High-Country Health Food and Cafe in Mariposa California

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'Click' Here to Visit: 'Yosemite Bug Health Spa', Now Open. "We provide a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere. Come in and let us help You Relax"
'Click' for More Info: 'Chocolate Soup', Fine Home Accessories and Gifts, Located in Mariposa, California
'Click' for More Info: 'Chocolate Soup', Fine Home Accessories and Gifts, Located in Mariposa, California
'Click' Here to Visit Happy Burger Diner in Mariposa... "We have FREE Wi-Fi, we're Eco-Friendly & have the Largest Menu in the Sierra"
'Click' Here to Visit Happy Burger Diner in Mariposa... "We have FREE Wi-Fi, we're Eco-Friendly & have the Largest Menu in the Sierra"
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'Click' for More Info: Inter-County Title Company Located in Mariposa, California

Since the inception of a program known as Master Gardeners some time in the first decade of the 2000’s there seems to be some confusion on the part of the public as to the separate and distinct function of these two organizations.  I would like to clear this up. 

There is no connection between the Garden Clubs and the Master Gardeners.  The Master Gardeners is a program initiated first by the University of Washington that more recently has been adopted by several State run Universities, with its main base and intent to educate persons with floricultural or horticultural interests in managing soil, climates, insect and disease control for the benefit of the public.  In most cases it is a Government subsidized program, both on the State and local level. 

The National Association of Garden Clubs on the other hand, is a long time, private, non-profit association operating both nationally and world wide.  It is entirely possible that early settlers coming west were members of this organization, as many heritage plants flourishing in our western states have their origins both in the European Continent and the Eastern part of the U.S. 

The National Association of Garden Clubs is dedicated to:

1.       Create, promote and further interest in amateur gardening, in plant and bird life and in the appreciation of natural beauty.

2.      To encourage civic beautification

3.      To assist in projects for the conservation of our natural resources.

4.      To co-operate with other agencies in furthering the interest of Floriculture, Agriculture and Horticulture.

5.      To co-operate with schools in educating youth to appreciate and care for their environment.

There are two such long-time clubs in the County of Mariposa.  Butterfly Garden Club, established in 1984 and Cathey’s Valley Garden Club established some years earlier.  Both belong to California Garden Clubs, Inc, of which the Yosemite Gateway District comprises five clubs, the two previously mentioned in Mariposa, plus Merced, Atwater and LeGrand.  Joint meetings of these are held twice each year to  enhance interaction with exchange of ideas and beneficial activities within their own communities.  Each club has its own distinct goals, in most cases encouraging young people by way of scholarships to further their studies, plus offering advice to local businesses and private gardeners in landscape design, uses of both native and cultivated plants and their needs. Civic beautification projects, private farming projects and promotion of individual growers in their various endeavors.

The need for reforestation has become a substantial part of their program in recent years.  Their educational workshops and lectures are offered free to the public on a monthly basis, year around. 

There are no subsidies of any kind, although memorials to departed gardeners are gratefully accepted. 

Butterfly Garden Club of Mariposa meets on the third Thursday of each month, with the exception of the months of July and August when the club is dark.  These are held at the Senior Center at 1:00 PM unless otherwise advised.  Refreshments are offered free of charge.   Inquiries are welcomed, and may be directed to:  209-742-6939 or 209-966-3840.


Lucille Apcar
Mariposa, CA