Conservation news and updates brought to you by the Conservation Committee
of Martha's Vineyard Garden Club
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The Conservation Committee's role is to inform Club membership on best practices for gardening and our households, liaise with other organizations, identify events and speakers that will be beneficial to our mission. It is an opportunity for a small group of conservation activists to impact our Club and the Island in a positive way, while respecting the foundation of conservation the MVGC was built on 100 years ago.
The MV Garden Club was established in Edgartown in 1924 by Mrs. T. M. R. Meikleham and ten charter members, the Martha's Vineyard Garden Club. The MVGC was the first conservation-oriented organization on the island. Early members rallied around horticulture and embraced preservation efforts. This included planting trees, gardens, improving schoolyards, surveying and maintaining trees on public property, preserving stone walls, creating victory gardens, ragweed and gypsy moth eradication, removing caterpillars from the island vegetation, sharing information on plant diseases, participating in the island's ag fair, holding flower shows, banning billboards, advocating for zoning regulations and hosting horticultural and educational programs. The club continues to actively initiate and support efforts to preserve and beautify the island landscape.
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of Martha's Vineyard Garden Club
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The Conservation Committee's role is to inform Club membership on best practices for gardening and our households, liaise with other organizations, identify events and speakers that will be beneficial to our mission. It is an opportunity for a small group of conservation activists to impact our Club and the Island in a positive way, while respecting the foundation of conservation the MVGC was built on 100 years ago.
The MV Garden Club was established in Edgartown in 1924 by Mrs. T. M. R. Meikleham and ten charter members, the Martha's Vineyard Garden Club. The MVGC was the first conservation-oriented organization on the island. Early members rallied around horticulture and embraced preservation efforts. This included planting trees, gardens, improving schoolyards, surveying and maintaining trees on public property, preserving stone walls, creating victory gardens, ragweed and gypsy moth eradication, removing caterpillars from the island vegetation, sharing information on plant diseases, participating in the island's ag fair, holding flower shows, banning billboards, advocating for zoning regulations and hosting horticultural and educational programs. The club continues to actively initiate and support efforts to preserve and beautify the island landscape.
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CLICK HERE for resources and information from the May 2023 Climate Action Fair
To learn more about 'Climate Action' on the Island, visit the Martha's Vineyard Commission website.
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Earth Day Celebration – April 27, 2024
The MV Garden Club proudly participated in the MV Museum’s Earth Day event, showcasing conservation efforts alongside other local organizations. Led by Conservation Committee Chair Laurisa Rich, the Club’s display offered practical tips for eco-friendly gardening, including soil improvement, pest control, and the use of native plants. Laurisa’s creativity and commitment to sustainability shone through, with 90% of the booth materials upcycled, reused, or secondhand. A special thanks to new members Kate Megan and Kate Burnside for their planning and setup support, and to Kate Putnam, Ellie Bates, and Ty Johnston for their help during the event. Below are some highlights from the day and our eye-catching display! 
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Did you know that your cast-off oyster shells are needed to keep oysters producing? CLICK HERE to read about OYSTER SHELL RECYCLING...
Recycle your cast off oyster shells (and scallop shells) at these shell recycling locations! The oyster drop off is at the end of Shirley Avenue in Oak Bluffs and is at the site of the former State Lobster Hatchery where Emma Green Beach now has her office for The Shellfish Group. It was renamed the John T. Hughes Hatchery a few years ago. Shirley Avenue is a right turn off County Road in Oak Bluffs when approaching from the hospital end. It is right down at the end of the street on the Lagoon.
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Conservationists may be interested in the Ecological Landscape Alliance! If you want a peek,
CLICK HERE and maybe even sign up for their monthly news!
CLICK HERE and maybe even sign up for their monthly news!
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To email our Conservation Committee about joining or something you want to note that is
Conservation related, click here !
Conservation related, click here !