Meet Our Team

We are five enthusiastic 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 , Karen Bird, Donna Younkin and Anita Saulmon

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
— MARGARET MEAD

Gardening For Life Project 2024-2025 Focus Areas

  • Explore ways to make native plants more readily available to our community - Spring and Fall Plant Sales

  • Host community events that bring folks together in conversations about healthy habitats - Pints For Pollinators and more

  • Provide engaging resources and education to help folks move from overwhelm to action - Habitatscaping™

  • 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!”

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

  • 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!”