive species.
Our Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay Chapter is proud to be a starting point for this collaboration, and we look forward to seeing the impact ripple outward. By working together, we are planting the seeds of change and nurturing not just native ecosystems, but also the passionate young leaders who will protect them for generations to come.
Join Us in Supporting This Initiative
This is just the beginning of an exciting journey. We invite you to:
- Explore Nurture Natives’ work and watch Esther’s TEDx Talk for an inspiring look at youth-driven conservation.
- Share Nurture Natives: A Guide to Invasive Species and Their Native Look-Alikes to help more people make informed planting choices.
- Get involved with Wild Ones and Nurture Natives to support hands-on conservation and advocacy efforts.
Together, we are creating a future where native plants flourish, invasive species recede, and young environmentalists find their voice. We can’t wait to see what we accomplish next!