By Mara Cige
As Vice President for the Garden Club of New Jersey, 2017 Women & Wildlife Service Award Honoree Jeannie Geremia has followed her passion for protecting pollinators by leading, inspiring, and educating others on the importance of pollination and wildlife habitat gardens for the past decade. She works to engage others in gardening for pollinators, as well as ensuring funding to support these efforts.
One of Ms. Geremia’s most notable accomplishments is her leadership in the designation of the Black Swallowtail Butterfly as the New Jersey State Butterfly. She spoke to many members of the New Jersey State Legislature, and recruited legislators with her enthusiasm and vast knowledge on the species. Her action earned her recognition from both the New Jersey Senate and the General Assembly.
Ms. Geremia recognizes the important of environmental education as well, and strives to share her mission with the public. Sponsored by the BEE GAP Committee of the Garden Club of New Jersey, she created attractive Pollinator Education Signs that are displayed statewide at local plant nurseries, horticulture garden visitor centers, and a variety of education centers. These posters highlight the plants needed for the life cycle of butterflies, birds, and bees. Ms. Geremia is also a popular speaker on bees and butterflies with the Garden Club, and gives programs to many other clubs throughout the state. She has also created and presented over 75 Pollinator Education programs, and has written 89 articles – and counting – for Gardener News on wildlife preservation, conservation, and growing our decimated pollinator population.
Ms. Geremia has worked tirelessly to promote pollinators and their plight to the public and other passionate gardeners. She has had great success in her leadership through education, finding resources to help others in New Jersey supporting her cause, and inspiring so many people to engage in positive action to protect New Jersey’s wildlife.
Join us to honor Jeannie and the three other 2017 Women & Wildlife Award Honorees on Wednesday, November 1st beginning at 6 PM. Purchase events tickets and find more information.
CWF asked Jeannie a few questions about what inspires her to dedicate her time to New Jersey’s wildlife:
What is your favorite thing about your work?
“The favorite thing about my work as a volunteer is engaging with fellow garden club members, the public, Master Gardeners, nursery and garden center staff, and volunteers in environmental organizations, hearing their stories and exchanging information. It’s all about learning something new every day.”
Name one thing you can’t live without.
“I can’t live without my morning newspaper, a daily habit since the age of five.”
Name one piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to change the world.
“If your goal is to change the world, you must be relentless, never taking your eye off your goal and to engage others in your effort.”
Do you have a New Jersey wildlife species that you like best?
“My favorite New Jersey wildlife species is the Black Swallowtail Butterfly (my husband calls them Jeannie’s babies). The joy they have brought me is incalculable, and I would encourage everyone to adopt a special species, too. What a difference we could make.”
What do you find most challenging about New Jersey’s wildlife?
“The most challenging part of my work is getting the message out to as many people as possible on growing our pollinator and wildlife population and inspiring them to action by having them understand we’re all in this together, and that each person can make a profound impact.”
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t working?
“My favorite thing to do is listen to music including Big Band music, early rock n’ roll, blues, old country and opera. It soothes my soul.”
Please join us on Wednesday November 1, 2017 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. at the Duke Farms’ Coach Barn to honor the contributions that Jeannie Geremia, Kris Schantz, Kelly Mooij and Hazel England have made to wildlife in New Jersey.
We are excited to recognize the leadership and inspiration they provide for those working to protect wildlife in New Jersey. Women & Wildlife will also celebrate the timeless and inspiring journeys of wildlife migration in New Jersey and beyond.