The Akron Garden Club has a strong program to improve and protect the environment and to conserve historic and scenic sites.

We advocate for environmental issues consistent with Garden Club of America position papers.
The Garden Club of America (of which we are a member) has created position papers based upon independent, academic, peer-reviewed scientific research. Together these papers are used as the basis for the formulation of responsible public policy and legislation, as well as appropriate funding to ensure quality results for: Preservation of Native Plants; National Parks; Responsible Waste Reduction; Clean Water; Clean Air; National Public Lands; Transportation (billboard control, scenic quality, scenic byways and enhancements).
The Garden Club of America has a lobbyist to support its issues.
The Garden Club of America provides the Club with background information and timely updates on current conservation legislation.
The Akron Garden Club follows national, state, regional and local issues consistent with the position papers, in part through the Club newsletter.
Members are often asked to communicate with legislators on these issues.

We educate members and the community in the philosophy of recycle, reuse and restore.
The Akron Garden Club created a brochure “Trash and Such . . . a Guide for Recycling.” The publication listed places where items could be recycled.
Recycling opportunities can be viewed on this website .

We advocate the use of native plants and encourage the avoidance and removal of invasive plants, in order to create and preserve diversity. To further this goal, the club has:
Protected and helped propagate the Northern Monkshood that inhabits a special environment in Gorges Park of Metro Parks serving Summit County.

Rescued more than 85,000 wildflowers and native plants from 1997 through 2007 from construction sites and donated them to the Governors Mansion, Stan Hywet Hall, Metroparks Serving Summit County, and many other public places.
Developed a booklet called, “Invasive Plants in Northern Ohio” (1997).
Funded, through the Garden Club of America “Partners for Plants,” a program to remove invasive plants on public lands. Club members have led groups and participated in removing large areas of invasive plants from the Cuyahoga Valley National Parks.

We provide continuing education in the fields of conservation.
The Club annually provides scholarships for urban youths to participate in the four day camping experience at the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center in the National Park.
The Club sponsors educators and conservation leaders who attend teacher workshops and other special educational opportunities.
We invite important conservation leaders to speak to the club several times a year.

We establish partnerships with appropriate organizations for the preservation and conservation of natural resources and historic landscapes.
The Club has worked with both governmental and community organizations including the City of Akron, MetroParks Serving Summit County, Keep Akron Beautiful, National Park Service, Ohio Department of Natural Resource, Cascade Locks Association, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Let’s Grow Akron, Scenic Ohio, Secrest Arboretum, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, etc.
For example, the Akron Garden Club recently donated $50,000 to the Mustill House and Store Landscape Plan which is part of the Cascade Locks Park Association. This is an important stop along the canal towpath and part of the National Heritage Corridor and the Scenic Byway.

We encourage members to experience interesting local environments:
by planning informal outings and hikes; by using local resources for our meetings such as MetroParks Serving Summit County, National Park, and Stan Hywet locations; by listing local events in our monthly newsletter and our website calendar.

We recognize conservation leaders.
The Akron Garden Club recognizes and honors local and regional leaders in conservation.
National Medals have been awarded to: Wendell LaDue; The Honorable John F. Seiberling; and PPG Industries (for restoration of the lime lakes).
Zone awards recognizing regional leaders have been given to: Judy Isroff, John Debo, Ramona and F. Eugene Smith, Ian Adams and Guy L. Denny.
The Akron Beacon Journal, Elaine Marsh, Rosalie Steiner, Carrie Nasrallah, Frances McGovern, Virginia Wojno-Forney and Mary Regula were honored with Club awards.
In addition, Club members receive recognition for their conservation efforts.

Sue Klein

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