Looking for a Wonderful Cause to Support This Earth Day 2024?

We love supporting organizations that are doing good work for the planet. This year, we were inspired by One Tree Planted's list of 11 environmental charities to support. We decided to focus on native plant conservation for Earth Day 2024.

Why do native plants need our help? Well, between climate change and accelerated habitat loss (aka urban sprawl), our native plants are disappearing fast. The United States alone has lost more than 100 million acres of irreplaceable ecosystems. That's basically the size of Florida, Alabama, and Georgia combined. Just let that sink in for a second.

Not only are native plants important for biodiversity, they also provide food and shelter for wildlife, improve our air and water quality, and of course, give us food and medicine.

So with that in mind, here are some of our favorite charities that are working to support precious native plants and natural landscapes (plus one organization with the same mission as Gardenary—putting gardens in every household in America).

The Center for Plant Conservation

Plants—and most importantly, plant diversity—are integral to our planet's health. The Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) is a network of plant conservationists working to save rare and endangered plants in the US and Canada. Their work includes collecting and managing seeds and plants, advancing our understanding of threats to native plants, determining new ways to save threatened species, and most importantly, educating the public.

Visit their website to learn more and make a donation.

The Native Plant Society of the United States

The Native Plant Society of the United States is on a mission to promote native plant conservation through collaboration, education, and advocacy. They're working at the state and federal level to improve conservation laws so that threatened plants receive the same protection as imperiled animals. They're also advocating for increased state and federal funding for plant conservation.

Visit their website to learn more and find out how you can take action to protect native plants.

The Center for Biological Diversity

The Center for Biological Diversity serves as a strong national voice for native plants to ensure threatened species are receiving critical habitat protection under the Endangered Species Act. Their advocacy work also aims to protect existing ecosystems so that native plants—and the wildlife that depends on them—aren't put in danger in the first place.

Visit their website to learn more about how you can help.

Big Green

Big Green believes that growing food changes lives. They're on a mission to get every single person in America growing a little bit of their own food through school- and home-based programs. That means giving gardens and grants to schools and making gardening more accessible for home gardeners. I was really excited to find an organization with a mission so aligned with Gardenary's that's really getting out there and bringing gardening into so many lives.

Visit their website to learn more and to see if Big Green is growing near you.

Other Notable Organizations That Are Helping Our Planet

Here are more charities that would love your support.

The Urban Garden Initiative (TUGI)

This incredible organization is inspiring and empowering youths to achieve sustainability and end food deserts through urban agriculture. Visit their website to get involved or donate.

Tennessee Native Planting Society

I have to support the state I've made my home, and this organization is protecting Tennessee's wild plant communities, including plants that are endangered both nationally and regionally. Visit their website to join the society or make a donation.

American Horticultural Society

The society is inspiring a new generation of gardening and horticultural enthusiasts by teaching creative and sustainable practices for our planet. Visit their website to donate or connect with the appropriate native plant society for your state or region.

Wild Ones

Wild Ones promotes native landscapes through education, advocacy, and collaborative action with businesses and other organizations. Visit their website to find your local chapter or download a free resource to help you design your own native plant garden.

Join Us in Supporting Our Planet This Earth Day

Whether you make a donation, join an organization, or just learn a little more about the importance of native plants, we're grateful you're here and doing your part to make our planet a little greener. Here's to a better, more sustainable future on this one planet we call home!

PS: Make sure to follow us on Instagram to learn more about our Earth Day giveaway.