Beginning in 1913, the Garden Club of America began to share with citizens and legislators its concern for maintaining the health of endangered plants (1973 legislation), for helping establish protection for the National Park System (1916), and public lands, redwoods (1930) and other forests, streams and lakes. In the 1920's it dealt with billboards which, like cars, seemed to be everywhere. The historic 1970's also brought letter-writing campaigns to help establish the Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act that would regulate pollution. Today, GCA uses science-based research in its position papers and timely updates on national legislative issues.

NAL members go to Washington as constituents, not activists, walking softly, but giving their clear, concise well-informed opinions to their lawmakers in a common-sense kind of way. Currently 300 delegates attend GCA's National Affairs and Legislation conference in February to learn and report back to educate their memberships. In this way, the non-partisan influence of 17,500 Garden Club of America members is used in the democratic channels open to all citizens.

Dream into the future with us and help us work toward a time when better ways will be in place and when our precious quality of life will be less threatened.