CONSERVATION

Rusticus has a long tradition of educating its members and the community on environmental and conservation issues.

Our members practice sustainable gardening, foster healthy soil, and plant native plants, shrubs and trees to increase our insect populations.   Our club participates in community projects such as Pollinator Pathways which aims to connect plots of land, large and small, that are planted with natives and free of pesticides. Our Conservation Committee suggests speakers for an annual conservation program, organizes field trips and every year recognizes a local conservation hero with the Rusticus Community Conservation Award. 

With grants and internships, Rusticus works with and supports the efforts of organizations with similar aims, including Bedford 2030, Westchester Land Trust, the Native Plant Center and several nature preserves.

Our Club works closely with other garden clubs in New York and with the Garden Club of America’s National Affairs and Legislation (NAL) Committee. Rusticus sends delegates to the yearly NAL meeting in Washington D.C. so that they can inform the membership of national conservation legislation and mobilize support when needed. Most recently, we received a call to action from GCA NAL requesting our members write to Senator Schumer to co-sponsor a bill, which combined the Restore Our Parks and The Land and Water Conservation Fund permanent funding bills. Senator Schumer and 57 other senators co-sponsored it, and to our delight the Act was signed into law on August 4th.   Our voices matter!