Kate Taucher and I attended the Garden Club of America National Affairs & Legislation Conference in Washington D.C. on March 15-18. Here we joined other garden club delegates to learn, collaborate, and advocate for conservation initiatives across the country.
The conference featured a wide range of informative and inspiring presentations focused on environmental advocacy, conservation policy, and the power of grassroots action. A recurring theme throughout the event was the remarkable impact that organized and informed citizens — particularly garden club members — can have when working together toward shared conservation goals.
One of the most compelling presentations was “Saving the Okefenokee: Conservation, Advocacy, and the Power of Collective Action,” presented by Paget Hines Savage. The presentation highlighted the six-year effort to protect the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge from proposed mining development near the refuge.
The campaign successfully combined legislative outreach, scientific education, grassroots organizing, media engagement, and partnerships with conservation organizations. Ultimately, a $60 million land purchase by The Conservation Fund helped secure and protect the area. The refuge is now in the formal nomination process to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another notable session featured an interview with Tina Smith discussing ongoing efforts to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from proposed copper-nickel mining projects. While supporters cite economic benefits and job creation, opponents continue to raise concerns about the long-term environmental risks to the watershed and surrounding ecosystem.
The similarities between the Boundary Waters effort and the Okefenokee campaign underscored the importance of continued advocacy, collaboration, and public education in protecting natural resources.
Another presentation focused on restoration opportunities within the Ohio River Basin. The proposed bipartisan initiative would authorize $350 million for restoration efforts, establish an Ohio River Program Office, and strengthen EPA oversight and regional collaboration. Delegates also learned about successful watershed restoration projects in former mining areas, demonstrating the long-term impact of environmental restoration efforts.
During Capitol Hill Day, Kate and I met with staff from the offices of John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet, Diana DeGette, and Joe Neguse to discuss key legislative priorities. Topics included support for EPA initiatives, conservation funding, migratory bird protection, pollinator programs, PFAS research, and restoration funding.
The conference served as a powerful reminder of the influence and effectiveness of the Garden Club of America and its members in advancing conservation and environmental stewardship nationwide. It was an honor to represent the Garden Club of Denver and bring back valuable information and inspiration to share with fellow members.
More information about the NAL conference including Conference Agenda, Legislative Priorities, and videos of the conference presentations can be found at: https://www.gcamerica.org/members/national-affairs-and-legislation-conference-2026
-story by Jana W.
-photos courtesy of Jana W.
