Esther Bonney, an 18-year-old from Charles County, has transformed personal loss into a powerful force for environmental change, earning her a spot as a 2026 4-H Youth in Action Award winner. The National 4-H Council recognized Bonney for her work with Nurture Natives, a nonprofit she founded to protect native plants and pollinators, an effort rooted in her time with the Charles County 4-H Pollinator Ambassadors Club.
Bonney’s journey began after losing her brother at a young age. She found solace in the outdoors through the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program in La Plata. What started as a way to cope with grief evolved into a passion for environmental stewardship. Now a certified Pollinator Ambassador, Bonney has leveraged her 4-H experience to make a measurable impact. Through Nurture Natives, she has overseen the planting of 2.4 million native seeds, distributed 70,000 seedlings, and engaged over 10,000 young people in conservation efforts across Charles County and beyond.
Her work caught the attention of the National 4-H Council, which awarded her a $5,000 scholarship and a platform to share her story nationwide as part of the 2026 Youth in Action Awards. “Transforming my grief into something positive came with its hardships, but 4-H gave me the support and purpose I needed,” Bonney said. “Thanks to 4-H, I’ve been able to pursue my passion for protecting the environment and empower other young people to do the same.”
Bonney’s accolades extend beyond 4-H. She is a recipient of the Presidential Environmental Youth Award and the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, recognizing her leadership in environmental advocacy. Her participation in the National 4-H Youth Summit on Agriscience and subsequent Lead to Change grants provided the foundation for Nurture Natives, which focuses on restoring native plant ecosystems critical for pollinators like bees and butterflies. These species are vital to Maryland’s agriculture, supporting crops that contribute significantly to the state’s economy.
Jill Bramble, President & CEO of National 4-H Council, praised Bonney’s leadership. “Esther embodies the kind of leadership we need more of, rooted in empathy, driven by purpose, and focused on impact,” Bramble said. “Our research shows young people aren’t waiting to lead. They are taking bold, creative, and deeply needed action. Esther is the definition of Beyond Ready, and we’re proud to have her represent the future of 4-H.”
As a 2026 Youth in Action Award winner, Bonney joins Antonio Becker of Little Falls, Minnesota; Owen Brosanders of Tucson, Arizona; and Graycie Montfort of Corsicana, Texas. The group represents the 15th year of the awards, which celebrate young leaders driving community change. Bonney’s role as a national 4-H spokesperson will amplify her efforts, showcasing how Charles County youth are leading environmental initiatives.
In Charles County, the 4-H program, administered through the University of Maryland Extension, offers hands-on learning in agriculture, science, and leadership. The Pollinator Ambassadors Club, based in La Plata, teaches youth about the ecological importance of pollinators and native plants. Residents can learn more about local 4-H opportunities through the Charles County Extension office. Bonney’s work aligns with Maryland’s broader push for environmental conservation, including initiatives like the Chesapeake Bay restoration, which emphasizes native plantings to improve water quality and wildlife habitats.
Bonney’s nonprofit operates primarily in Charles County, with events often held at local parks like Gilbert Run Park and the College of Southern Maryland’s La Plata campus. Her seedling distributions and educational workshops have reached schools, community groups, and farmers’ markets, including the popular La Plata Farmers Market. These efforts help address the decline of pollinator populations, a growing concern in Maryland, where habitat loss threatens species critical to crops like apples, tomatoes, and pumpkins.
As Bonney prepares to share her story nationally, her work continues to inspire Charles County residents. Those interested in supporting Nurture Natives or joining 4-H can contact the Charles County Extension office or visit the National 4-H Council’s website. Bonney’s recognition highlights the power of youth-led initiatives in tackling local and global challenges, proving that Charles County’s young leaders are, as 4-H puts it, “Beyond Ready” to shape the future.