Sharon Yantis
Sharon Yantis helps plant reforestation
Portage woman helps plant reforestation
fundraiser for national, state forests
388-8545
PORTAGE – A Portage resident is a national spokesperson for a nationwide replanting program in disaster-struck national and state forest.
Sharon Yantis of Portage, chairperson of the national Garden Clubs Inc. public relations and publicity, said her organization is digging in to help the U.S. Forest Service’s Penny Pines program.
“Environmental issues are something our group is really pushing right now," said Yantis, an avid gardener and former president of the Michigan Garden Clubs.
“We believe that the post-holiday season – after many people have enjoyed fresh-cut wreaths and trees – offers a perfect time to remind everyone of our serious reforestation needs.
Donations made to the NGC-Penny Pines effort can designate a specific state or national forest to benefit.
“By contributing to Penny Pines individually or through school, organization or club fundraisers, it’s possible to name a difference in our future,” Yantis Said.
The NGC’s donations through the efforts of its affiliates have topped $33,000 but with 2007’s disastrous fires and other environmental issues – hurricanes, flooding and ice-storm damage – additional support is badly needed.
The NGC requests that donations be made in multiples of $68. This was the cost of planting one acre when the Penny Pines program was first started in 1941 and has been retained as a minimum donation through the years.
The NGC issues personalized certificates recognizing donors or their honorees.
Funds can be sent to the state treasurer of the Michigan Garden Clubs. Send donations, marked for ”Penny Pines,” to Sue Wilber, 1407 W. Union St., Midland, MI 48640. More information is available at the www.michigangardenclubs.org.
Yantis and her husband, Joe, a veteran public-relations specialist, witnessed the wildfires damage to forest in national parks during a West Coast trip in 2007.
“We really need to step up the efforts in 2008,” she said. “The NGC is issuing a plea to communities and civic organizations nationwide to pitch in.”
She is a member of the national board because she is a former president of the state chapter. The garden clubs, she said, are quite active in providing about 40 scholarships per year at $5,000 each, along with promoting various causes such as the Penny Pines effort.
Penny Pines began in California as a statewide conservation program but expanded to all 50 states over the years
“Penny Pines is basically a conservation program that enables people of all ages to connect as a community and get involved in our environment,” said Brenda Kendrix, public-affairs specialist with the U.S. Forest Services in California.
National Garden Clubs, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization. With more than 209,000 members and 6,300 member clubs across the U.S., the NGC is the largest volunteer organization of its type in the world.
Founded in 1929, the NGC offers extensive educational programs and resources to promote gardening and environmental responsibility. The HCG is headquartered in St. Louis, MO., adjacent to the world-famous Missouri Botanical Garden.
