Proposed by: Talbot County Garden Club, Zone VI

Many of our nation’s icons of democracy are located on the National Mall.  In 2001 it was clear, especially to John E. (Chip) Akridge, III, that years of neglect and underfunding had taken their toll. He envisioned the Trust for the National Mall, a public and private collaborative created in 2007 with the goal of restoring and improving America’s Front Yard  In 2010 when the Trust became a not for profit partner with the National Park Service, the National Mall Plan was approved to enhance the Mall’s beauty, usefulness and sustainability.  Fund raising for these ambitious undertakings took prominence when Laura Bush became Honorary Campaign Chair successfully raising twenty-two million dollars in 2012.  Since then many individuals, foundations and corporate sponsors from across the nation have become involved enabling work to progress. Much was accomplished in a short time as the Trust’s early focus was on the most neglected and decaying structures.  Restorations of the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Seawall, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the Olmsted Light Retrofit, the DC War Memorial as well as several other initiatives have been completed. Currently, the Trust’s efforts are centered on the elegant and thoughtful designs to restore the 38 acre oasis, Constitution Gardens, created in 1976. The Trust’s ongoing patriotic stewardship of the Mall will ensure that our historical landmarks will continue to be treasured and cared for as the home to history, heroes and hope for over 25 million annual visitors.