We recently connected with Esther Bonney and have shared our conversation below.

Esther, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Nurture Natives’ mission is to empower youth through environmental initiatives that promote native biodiversity. But our work goes beyond just planting native species—it’s about reshaping how young people see themselves in relation to the world around them. Growing up in Southern Maryland, I’ve witnessed firsthand the destruction of local ecosystems as urban sprawl surged at unprecedented rates. Compounded by this, I, like many of my peers, felt powerless in the face of the global crises facing our generation, such as biodiversity loss and climate change.

That feeling of helplessness is exactly why Nurture Natives is so meaningful to me. I wanted to show that young people not only have a voice but the power to drive real change. Youth don’t have to be bystanders as our native species disappear and our old-growth forests fall—we can be part of the solution. Since founding Nurture Natives in March 2022, we’ve planted 2.2 million seeds, distributed 56,380 seedlings and 550 trees, and educated over 9,400 youth.

Our mission is about restoring both native biodiversity and a sense of purpose in youth by empowering them to find their passion and channel it into action. Once your passion finds a purpose, the possibilities become boundless. Nurture Natives reconnects young people with their natural environments in a way that reawakens their belief that small actions—such as planting seeds and speaking out—can create a ripple effect of change. Our work isn’t just about protecting biodiversity; it’s about transforming the mindset of young people to realize they have an inimitable value and impact and the ability to make a lasting impact on both their communities and the planet.

Esther, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a 17-year-old high school senior and the founder and director of Nurture Natives, a youth-led nonprofit recognized by the Biden-Harris Administration and the EPA as one of the most impactful in the United States. My advocacy journey began after losing my older brother to suicide in 2019, a shock that deeply affected my own mental health. In the wake of this loss, I sought solace in nature, spending countless hours walking along the creek near my home. It was here that I not only rediscovered the beauty of the world around me but also found the strength and determination to channel my grief into purpose. During those months, I learned to identify native plants and insects, igniting my passion for native species conservation and a determination to empower other young people to connect with their local environment. Today’s youth are grappling with two critical issues: a mental health epidemic and a growing disconnect from nature. This reality fueled my determination to help other young people heal and find purpose through nature.

Soon after, I became a 4-H Pollinator Ambassador, leading presentations at schools and libraries. After attending the 2022 National 4-H Youth Summit on Agriscience, I returned home eager to address a local agricultural issue. Through conversations with local farmers and scientists from the University of Maryland and Chesapeake Bay Foundation, I identified a critical concern: the proliferation of invasive plant species threatening local crops and native ecosystems. This inspired me to leverage my passion for mental health advocacy, youth empowerment, and native biodiversity to found Nurture Natives in March 2022. Originally a local 4-H Club called the Pollinator Ambassadors, Nurture Natives has provided a platform for the youth of Southern Maryland—an area rich in agricultural heritage—to confront challenges faced by local farmers and communities. I wanted to create an environment where young people could engage with nature, learn about biodiversity, and recognize their capacity to make a difference. By fostering this connection, we not only support mental health but also build resilience in youth.

Our efforts have yielded significant outcomes: we’ve engaged over 9,400 youth and 80,000 individuals through in-person programs across the East Coast, restored 364 acres’ worth of native landscapes, and donated $24,000 worth of native plants to underserved communities. I also partnered with University of Maryland Master Gardeners to write and design “Nurture Natives: A Guide to Invasive Species and their Native Look-Alikes,” a comprehensive 25-page guide discussing our mission and the effects of native versus invasive species on pollinators, agriculture, and biodiversity. This guide has been published by the University of Maryland, with hundreds of copies being distributed to nurseries and Master Gardener groups across Maryland, Washington D.C., New Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Nurture Natives is unique for its focus on the intersection of mental health and environmental stewardship. Both issues demand urgent action, as they are deeply interconnected. Today, the average American youth spends less than 10 minutes outside each day compared to an average of 7.5 hours on screens. If young people don’t engage with nature, they won’t understand what’s at stake and won’t feel compelled to protect it.

Looking ahead, my vision for Nurture Natives is evolve into a nationwide movement of youth-led environmental and mental health advocacy. I want to see our programs reach more communities, especially underserved areas, and continue integrating mental health advocacy into our initiatives. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished so far. Being honored with the 2024 President’s Environmental Youth Award from the EPA, the 2024 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, and an invitation to speak at the TEDxHagerstownWomen event this December have been significant milestones. But this is just the beginning! There’s still so much work to do, and I am committed to doing everything I can in my lifetime to conserve our native species and landscapes and empower the next generation of environmental stewards.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of leading Nurture Natives is empowering youth to find their own voices. I have a deep passion for youth empowerment, and talking with young people about their interests and concerns has become one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. We all have dreams and hopes for our future, and we all have the ability to create change. We all have a voice. We all have an impact. Convincing youth that they have the ability to use their voice to make a positive impact today is a core component of Nurture Natives’ mission.

Connecting young people with their local environments—whether through educating them about native plants, planting seeds together, or hosting community giveaways—and inspiring them to take action brings me the greatest joy. These initiatives do more than restore native ecosystems; they nurture mental well-being and cultivate a sense of ecological responsibility. I’ve seen firsthand how engaging with the natural world can transform feelings of anxiety and helplessness into a newfound sense of purpose and capability. Through Nurture Natives, I aim to instill in youth the belief that their lives and actions have lasting impacts. They bring innate value to their communities and have the power to transform them. In their lifetime, they could inspire someone, be a mentor, spark a movement, or even save a life. Our world needs their voices and contributions now more than ever.

I understand what it’s like to struggle with a sense of purposelessness. For so long, I felt overwhelmed and disconnected, unsure of how to channel my energy into something meaningful. I often questioned whether my life would be remembered—whether it would truly be impactful. By aligning my passion with a purpose, I’ve discovered limitless potential. It’s a journey I want to share with young people to help them recognize and unlock their own potential and capacity to make a difference.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I’d love to share the story of how I met Ms. Marlene Smith, my mentor who has become an integral part of both Nurture Natives and my personal journey. Our collaboration marked a significant turning point for me and for Nurture Natives. From our very first conversation, it was evident that Ms. Marlene was a remarkable individual. Her enthusiasm and commitment to native plants and advocacy are infectious. As a University of Maryland Master Gardener, Xerces Ambassador, and the founder and president of Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay, Ms. Marlen’s knowledge of native species, ecosystems, and ecologically-based gardening continually inspires me to learn more and expand my own understanding.

What began as a simple request for guidance quickly blossomed into a dynamic partnership. Together, we regularly collaborate on presentations, community giveaways, and restoration projects. Her support has been instrumental in shaping Nurture Natives’ impact. You’ll rarely see one of us at an event without the other! I feel incredibly blessed to have Ms. Marlene in my life. Nurture Natives couldn’t have achieved any of this without her. My greatest hope is to make even a fraction of the impact on a young person that Ms. Marlene has made on me as a mentor. Her love, joy, and unwavering support mean everything to me. Thank you, Ms. Marlene, for being my greatest mentor, inspiration, and friend.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nurturenatives.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurture_natives/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Nurture-Natives-100092384580210/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-bonney-8ab866171/

Image Credits

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