Groups hailed for their diverse positive impact on the community have been awarded $48,500 from a nature-based charity over the 2025-26 financial year.

The Garden Club of Bermuda said the six recipients demonstrated “dedication to environmental stewardship”.

Among beneficiaries was the Bermuda National Trust where Myles Darrell, head of natural heritage, leads the weekly Youth Eco Club.

The club engages schoolchildren in hands-on learning focused on horticulture and natural heritage conservation.

One component of the club’s work involves students exploring Bermuda’s native and endemic plant species, learning about plant propagation techniques and seed germination along the way.

The charity hailed the efforts of Focus Counselling Services, another recipient, which launched the “Root and Rise” gardening project two years ago.

The programme integrates conservation, education and community wellbeing into rehabilitation. Residents build life and work skills while cultivating food.

The charity recognised Warwick Academy for its recently established Seed Library, where students and staff exchange and cultivate seeds.

The project includes a six-hour seed-growing training programme, led by local sustainable gardening expert Chris Faria of the AgraLiving Institute.

The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce was recognised for its advocacy of sustainable land management and development.

Its work aligns with the Bermuda Plan 2018, balancing development and conservation, ensuring efficient use and protection of land.

BioQuest was saluted for mapping the genome of the Bermuda cedar tree. Led by co-founders Carika Weldon and JP Rouja, the project aims to produce the first high-quality reference genome of Bermuda’s national tree.

The charity noted the cedar’s environmental and cultural value to Bermudians, with the tree used historically for ship building and furniture.

The non-profit Waterstart, now in its 25th year, was recognised for expanding its programming to include an organic garden, with a focus on food security and reforestation. The programme welcomes about 650 students annually, 55 per cent of whom receive financial aid.

The Garden Club of Bermuda said conservation, natural resources, food security and sustainability unite the organisations — adding: “Their daily dedication to teaching and knowledge sharing, along with their passion, plays a vital role in preserving Bermuda and supporting its people.”