Community Projects

Explore our community projects and initiatives

Blue Star / Gold Star Memorials

NGC Blue Star/Gold Star Memorial Garden and Marker programs honor the nation's armed forces. See the Blue and Gold Star Memorial page and the Blue Star Memorial Chair for more information

Pollinator Pathway

Promotes the mapping of a pollinator pathway on Long Island. See the Resource page and contact the Environmental / Invasive Plants and Native Alternatives Chair for more information

Plant-A-Tree

NGC and USDA Forest Service partnership to sustain national forests through reforestation and education. Trees are planted across the national forest system where needs are highest due to wildfires, flooding, draught, etc. Visit the Resource page and contact the Plant-A-Tree Chair for more information

World Gardening

Supports the FGCNYS's Dig Deep and Water for South Sudan projects. Visit the Resource page and Contact the World Gardening Chair for more information

Supporting the Next Generation of Gardeners

Second District FGCNYS provides Scholarships and youth activities. A Scholarship is awarded to a worthy college student studying horticulture on Long Island.

Visit the Resource page to contact the Scholarship Chair for additional information and visit the Resource page to donate.

Visit the Resource page to contact the Youth Chair for more information on upcoming programs

US Department of Agriculture and Forest Service / NGC Youth Poster Contest

TIMELINE:

August 2025 - Information packages mailed to poster contest chairpersons and Forest Service conservation education and fire prevention coordinators by the Forest Service

January 20, 2026 - Local winning posters must be received by the State garden club or poster contest chairperson

February 23, 2026 - State winning posters must be received by the regional garden club or poster contest chairperson

March 16, 2026 - Regional winning posters must be received by the National Garden Clubs poster contest chairperson

April 6, 2026 - Judging to select the national winners for each grade level

April 15–30, 2026 - Selection of the national grand prize winner

May 2026 - Announcement of national poster contest winners by National Garden Clubs (at their national convention)

Summer 2026 - National grand prize winner recognition ceremony

2026 Smokey the Bear & Woodsy Owl Poster Contest is open to individual student artists in grades 1 through five, who are sponsored by a Member Garden Club. Winning posters will not be returned.

* Smokey Bear posters must be based upon, and include Smokey’s fire prevention message, “Only YOU Can Prevent Wildfires!”

* Woodsy Owl posters must be based upon, and include Woodsy Owl’s conservation message, “Lend a Hand-care for the land!

Refer to the NGC website for more information.