JACARANDA TREE PROJECT
(An ongoing civic beautification project and Millions of Trees for the Environment - an NGC project)
The Jacaranda Tree was designated the official tree of the City of San Diego in November, 2000 through the tireless efforts of former Jacaranda chairman, Donna Derrick. To date, the number of trees planted through this program has now reached over 1200. The cost of a tree is $50.
Carolyn Boline - Chairman
TORREY PINES STATE RESERVE NATIVE PLANT RESTORATION PROJECT
(an ongoing conservation project)
Torrey Pines State Reserve is home to the only mainland groves of the rarest pine tree in the United States and the historic campaign to protect the pines is now regarded as one of the nation's first efforts to preserve an endangered species. Preservation of the Torrey Pine tree and the delicately balanced ecosystem of native chaparral and rich floral diversity is a continuing process.
The Torrey Pines Docent Society, in an attempt to help maintain the ecosystems within the Reserve, sponsors on-going non-native plant removal projects to which we lend a hand.
In the fall of 2004, we began working with Torrey Pines" Resource Ecologist, Darren Smith, in his efforts to reclaim one acre each year. We are now up to 5 acres in the area of the Reserve, east of Torrey Pines State Reserve, in Sorrento Valley. After clearing each acre of non-natives, we helped in replanting with native grasses, coastal scrub sage and wild flowers. The project has become known as the FLINTKOTE PROJECT. There will be more plant removal and planting outings this year too!
According to Darren Smith, "this restoration has already greatly added to the biodiversity of the site, providing habitat for numbers of native mammal, bird, reptile and insect species. Not only has this work helped improve the State Reserve biologically, but in the long-term, it will help reduce our long-term maintenance and exotic removal costs. The project has been successful due in great part to the volunteer labor and stewardship provided by your club members."
Becky Dembitsky and Mary Ann Driscoll - Co-Chairmen Click here for map to
Flintkote Area
SCHOOLYARD GARDENING GRANTS PROGRAM
(An ongoing youth-education project)
The Village Garden Club of La Jolla
Our Club
Calendar
Of Interest
PENNY PINES
(an ongoing NGC and CGCI conservation project)
Penny Pines is a conservation program initiated in 1941. It was established to aid in the reforestation of burnt or otherwise damaged forests in conjunction with federal funds. A plantation consists of approximately 350 trees on about one acre. Penny Pines is exclusive to California and the trees being replanted are native to the area, consisting of Cedar, Fir, Redwood, Oak, and of course, various Pine varieties.
Donations are in the amount of $68 for each Penny Pines Plantation purchased. Why $68? At the start of the program in 1941, seedlings could be purchased for about one cent each. Approximately 680 seedlings were used to plant a typical acre. For $68, seedlings for ten acres could be purchased. The program is a statewide conservation project supported by garden clubs, women's clubs, men's service organizations, youth groups and schools who have all helped to keep California's forests green and growing.
See page 149 in the Yearbook for a Penny Pines donation form.
Margaret Herrick and Linda Karpowich - Co-Chairmen
VIDEO LIBRARY
(an ongoing project)
Thanks to audio-visual expert and our club's video producer, Rudy Vaca, the club's Video Library contains DVD's of many of the programs from 2004 to the present. A Video Library table is set up for each meeting and members who missed a program or simply wish to see it again will be able to borrow a DVD to take home. Loans are for one month with a $2 late fee. The fee for a lost video is $20.
Cheryl Hedgpeth-Nichols and Chris Hatch - Co-Chairmen
Teaching children the glories of nature is a wonderful way to inspire a love for gardening that may last for the rest of a child's life. For the eighth consecutive year, The Village Garden Club of La Jolla will promote this effort by offering grants to San Diego County elementary and middle schools (K-8) to develop or maintain a schoolyard gardening program. Each school that is selected should be involved in creating a curriculum-based program that teaches earth-friendly gardening practices, local plant and wildlife study, and nature appreciation.
Last year the club awarded 31 grants totaling $12,359. Over the past seven years, we have awarded approximately $50,600, to 57 different elementary and middle schools in San Diego County. If you are interested in applying for a Schoolyard Gardening Grant, please click on the link below where you will find the application. All applications must be received by October 17, 2011.
Fnding for this project depends on the generous donations of our members and others in our community who believe in this effort. If you are interested in helping fund this project click below on the Gift Donation Form for information about how you can help.
Martha Scott and Gretchen Yager - Co-Chairmen
(an ongoing art and floral design project)
In February, members of the club who have personally created art pieces in various media bring a piece to display at the meeting. Then those members interested in floral design choose a piece of art as their inspiration and interpret it in flowers. These beautiful floral creations are displayed at our annual "Expressions in Art and Flowers" Show at the March meeting. This is not a judged show and all members are invited to participate.
Nancy Rinehart and Laura Robbins - Co-Chairmen
