American Horticultural Society

American Horticultural Society. The American Horticultural Society is a non-profit organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, founded in 1922 by a group of horticulture enthusiasts, including Thomas Jefferson's descendants, to promote gardening and conservation efforts across the United States. The organization has been affiliated with prominent institutions such as the New York Botanical Garden, United States National Arboretum, and National Gardening Association. Over the years, the society has collaborated with notable figures like Lady Bird Johnson, Rachel Carson, and E.O. Wilson to advance its mission.

● History

The American Horticultural Society was established in 1922 with the goal of promoting horticulture and botany in the United States. The society's early years were marked by collaborations with organizations like the Royal Horticultural Society and the National Audubon Society. The society has also worked closely with institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, Harvard University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Notable events, including the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the 1970 Earth Day, have influenced the society's focus on environmental conservation and sustainability. The society has also been inspired by the work of Aldo Leopold, John Muir, and Theodore Roosevelt.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The American Horticultural Society's mission is to promote gardening, horticulture, and conservation through education, research, and community engagement. The society's objectives include supporting sustainable gardening practices, promoting biodiversity, and advocating for environmental policies that protect natural resources. The society has worked with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and the National Park Service to achieve its objectives. The society has also been influenced by the work of Jane Goodall, David Attenborough, and Wangari Maathai.

● Programs_and_Initiatives

The American Horticultural Society offers a range of programs and initiatives to promote gardening and conservation. These include the National Children & Youth Garden Symposium, the Great American Gardeners Awards, and the American Horticultural Society's Seed Exchange. The society has also partnered with organizations like the National Gardening Association, Garden Club of America, and the United States Botanic Garden to support community gardening initiatives and urban agriculture projects. The society has also collaborated with institutions like the University of Michigan, Cornell University, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

● Publications_and_Resources

The American Horticultural Society publishes a range of resources, including the American Gardener magazine, the AHS Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers, and the AHS Plant Heat Zone Map. The society also provides online resources, such as the AHS Gardening Portal and the AHS Plant Database, to support gardening and horticulture education. The society has also collaborated with publishers like Timber Press, Island Press, and Oxford University Press to produce books and other resources on gardening and conservation topics. The society has also been influenced by the work of Michael Pollan, Barbara Kingsolver, and Bill McKibben.

● Awards_and_Recognition

The American Horticultural Society presents several awards to recognize outstanding contributions to gardening and conservation. These include the Great American Gardeners Awards, the National Award for Excellence in Horticultural Education, and the AHS Book Award. The society has also been recognized for its own contributions to horticulture and conservation, including awards from the National Garden Clubs, Inc., the Garden Club of America, and the United States Department of Agriculture. The society has also been honored by institutions like the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian Institution.

● Membership_and_Chapters

The American Horticultural Society has a membership of over 20,000 individuals and organizations, including gardening enthusiasts, horticulture professionals, and conservation organizations. The society has chapters across the United States, including the New England Chapter, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, and the Pacific Northwest Chapter. Members have access to a range of benefits, including subscription to the American Gardener magazine, discounts on gardening products and services, and opportunities to participate in gardening and conservation events. The society has also collaborated with organizations like the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the National Farmers Union. Category:Horticultural organizations