HELP YOUR COMMUNITY BECOME A

Caregivers of Mother Earth CITY

WELCOME TO OUR

COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAMS

Becoming a Caregivers of Mother Earth City is a unifying opportunity to connect with one another and discover our shared commitment to caring for Mother Earth. Creating sustainable change has never been easier, as we provide a simple three-step approach. With a variety of programs available, you can make a personal or community-level impact. Join us in transforming your hometown through our COME City Program, which offers a step-by-step guide to creating an eco-impact. Explore our current programs outlined below and embark on a journey towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Monarchs & Milkweed

The Monarchs and Milkweed Program supports monarch butterflies by promoting the availability of milkweed, their essential habitat for reproduction and survival. Each summer the monarchs deliver 5 generations of offspring if they have sufficient milkweed. We are creating a milkweed movement! 

Pollinator

Gardens

The Pollinator Garden Program is a community based initiative  that aims to create and maintain gardens designed to attract and support vital pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds. It raises awareness about their importance and provides a vibrant habitat for these essential creatures.

COMMUNITY

GROWTH

Our Community Gardens and Eco Kids Program is a collaborative initiative that engages the community in sustainable gardening practices, providing children with hands-on educational experiences and fostering a deeper connection with nature and environmental stewardship.

BECOME A CAREGIVERS OF MOTHER EARTH CITY

Creating sustainable change is as easy as 1,2,3! We offer a variety of programs for you to make an impact personally, or on a community level.


We are looking for communities to become Caregivers of Mother Earth Cities.  Our COME City Program will give your hometown a step-by-step guide to creating an eco-impact. Our current programs are outlined below.

If you are interested in helping your city become a Caregivers of Mother Earth City, reach out to Elle at elle@caregiversofmotherearth.org

CAREGIVERS OF MOTHER EARTH CITIES

Hendersonville, NC

Hendersonville proudly stands as the cornerstone and the first official Caregivers of Mother Earth (COME) city. With the unanimous support of their City Council and the unwavering dedication of their community members, they actively engage in programs and initiatives that make a meaningful impact. The city hired its first Sustainability Manager in 2023. Together, COME, Bee City, and Tree City organizations are collaborating to ensure the success of our first city community garden and plan to use this as a guide for additional gardens. Hendersonville sets an inspiring example, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship and fostering a sustainable future.

Travelers Rest, SC

Travelers Rest became the second Caregivers of Mother Earth City in July, 2023. With a deep commitment to preserving their natural landscapes, they plan to start pollinator gardens, thoughtfully designed to foster biodiversity and support the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The city will also be cultivating an abundance of milkweed, as a safe haven for  monarch butterflies, ensuring their continued existence. Mayor Amidon recently signed the Mayor's Monarch Pledge committing the city to expand education and signage for the importance of monarch habitat. Join them on this remarkable journey as they cultivate a sustainable future and forge a lasting connection with nature.

Your City! Coming Soon

Are you passionate about environmental stewardship and making a positive impact in your community? Consider applying to become a Caregivers of Mother Earth city! As a COME city, you will have the opportunity to implement transformative programs such as Monarchs & Milkweed, Pollinator Gardens, and Community Growth. Apply now and be a catalyst for change in your town as a proud Caregivers of Mother Earth City!

Special Community Project

BROOKLYN COMMUNITY GARDEN

Spring 2025 saw the grand opening of the Brooklyn Community Garden expansion and revitalization! This marks the first community garden for the City of Hendersonville and it is now a place for communal gathering and learning among all ages and mobilities. 


The dream of building Green Meadow's access to fresh food and a safe outdoor community space has become a reality. This all came about as a collaborative effort between the city, non-profits, community organizations, and everyday volunteers. 

Highlights of the garden include: 


  • Pergola for community gatherings 
  • Blueberry house 
  • Garden beds, including children’s area and ADA accessible beds 
  • ADA-compliant path 
  • Pollinator plantings 



The garden also features a special children’s garden as a tribute to environmental and community champion, Crystal Cauley. 


For more information, please email Sustainability Manager, Caitlyn Gendusa, at cgendusa@hvlnc.gov. 

Special Community Project

Sensory Garden

Thanks to the Four Seasons Rotary Club of Hendersonville, NC, and their generosity to Caregivers of Mother Earth. The grant has allowed us to design and create a sensory garden landscape at The Children & Family Resource Center. The staff have embraced our “Growing Young Sprouts Garden” with fanciful art projects and garden activities for families and children.


Metal garden beds have allowed the children to successfully grow and harvest garden veggies that in the previous year were all eaten by the groundhog which they fondly called Chicken Fried Steak!


Young mothers and their children learned life lessons about wildlife and providing for them while at the same time ensuring they could have produce for their use. Children enjoyed planting seedlings, playing in nature, and eating home-grown tomatoes - handpicked!

Interested in enhancing Hendersonville's green spaces and supporting environmental initiatives? Visit the Hendersonville Land Management Page to learn more about our efforts to increase tree canopy cover, protect pollinator biodiversity, promote outdoor recreation, community gardens, and improve our city's overall health and character.