The Nathan Hale Garden Club supports several community projects through the volunteer work of our members. From the time of its founding, NHGC has been an active force in the promotion of environmental awareness of native plants, community outreach, and education on the preservation of natural resources.
Gardens in our Care
Kissam House Historical Garden, 434 Park Ave., Huntington
The Committee members participate in the planting and maintenance, usually the 2nd Thursday of month from 9am-12noon. All the gardens are open to the general public.
Blue Star Memorial Marker
Nathan Hale Garden Club members donated a Blue Star Memorial Marker honoring the veterans of the town of Huntington. It was installed at the Huntington American Legion Post #360, 1 Mill Dam Road in Halesite in September, 2021.
Nathan Hale Rock
The Committee tends to the area around this memorial rock once a month. In honor of the Club’s 90th anniversary, 90 tulips were planted in 2020.
Children’s Sensory Garden at the Cold Spring Harbor Library
The Committee maintains the Children’s Sensory Garden located on the upper level of the CSH Library. The Sensory Garden was created to stimulate the senses and educate the children and their parents about nature.
Community Outreach
Veterans Garden Therapy
The Committee members plan and carry out a hands-on project with the veterans twice a year at the L.I. State Veteran’s Home in Stony Brook, NY
Home Delivered Meals Program
The Committee members bring floral material to make approximately 150 small flower arrangements, and deliver the them to the Town of Huntington Senior Center for distribution by Huntington Hospital. The Committee meets 2-3 times a year.
Vanderbilt Holiday Decorating
Since 1987, each December the Committee members decorate a room in the Vanderbilt mansion in Centerport.
Huntington Historical Society’s Holiday House Tour
The Committee decorates one of the historical homes and supplies the floral material.
Huntington Historical Society’s Sheep to Shawl Festival
The Committee members set up an informational herb table, including fresh and dried herbs, herbal beverages, and herb related recipes and hand-outs. This event takes place on the grounds of the Kissam House at 434 Park Avenue in Huntington.
Cold Spring Harbor Library Display Window
The Committee creates a monthly display featuring NHGC initiatives related to our activities.
Educational Outreach
Holiday House (Summer “Fresh Air” Camp, Huntington Road, Huntington)
Since 2013, the Committee prepares for and teaches a planned curriculum to approximately 80 summer campers, ages 7-11. They hold two hands-on environmental appreciation classes with the campers.
Passport to the Past, Huntington Historical Society, 434 Park Ave, Huntington (Historical Society Summer Camp)
The Committee members prepare for and teach a planned curriculum to approximately 40 summer campers, ages 7-11. They hold two hands-on environmental appreciation classes with the campers.
The Frog Book Program, Gateway Community Gardens and, Huntington Public Library, Huntington, and CSH Library, CSH
The Frog Book Project is based on a book called The Frightened Frog, and is sponsored by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. and written by Brenda Moore and Jean Ohlman.
The Frightened Frog is an environmental tale, written from a frog’s point of view, about the life, habitat, and environment of frogs. The Nathan Hale Garden Club proudly donated 2-3 books to the Huntington Public Library, and the Cold Spring Harbor Library for the children to borrow and return. In addition, we held a session with a group of children at The Gateway Community Gardens where The Frightened Frog was read to a group of children, followed by a tour of the garden.
