Caregivers of Mother Earth was officially designated as a 501(c)(3) organization on 02/22/2022. Just yesterday, I remember looking at the date and commenting that it must be a sign that we will be working together with other partners. True to form, we have been able to achieve so much in three years because of wonderful partners with aligned missions.

Hendersonville, NC becomes first Caregivers of Mother Earth City:

From the early days, making connections with the City of Hendersonville and the Sustainability Board, we have said yes to sponsoring the inaugural Hendo Earth Fest in 2023 and subsequent years in 2024 and 2025. Continuing to work with the city, we supported the revitalization of an overgrown lot, untended for years, into a thriving garden for community residents and perhaps even a model for other city garden projects. 

ECO Kids School Gardens:

The key to success throughout our three years is collaboration. Working with AJ Whittenberg Elementary School of Engineering and the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Greenville, SC, we came together to create a sustainable recipe to ensure the garden continues to live without dependence on any one individual. The leadership team members have come and gone but the garden lives on and each season it’s the children from the two organizations who benefit from the lessons only nature can provide.

Over the three years we have started four additional school gardens in Henderson County, due in large part to funding from Dogwood Health Trust. Each school has its own individual needs, but the common denominator is the children and their connection to nature. 

Growing Young Sprouts Sensory Garden:

Transforming the backyard at Children & Family Resource Center has been a dream come true. The area is inviting for children of all ages to explore nature using all their senses. Over the past two years, COME has been awarded grant funding from the Four Seasons Rotary Club of Henderson County, along with other individual donations to turn an area prone to flooding into a wonderful garden with french drains all around! Again, the transformation has been in collaboration with a leadership team of staff and volunteers and a very generous landscaper willing to provide countless hours to create magic in the garden.

Partnership with Historic Johnson Farm and the Migrant Education Program:

Over the years, we have been fortunate to win a grant each year from the Community Foundation of Henderson County for camperships for 10 students within the Migrant Education Program. Collaboration with all parties has created a rich experience for young students to enjoy farm life and explore nature.

What’s Next for Caregivers of Mother Earth?

We continue to collaborate with community partners and dream big! One example recently, when we asked how COME could expand our outreach to more students, a Principal from one of our elementary school garden clubs suggested we create lesson plans tied to NC Standards by grade to make it seamless for teachers to explore outdoor lessons with their classes. Possibilities abound as children are eager to get outdoors and explore, connect, and observe nature!