Beltsville Garden Club Seeks New Leaders to Sustain Decades-Long Community Tradition

A local organization with roots stretching back to the 1950s is at a crossroads—and turning to the community it has long served for support.

The Beltsville Garden Club, now known as the Greenbelt-Beltsville Garden Club, was originally established by personnel from the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC). For decades, the club has brought together residents with a shared love of gardening, community beautification, and environmental stewardship. Today, however, the group faces a pressing challenge: a shrinking leadership team due to retirements.

The club’s recently appointed Treasurer, Oscar Martinez, who is now stepping into the role of President, is leading an effort to keep the organization active and thriving. To do so, the club urgently needs volunteers to fill two key Executive Board positions—Vice President and Treasurer.

“These are essential roles for us to continue operating,” the new President said. “Without additional leadership, the future of the club is uncertain.”

Elections for these positions are scheduled to take place by July 10, with new officers beginning their duties on September 1. The Secretary position has already been filled by longtime community member Maren Mahew, former President of the Beltsville Women’s Club.

Despite its current challenges, the club remains accessible and flexible for prospective volunteers. Most meetings and activities are conducted via Zoom, making it easier for those with busy schedules to participate. The club also hosts an annual plant sale fundraiser, a popular local event that supports its programming and outreach efforts.

Beyond simply filling positions, the club hopes to reconnect with and expand its presence in the Beltsville community. Suggestions have included reaching out to local BARC networks and making public announcements to raise awareness about the opportunity.

“We know there are people in this community who care about gardening, sustainability, and staying connected,” the President said. “We just need to find them.”

Call to Action:Residents interested in helping preserve this longstanding community organization are encouraged to step forward. Whether you have a background in gardening or simply a desire to support local initiatives, your involvement can make a meaningful difference.

To learn more or to volunteer for a leadership position, please reach out as soon as possible to Oscar Gregory at ogregory55@gmail.com and Melissa Mackey at melissahmackey@gmail.com ahead of the July 10 deadline.