Esther Bonney
Founder and Director
Nurture Natives
Nurture Natives is a youth-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to empowering young people through conversations and initiatives that enhance native biodiversity. As the Director of Nurture Natives, I oversee team recruitment, grant writing, and social media management. My responsibilities include: building and leading a dedicated youth team, developing partnerships with local organizations to expand our reach, and overseeing community events and plant giveaways.
It brings me the greatest joy to inspire young people to connect with their environment, understand the species they share it with, and feel empowered enough to take action. I am dedicated to creating a future where both our young people and environment thrive!
My typical day involves engaging with community members and activists, visiting local nurseries and organizations, hosting educational events at schools, and organizing community giveaways where we distribute free native seedlings and plants.
Attending the 2022 National 4-H Youth Summit on Agriscience inspired me to develop an initiative addressing an agricultural issue in my community. After speaking with farmers and community members, I identified the prevalence of invasive plant species as well as the decline of native biodiversity as serious concerns. These led me to establish Nurture Natives, which began as a local 4-H Club in Southern Maryland, and has grown into a youth-led nonprofit driving change across seven East Coast states!
My vision for Nurture Natives is to expand nationwide, empowering youth everywhere to know their worth, feel confident in their voices, and actively participate in protecting their local native ecosystems! As the Native Plant Movement gains traction, I want youth voices to be brought to the forefront of environmental conversations and initiatives through Nurture Natives.
Alongside my work with Nurture Natives, I enjoy playing the violin and caring for my five goats — Oreo, Stuart, Maple, Olive, and Capricorn. I also love spending time with family and friends and being outdoors!
"Set yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn." - John Wesley