MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY (March 18, 2024) — Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) announced today that their 4th annual online Native “Plant for Pollinators” program opens Monday, April 1, 2024, at 1:30. The public is encouraged to browse and purchase the large variety of native plants available through April 19, 5:00 PM at GreatSwamp.org. Plant pickup takes place the weekend of May 4th at one of 14 local locations. Plants will be available as individual species in 5-plug units or as 25-plug garden kits.
“Why is it important to plant native species versus exotic or non-native plants?” posed Ginger Van Ryzin, GSWA Education and Stewardship Associate. “Healthy insect populations are a foundation of the food web. Pollinator insects require native plants for nectar and pollen and to lay their eggs and feed their larva. For example, Monarch butterfly eggs and caterpillars solely depend on native milkweed. Other wildlife such as birds may eat the fruit and seeds of non-native or invasive plants, but their nutritional needs may not be fully met.”
The online catalogue offers 36 individual species, many of which are deer resistant, and 6 redesigned, money-and-effort-saving kits. Each kit contains 25 plugs comprised of 5 different species. These plant species were selected by GSWA to provide blossoms from spring through fall, year over year, and are grouped by a range of garden conditions. Available kits: Best-Behaved, Deer Resistant, Dry Shade, Dry Sun, Wet Shade, and Wet Sun.
GSWA also encourages the public to “plant it forward” with a dedicated donation to purchase plants which will be installed by GSWA staff at school rain gardens in Paterson, Newark, and other schools in the Passaic Watershed.
The organization launched the Native “Plant for Pollinators” Program in January offering four free monthly Zoom webinars focused on native plants and the essential role pollinators play in the ecosystem. Each well-attended session was led by nationally acclaimed experts. The final webinar, “Plant for Pollinators” Plant Sale Overview, takes place April 1, 12:00-1:00 PM, providing an in-depth look at the catalogue of available plants and an overview of their in-depth website resources, online storefront, and ordering process. Online ordering opens immediately following.
New this year is a follow-up to the plant sale talk, Plant Program Panel / Q&A. This free, interactive Zoom webinar takes place April 11, 7:00-8:30 PM. Three local, experienced native plant enthusiasts will answer questions and share advice about choosing, planting, growing, and sustaining native plants.
Register for all GSWA programs and events at GreatSwamp.org.
The Native “Plant for Pollinators” Program is hosted by Great Swamp Watershed Association and 25 municipal and non-profit Native Plant Program Community Partners. GSWA expresses their deep appreciation to these partners who help promote the program to their communities, provide volunteers, and host pickup sites for their local towns.
