Blue and Gold Star Memorials
The Blue Star Program honors all men and women that serve in the United States Armed Services. This program began with the planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944 as a living memorial to veterans of World War II. In 1945, the National Council of State Garden Clubs (now NGC, Inc.) adopted this program and began a Blue Star Highway system that covers thousands of miles across the Continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. Blue Star Memorial Highway Markers were placed along the way.
National Garden Week
National Garden Clubs, Inc. designated the first full week of June as National Garden Week. This is a great opportunity to join with garden clubs across the country to celebrate National Garden Week in your community in order to promote NGC objectives of beautification, education of environmental efforts and involvement of garden clubs in the community; to work with other groups to be part of the efforts, to encourage pride in the community and interest new members as well. Below are some ideas to get you started:
. Create a table display at any public facility like the local library. Place a beautiful flower arrangement using flowers from your garden, a fairy garden or a new variety of a small potted plant along with the National Garden Week Proclamation and poster.
. Donate NGC books: The Saved Seeds and The Frightened Frog books to the library.
. Plan a program, activity or workshop to share your knowledge and the joy of gardening. Involve the school children and youth.
Seeds of Friendship
Partners in Conservation (PIC) was founded in 1991 at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in
response to the genocide of the people of Rwanda. Many partnerships were formed to help
the people of Rwanda. The Garden Club of Ohio, Inc. is one. have been partners with the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium since 2007 in their
ultimate goal to save the rain forest where the mountain gorillas live by respectfully helping the animals and
the local population. If people don’t have to use forest resources to care for their families, then the forest will
stand and the animals will survive.
Nature Conservancy of Ohio
For more than 60 years, people like you have helped The Nature Conservancy of Ohio protect nearly 65,000 acres of Ohio’s lakes, forests, winding rivers and rolling hills. We’re building on that legacy and bringing people together to help solve today’s biggest conservation challenges from climate change and habitat loss to protecting clean water. Together we’re stronger!
Plant a Tree, formerly Penny Pines
From NGC’s updated information: “As some of you may already be familiar with this program when it was called Penny Pines, the new name “Plant-A-Tree” better reflects the program’s mission and will help us reach a wider audience.
Previously, we required donations in increments of $68.00. Donors can now contribute any amount, starting from as little as $50.00 to as large as $10,000.00. This change provides greater flexibility for donors and enables a wider range of people to participate in the program.”
New Conservation Partner- the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association
GCO is a Conservation Partner of the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association. ONAPA is a 501(C)(3) organization of volunteers who educate the public and perform an amazing amount of stewardship in 147 State of Ohio recognized Natural Areas and Preserves. Your club or District may make donations of $1.00 (yes, one dollar) or more. Club Conservation Partner memberships are encouraged. Click on the required ONAPA donation form on the GCO website for additional information. All membership and donation dollars stay in Ohio.
Click on Links to:
Link to Blue-Gold Star invitee list 2023-2025
Link to Blue-Gold Star State Guidelines
Link to Ohio Blue Star Memorials
Link to NGC Information: Blue and Gold Star Memorials | National Garden Clubs, Inc.
Link to National Garden Week info: National Garden Week | National Garden Clubs, Inc.
Link to ONAPA Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association