Meet Our Team
We are an enthusiastic, all-volunteer group of community members who are passionate about nurturing diverse healthy habitats in the Carolina Foothills and beyond.
Our Leadership Team consists of :
Vard Henry, Corrie Woods , Donna Wise , Karen Bird, Donna Younkin and Anita Saulmon
While we began with just a few, we now have an incredible dream team of talented and very dedicated volunteers. This initiative would not be possible without each and every one of the fine folks on this team!
Our expanded Leadership Team includes:
Vivian Cheek and the entire Green Blades Garden Club, Clyde Younkin, Jay Lichty, John Vining, John Lane, Denny and Skip Crowe, Pam Torlina, Nick Fischer and many more!
This initiative was launched in partnership with Creation Care Team of the The Congregational Church (UCC) in Tryon, NC and Conserving Carolina. We are grateful for these ongoing partnerships!
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Gardening For Life Project 2023-2024 Focus Areas
Explore ways to make native plants more readily available to our community
Host community events that bring folks together in conversations about healthy habitats
Host a 2024 Gardening For Life Celebration in Polk County
Host Gardening For Life in the Foothills community conversations. We’ll explore ways to put the teachings of Doug Tallamy and others into practice in our yards and communities. Examples of topics explored: how-to's, available resources, tip sheets, examples of folks putting this all into action and Q&A.
Support and spotlight organizations and services that protect nature and improve habitats in the Carolina Foothills and beyond - See our Learning Center.
Promote ways that our communities can become more pollinator and habitat friendly
Encourage a shift in thinking from “the problems are too big” to “we can make a difference!”
Where We Began - Gardening For Life Project 2023 Focus Areas
Bring NY Times best-selling author, entomologist and champion for healthy, biodiverse habitats Dr. Doug Tallamy to Polk County NC as keynote speaker
Host the Gardening for Life Celebration on March 4, 2023 at Polk County High School in Columbus, NC. This event will feature resources, education and organizations that support all of us to make positive changes for healthy habitats
Create, support and spotlight organizations and services that protect nature and improve habitats in the Carolina Foothills and beyond
Promote ways that our communities can become more pollinator and habitat friendly
Encourage a shift in thinking from “the problems are too big” to “we can make a difference!”