The Native Plant Sales & Events calendar is updated regularly so check back often. Contact us to add an event.
SCROLL DOWN FOR EVENTS BY MONTH
EVERYWHERE: Look for your county’s upcoming spring native shrub and tree seedling sales. These young plants are offered to homeowners at an irresistible price.
EVERYWHERE: Doug Tallamy’s Homegrown National Park: A GRASSROOTS CALL-TO-ACTION TO RESTORE BIODIVERSITY – NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY – GET DIGGING AND GET ON THE MAP!
MARYLAND: Marylanders Plant Trees was launched in 2009 to encourage citizens and organizations to partner with the State to plant new trees. Today, citizens can still take advantage of our coupon program to receive $25 off the purchase of a native tree at 86 participating nurseries across the State.
NEW JERSEY: The South Jersey Landscape Makeover Program is a unique program to provide homeowners, municipalities, and farmers with expert advice and financial assistance to create rain gardens and other “green infrastructure” projects that capture polluted stormwater and prevent it from entering our lakes, rivers, and bays. We’ll host a series of rain garden design workshops and offer free technical advice and funding for homeowners and municipalities. Farm owners will also be eligible for grants to implement stormwater best management practices. This program is for select municipalities in the Rancocas River, Hammonton, Salem, and Maurice-Cohansey River watersheds, but there may be opportunities in other municipalities depending on the project and location.
PENNSYLVANIA: Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Howard Nursery produces bare-root seedlings for wildlife food and cover on State Game Lands. The nursery has been producing and distributing 2 to 8 million seedlings annually for wildlife food and cover since 1954. All Pennsylvania landowners may purchase seedlings for wildlife food and cover, watershed protection, soil erosion control, and for reclamation of disturbed areas, such as surface mine site and utility right-of-ways.
VIRGINIA: Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District’s Native Seedling Sale. The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual spring seedling sale makes low-cost bare-root native shrub and tree seedlings available to Northern Virginia residents.
Orders for the 2024 Native Seedling Sale open on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at various times.
VIRGINIA: Grants and Discounts: list courtesy Plant NOVA Natives.
VIRGINIA: My Tree Counts – Help the VDOF. Every tree planted makes a difference to the health of our communities and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) and partners want to highlight tree planting projects from across the state. Submit your tree planting to show that your tree counts towards Virginia’s efforts to #ProtectOurBay! We’ll share these stories on the Community Tree Map and social media with #MyTreeCounts.
Your regional Native Plant Society is the perfect resource for not only native plant sales but also information, field trips and other events:
Delaware Native Plant Society
Maryland Native Plant Society
The Native Plant Society of New Jersey
The Finger Lakes Native Plant Society of Ithaca, New York
Native Plant Society of Staten Island, New York
New York Flora Association
Pennsylvania Native Plant Society
Delaware Valley Fern & Wildflower Society, Pennsylvania
Virginia Native Plant Society
West Virginia Native Plant Society
PENNSYLVANIA/Online Sale
February 1
Manada Conservancy’s Annual Native Plant Sale, East Hanover Township Nature Park, Grantville
Our online native plant store OPENS February 1st for Spring 2024! An in-person native plant event will be held on May 4 at our native plant nursery.
EVERYWHERE!/Virtual
February 7 & 8
National Native Seed Virtual Conference
The National Native Seed Conference (NNSC) is excited to announce a virtual conference in 2024! The NNSC connects research, industry, land management, and restoration professionals, providing the premier opportunity to develop relationships and share information about the collection, research and development, production, and use of native plant materials. Fee.
VIRGINIA
February 10
Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program presents Woods & Wildlife Conference, Wytheville
These long-running full-day conferences provide information, tools, and personal contacts to help private woodland owners keep their woods, and the wildlife that live in them, healthy and productive. A variety of topics are offered to appeal to owners of both small and large tracts, and both new and experienced owners. Fee.
VIRGINIA/In-Person & Virtual Event
February 10
6th Annual Prince William Native Plant Symposium, Manassas
Register now for a full day of native plant gardening and landscaping information – lectures, exhibits, and networking. Keith Tomlinson, retired manager of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is the keynote speaker. Three sets of six break-out sessions as well as exhibits, lunch, and refreshments for onsite attendees! Stop Mowing, Start Growing: Native Plants for Beginners and Beyond! Stop mowing and get going on building your dream landscape! Invite friends and neighbors! This is a hybrid event and will be available live on Zoom as well. Fee.
VIRGINIA/In-Person & Virtual Event
February 14 – 15
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Winter Symposium, Richmond
Solving the complex challenges of designing a future that supports the health of our ecosystems and the thriving of all living things on Earth will require collaboration and thoughtful solutions from all corners of the green industry (and beyond!). This year we explore some of these innovative approaches that are being researched and implemented across the green industry with the goal of moving together toward a resilient future. Join us on Wednesday, February 14 and Thursday, February 15 to hear a variety of exciting speakers including Chris Ludwig (Flora of Virginia co-author), Ekene Tharpe (Babylon Micro-Farms), Andrew Freiden (NBC12), Jazmin Albarran (Seed Your Future), Josh Cerra (Cornell University), Richard Olsen (U.S. National Arboretum) and many more. Fee.
MARYLAND/Virtual Event
February 16
Montgomery Parks GreenScapes Symposium: Innovative Designs From the Field
This symposium will offer new and innovative sustainable design and maintenance strategies to take your home garden or professional work to the next level. Join industry experts as they share practical and scalable lessons from the field representing a diverse range of natural landscapes and human environments. We’ll explore the latest research from the University of Delaware, including case studies from award-winning public gardens and museums. Designers will share the challenges faced and solutions discovered working on projects with leaders like Roy Diblik, Piet Oudolf, and Cassian Schmidt. Learn how to create masterpieces by leveraging block and matrix plantings that maximize the characteristics of native species. Lectures will reimagine traditional landscapes with native plants and offer the latest in ecologically focused management strategies. Fee.
MARYLAND
February 17
Montgomery Parks: Birding for Beginners, Boyds
Want to join the 45 million other bird-watching Americans, but don’t know where to start? We’ll start with the basics of bird identification and go over how to select and use binoculars. Then we’ll go do some birding! If you have your own binoculars, please bring them along. And be sure to dress for the weather. Meet at the Discovery Center. Fee.
MID-ATLANTIC+/Virtual Event
February 21 – 22
2024 Ecological Landscape Alliance Annual Conference & Eco Marketplace
We hope to see you at ELA’s Annual Conference! We are thrilled to be celebrating our 30th year in this collective relationship together and as a nod to that, this year’s theme is PEARLS OF WISDOM. This virtual conference will give the ELA community a chance to engage and reflect on where the industry has been, to hear lessons learned, to prepare and adapt for the future, and to inspire each other to do all that we can to build and maintain resilient landscapes that work in harmony with the life that supports them. Fee.
VIRGINIA
February 24
Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program presents Woods & Wildlife Conference, Culpeper
These long-running full-day conferences provide information, tools, and personal contacts to help private woodland owners keep their woods, and the wildlife that live in them, healthy and productive. A variety of topics are offered to appeal to owners of both small and large tracts, and both new and experienced owners. Fee.
EVERYWHERE!
February 26 – March 3
National Invasive Species Awareness Week
NISAW is an international event to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread. No fee webinars.
EVERYWHERE/Virtual Event
February 27 – 29
Pollinator Friendly Alliance: Best Practices for Pollinators Summit 2024
Join us for three days of live conversation with a wealth of presenters and topics on ecologically sound land stewardship practices that promote pollinators, climate resilience, clean water and lands. Summit topics provide practical knowledge and innovation on pesticide reduction, habitat installation, climate resilience and more. Who should attend: Land stewards (private, public, community, county, state), policymakers, public works, environmental & parks commissions, conservation planners, roadside managers, parks & trails managers, community leaders, public & private area landscapers, conservationists, and educators. Join every talk, or attend just your favorites: All three days $60.
NEW JERSEY/In-Person & Virtual Event
March 2
Native Plant Society of New Jersey’s 2024 Annual Meeting: Building Community with Native Plants, Toms River
Plants, like people, need communities to thrive. Native plants support their communities—their ecosystems—in many ways. They provide food for insects, birds, and other wildlife; serve as host plants for insect offspring; offer shelter; support soil creation; conserve water; and reduce runoff. Thus, a critical way that humans can support ecosystems is by sowing and cultivating native plants. For maximum success in those efforts, there are many factors to consider, from “right place, right plant” to landscaping strategies that communicate intentionality to surrounding human communities. In this conference, expert speakers—Sarah F. Jayne, Mariellé Anzelone, and Toshi Yano—explore those considerations as they apply to urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. Fee.
VIRGINIA
March 3
Native Plants of Freshwater Tidal Communities with Nelson DeBarros, Alexandria
Nelson DeBarros, Vegetation Ecologist with the Fairfax County Park Authority, will give an in-person presentation on the native plants of Northern Virginia’s various freshwater tidal marshes. He will cover several area marshes and their plants, like wild rice, spatterdock and cattails, as well as some rare plants. This is an in-person, free meeting at the Huntley Meadows Park Visitor Center, 3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria (Fairfax County), https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park. No fee.
NEW JERSEY
March 11
Sustainable Downbeach presents Nature’s Best Hope with Doug Tallamy, Atlantic City
Sustainable Downbeach, a group of green teams on Absecon Island, has announced that environmental author Doug Tallamy, co-founder of Home Grown National Park, will speak at a public event 7 p.m. Monday, March 11 in the Fannie Lou Hamer Event Center at Stockton University Atlantic City campus, 3711 Atlantic Ave. Tallamy founded the largest cooperative conservation project through the online website, HomeGrownNationalPark.org, to encourage property owners, including homeowners and farmers, to reduce the size of lawns, remove invasive species, and plant native species of plants and trees to repopulate the dwindling bird and pollinator populations. No fee.
MARYLAND/Online & In-Person Sale
March 14
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery Opening, Baltimore
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery specializes in plants native to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Our non-profit native plant Nursery in Maryland offers more than 400 local species of trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, and more.Native plants are a feast for both our eyes and our planet. They help provide clean water, healthy soils, beautiful landscapes, and so much more. We strive to offer beautiful and durable plants that benefit and our local landscapes.
VIRGINIA/Online Ordering
March 14 — Pick up April 19 & April 20
Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District’s Native Seedling Sale, Falls Church
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual spring seedling sale makes low-cost bare-root native shrub and tree seedlings available to Northern Virginia residents. Orders for the 2024 Native Seedling Sale open on March 14, 2023. See link for new ordering details.
VIRGINIA
March 15
11th Annual Shenandoah Valley Plant Symposium 2024, Waynesboro
This year’s event will be held at the beautiful Wayne Theatre in Downtown Waynesboro! We’ve been listening to your feedback and we want your SVPS experience to be the best it can be. The Wayne offers state-of-the-art audio, visual, and lighting equipment which will bring presentations to life ensuring a pleasing experience for all who attend from the first speaker to the last! Featuring: Marianne Willburn – Big Dreams, Small Garden: A Guide To Creating Something Extraordinary in Your Ordinary Space; Heather Holm – The Buzz: Planting and Managing for Native Bees — and more! Fee.
VIRGINIA
March 17
Earth Sangha Local Ecotype Wild Plant Nursery Opening, Springfield
In the DC area, we operate a volunteer-based program to propagate local native plants, restore native plant communities, and control invasive alien plants. Our Wild Plant Nursery is the region’s most comprehensive effort to propagate native plants directly from local forests and meadows. Walk in nursery hours: Sundays 9am to 1pm, Mondays 9am to 1pm & Wednesdays 9am to 1pm.
WASHINGTON DC — SAVE THE DATE!
March 23
37th annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium & Plant Sale, Washington DC
Join us at the 37th Annual Lahr Native Plant Symposium for presentations from seven local gardeners, scientists, and nonprofit directors. Gain insight on combating destructive insects and managing soil health, engage with experienced horticulturists, and learn about the developments in the world of seed conservation and forest restoration. This symposium promises a wealth of knowledge for every green thumb and environmental enthusiast. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow native plant lovers and elevate your gardening expertise! Fee.
VIRGINIA/Virtual
March 26
Blue Ridge PRISM: Spring/Summer Invasive Plant Workshop: Identification
Our online workshop will provide an introduction to invasive plants and will help you to identify different species for the spring and summer. This session will take place via Zoom and will include a Q&A period with PRISM experts. This virtual session will be recorded. Those who register will receive access to the recording. $10 fee.
VIRGINIA/Virtual
March 27
Blue Ridge PRISM: Spring/Summer Invasive Plant Workshop: Management & Control
During our online workshop, you will learn how to best manage invasive plants during the spring and summer seasons. This workshop will take place via Zoom and will include a Q&A period with PRISM experts. Topics covered in this session include: Best seasonal practices for specific invasive plants; The right tools; Using manual & mechanical control methods; Methods for controlling invasive plants with careful use of herbicides; Planning a work schedule with best timings for multiple plants. This virtual session will be recorded. Those who register will receive access to the recording. $10 fee.
NORTH CAROLINA
March 30
Gardening For Life Celebration 2024, Columbus
The GFL Celebration is a free community event celebrating ways we can all make a difference to preserve and protect biodiversity in the Carolina Foothills and beyond. Join us for a day of discovery, of surprise and of lively community conversations. The 2024 Keynote Speaker is Jim McCormac, award-winning author, botanist, conservationist and photographer. Plus a native plant sale, educational exhibits and more! No fee to attend.
MARYLAND/Online & In-Person Sale
Continuing…
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery, Baltimore
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery specializes in plants native to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Our non-profit native plant Nursery in Maryland offers more than 400 local species of trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, and more.Native plants are a feast for both our eyes and our planet. They help provide clean water, healthy soils, beautiful landscapes, and so much more. We strive to offer beautiful and durable plants that benefit and our local landscapes.
VIRGINIA
Continuing….
Earth Sangha Local Ecotype Wild Plant Nursery, Springfield
In the DC area, we operate a volunteer-based program to propagate local native plants, restore native plant communities, and control invasive alien plants. Our Wild Plant Nursery is the region’s most comprehensive effort to propagate native plants directly from local forests and meadows. Walk in nursery hours: Sundays 9am to 1pm, Mondays 9am to 1pm & Wednesdays 9am to 1pm.
NEW JERSEY/Online Sale with Local Pickup
April 1 – 19
Great Swamp Watershed Association 2024 Native Plant Sale, Newport News
In our 4th annual Plant for Pollinators Program, our mission is to inspire the widespread adoption of native plant gardens across our region. These gardens play a crucial role in providing essential habitats for pollinator insects and bird communities, acting as foundational elements for our local ecosystem. Together, we’re turning private yards into what the renowned lecturer and entomologist Doug Tallamy affectionately terms a Homegrown National Park™.
VIRGINIA
April 3
The VNPS Potowmack Chapter monthly Native Plant Sale at Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria
VNPS First Wednesday Plant Sales are from 10am to 1pm at our propagation beds across the driveway behind the Horticulture Center. Our knowledgeable Propagation Bed Volunteers are looking forward to visiting with you and helping you select the right plants for your environment. Cash or check only, please. VNPS Potowmac Chapter: https://vnps.org/potowmack/.
MARYLAND
April 6
Chesapeake Natives Open House Sale, Upper Marlboro
Come out to Chesapeake Natives Nursery in Rosaryville State Park on Saturday April 6th from 10AM-3PM for our FIRST Open House Sale of 2024! Our fabulous volunteers will be available at the sale to help you find the right native plants for your space. We grow local ecotype native species (LENS) from native seed gathered in the wild in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. LENS have coevolved with insects in the Bay ecosystem and so bloom at the times best for local populations, maximizing their contribution to the food web. A list of our inventory can be found here: https://chesapeakenativesinc.square.site/sale-dates.
VIRGINIA
April 6
Bluebells at the Bend, Riverbend Park, Great Falls
Enjoy wildflower walks, live animals, exhibitors, live music, crafts and food trucks. Come out to Riverbend Park on Saturday, April 6, 2024, to see the beautiful bluebells in bloom. Save time and money by registering online. Friends of Riverbend Park will be selling bluebells by cash, check or credit card on the deck of the Visitor Center starting at 10 am on a first come – first serve basis as long as supplies last. Fee.
VIRGINIA
April 6
Christopher Newport University: 25th Anniversary Gardening Symposium, Newport News
Christopher Newport University’s annual Gardening Symposium aims to provide education to gardeners in our community. Each year the symposium includes speakers, workshops, plant sales, and more. This year’s “Gardening: Stewardship of Nature” presents Homegrown National Park; Building Networks for Life! with Dr. Doug Tallamy, Environmentally Friendly Gardening with Dr. Linda Johnson, Foodscaping with Native Plants with Brie Arthur — and other notable presenters. Past conference attendees included master gardeners, novices, and gardening enthusiasts from the Peninsula and southside Hampton Roads. Fee.
VIRGINIA
April 7
Bluebell Festival at Merrimac Farm WMA, Nokesville
Please join us on Sunday, April 7, to welcome spring, celebrate nature close to home and view the fabulous Virginia Bluebells that carpet the Cedar Run shoreline for nearly a mile. Meet local organizations and people who are working to improve our community. With some of the best Northern Virginia naturalists leading tours and activities, we’re looking forward to a special day at an outstanding natural area. Family-friendly and free of charge (bring cash for vendors).
MARYLAND/In-Person or Virtual
April 11
Audubon Maryland-DC presents Gardening for Birds & Baltimore Workshop, Baltimore
Learn how to transform your home, school, work, or community space into a native urban oasis! Audubon experts will share practical tips and scientific support for gardening with native plants, which also make our communities more resilient to climate change. Explore the resources you need to beautify your outdoor space and attract birds, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife. There will be two options to attend: in person at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Govans Branch or virtual through Zoom. No fee.
MARYLAND
April 11
Maryland Native Plant Society: The Power of Native Plants, McHenry
Make the critical connection between native plants, people, and wildlife! See link for speaker and topic information. Fee.
PENNSYLVANIA
April 11
Manada Conservancy presents For the Love of Groundcovers, Hershey
Ian Gardner, of locally-based Green Gardner Designs, will discuss the many benefits and options for planting native groundcovers in your home landscape. Some of the varieties he will feature are available in our online native plant store through April 15 or at the in-person sale event on May 4. No fee.
MARYLAND
April 13
Howard County’s GreenFest 2024, Columbia
Native Plant Sale! Document Shredding! Rain Barrel Giveaway! Compost Bin Giveaway and MORE! GreenFest is Howard County’s largest celebration of Earth Day. The event aims to connect residents with the resources that local businesses, non-profits and government provide to help anyone be a good steward to the environment.
MARYLAND
April 13
Maryland Native Plant Society: Native Trees in Your Yard at Home, Leonardtown Library, St. Mary’s County
Learn more about the native trees of Maryland and offers strategies for selecting and placing a tree in your yard at home. Maryland’s native trees come in an amazing array of sizes and shapes. They can provide beauty and boost the environmental health of your home landscape, no matter how large or small the space. Learn more about their many benefits, from supporting nesting birds and beneficial insects to improving air and water quality. The talk will conclude with a walk around the Library’s “Front Yard” for an up-close look at the native trees that are the focal points of our native plant garden. We’ll learn the basics of plant identification using keys and field guides, then explore the library grounds and gardens to use our knowledge. This program is designed for those with little or no experience and will focus on leaves, twigs, and buds. The workshop will be an indoor and outdoor class. We will not walk very far outside, but dress for the weather and for standing around outside. Registration required; no fee.
VIRGINIA
April 13
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s Spring Native Plant Sale, Leesburg
Native plants add beauty and interest to your garden year round and provide important habitat for wildlife. Our Native Plant Sale is the place to buy spring-blooming flowers, vines, trees, shrubs and ferns from four local native plant nurseries: Hill House Farm & Nursery, Nature By Design, Seven Bends Nursery and Watermark Woods. The Sale takes place at the visitor parking lot (access via main entrance on Old Waterford Road) and will be staffed by volunteers knowledgeable about native plants who can advise you on selecting natives for your garden. While you’re there, be sure to stop by our community partners’ booths: Virginia Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation, Banshee Reeks Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists, Loudoun Master Gardeners, Piedmont Chapter of Virginia Native Plant Society and Wild Ones NoVA.
VIRGINIA
April 13
Virginia Osprey Foundation: Virginia Osprey Festival, Colonial Beach
We are excited to bring you the 6th Annual Virginia Osprey Festival in Colonial Beach! Featuring: Keynote speaker Dr. Paul Spitzer; Activities for children; Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources; Ambassador Wildlife; Virginia Institute of Marine Science; Golf cart & trolley tours and much more! Fee for some experience.
EVERYWHERE!
April 22
Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics
For Earth Day 2024 on April 22nd, EARTHDAY.ORG is unwavering in our commitment to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040.
NEW JERSEY
April 26 (Members) & 27
Pinelands Preservation Alliance Spring Native Plant Sale, Southampton
Get wild with native plants this spring! Native plants are great for your yard and for wildlife but they can be hard to find. We can help. Find plants native to the Pine Barrens and South Jersey at our spring native plant sale. Cash, check, and credit cards are accepted.
VIRGINIA
April 26 – 28
US Fish & Wildlife Service: Great Dismay Swamp Birding Festival, Suffolk
The Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival returns on April 26 through 28, with its annual celebration of spring migration. Join us for a weekend of guided bird walks, natural history talks, live animals and family fun activities! Registration required for Guided Walks and Bus Tours and recommended for Presentations. Please check the registration website often as spots open up when there are cancellations. We look forward to seeing you at the refuge! All events are free.
PENNSYLVANIA
April 27
Wildwood Park’s Wetlands Festival, Harrisburg
Wetlands Festival is a time to honor Wildwood Park’s treasured wetlands. Join us for a day of free, fun, and educational activities with special musical guests. Enjoy wildlife exhibits, walks, and various local and regional environmental organizations. Interact with live animals and make crafts to take home! There is something for everyone!
VIRGINIA/In-Person Event
April 27
Northern Alexandria Native Plant Sale, Alexandria
The purpose of this sale is to promote native plant gardening in our neighborhoods because gardening with natives is better for our watershed, our woodlands, and our wildlife, especially birds. Bringing together many growers selling a variety of plants makes it easier for neighborhood gardeners to find quality plants and encourages a greater demand for natives in the nursery industry. Nursery vendors from Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania will be at the sale.
MARYLAND/Online & In-Person Sale
Continuing…
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery, Baltimore
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery specializes in plants native to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Our non-profit native plant Nursery in Maryland offers more than 400 local species of trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, and more.Native plants are a feast for both our eyes and our planet. They help provide clean water, healthy soils, beautiful landscapes, and so much more. We strive to offer beautiful and durable plants that benefit and our local landscapes.
VIRGINIA
Continuing….
Earth Sangha Local Ecotype Wild Plant Nursery, Springfield
In the DC area, we operate a volunteer-based program to propagate local native plants, restore native plant communities, and control invasive alien plants. Our Wild Plant Nursery is the region’s most comprehensive effort to propagate native plants directly from local forests and meadows. Walk in nursery hours: Sundays 9am to 1pm, Mondays 9am to 1pm & Wednesdays 9am to 1pm.
MARYLAND
May 1
Irvine Nature Center: The Royal Connection: Spring Flowers & Queen Bumble Bees, Owings Mill
Lunch & Learn! Queen Bumble Bees are one of the first bees to emerge in early spring. Their warm, fuzzy coats and innate ability to raise their body temperature means they can fly even on cold spring mornings when other bees are still snug and warm in bed. This makes them an essential pollinator for many spring ephemeral flowers. Discover the special relationship this charismatic bee has with spring flowers, such as the enchanting Dutchman’s breeches, shooting star, and larkspur. In this fun talk, we will learn about the perils of being both a Queen and a single mom; it’s not easy to raise your daughters while coping with problems like nectar robbers and cuckoos. Following the lunch and talk, enjoy a guided walk around Irvine’s Woodland Garden at the peak of flowering of spring ephemerals. Tickets include a tea party fit for royalty and themed mocktail for your enjoyment. Fee.
VIRGINIA
May 1
The VNPS Potowmack Chapter monthly Native Plant Sale at Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria
VNPS First Wednesday Plant Sales are from 10am to 1pm at our propagation beds across the driveway behind the Horticulture Center. Our knowledgeable Propagation Bed Volunteers are looking forward to visiting with you and helping you select the right plants for your environment. Cash or check only, please. VNPS Potowmac Chapter: https://vnps.org/potowmack/.
VIRGINIA
May 1
Dark Skies: Lights out for Migratory Birds, Ashburn
Did you know that most birds migrate at night? During spring migration, birds migrating at night are dependent on dark skies to keep their course as they return to northern nesting grounds. Artificial light at night disorients migrating birds and can lead to devastating effects on flocks. Lights Out campaigns reduce the amount of artificial nighttime light and can help protect migratory birds. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at Broadlands Community Center for guest speakers from partner organizations such as Dark Sky Friends and The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia who will share expertise on the importance of dark skies for bird migration, as well as what Lights Out really means. Registration required/no fee.
PENNSYLVANIA
May 4
Manada Conservancy’s Annual Native Plant Sale, East Hanover Township Nature Park, Grantville
Our online native plant store OPENS February 1st for Spring 2024! An in-person native plant event will be held on May 4 at our native plant nursery.
MARYLAND
May 5
Howard County’s Native Plant Palooza, Columbia
Shop our annual, outdoor native plant sale! Select from a large variety of shrubs, wildflowers, ground covers, trees, and edible native plants. Native plants are more tolerant to local climate, pest species and soil nutrients and require less water, fertilizer and pesticides while providing food and habitat for local species of butterflies, insects and birds. Vendors support Robinson Nature Center through donations. Free for all ages.
VIRGINIA
May 5
Earth Sangha Wild Plant Nursery Spring Open House, Springfield
The Earth Sangha’s Spring Open House and Native Plant Sale will be on Sunday, May 5th, from 9am to 1pm, at the Wild Plant Nursery! Join us at the Wild Plant Nursery to shop the DC region’s most comprehensive source of local ecotype, native plants AND learn about grassroots conservation efforts by our partners like the Virginia Native Plant Society, Plant NOVA Natives, local “Friends of” groups, Master Naturalists, and more! For more information about the Wild Plant Nursery, species list, and directions visit earthsangha.org/wpn.
PENNSYLVANIA
May 7
PennState presents Nature’s Best Hope with Doug Tallamy, Malvern
Recent headlines about global insect declines, the impending extinction of 1 million species worldwide, and 3 billion fewer birds in North America are a bleak reality check about how ineffective our current landscape designs have been at sustaining the plants and animals that sustain us. Such losses are not an option if we wish to continue our current standard of living on planet Earth. The good news is that none of this is inevitable. Doug Tallamy, a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, will discuss simple steps that each of us can take to reverse declining biodiversity and explain why we are nature’s best hope.
MARYLAND
May 11
Maryland Native Plant Society: 9th Annual Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival, New Germany State Park
Discover the connection between native plants, people and wildlife at this free event! Plants native to the Mid-Atlantic region! Special guest speakers! Family friendly activities! Conservation education displays! Nature-themed artisan items!
VIRGINIA
May 11
Mason Neck State Park 26th Annual Eagle Festival, Lorton
Join us for a full day of live animal shows, hands on educational opportunities, and outdoor recreation clinics that all aim to highlight the rich natural history of Northern Virginia and foster stewardship of our environment. See live wildlife up close; Learn about our resident bald eagles and see them fly overhead; Visit exhibits from our many conservation partners; Enjoy live music, food, and more! All events for the festival are free for everyone to enjoy! Special thanks to the Friends of Mason Neck State Park for their continued support of the park and this event, and thanks to all our Peninsula partners and sponsors that make this event possible. No fee.
MARYLAND/Online & In-Person Sale
Continuing…
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery, Baltimore
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery specializes in plants native to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Our non-profit native plant Nursery in Maryland offers more than 400 local species of trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, and more.Native plants are a feast for both our eyes and our planet. They help provide clean water, healthy soils, beautiful landscapes, and so much more. We strive to offer beautiful and durable plants that benefit and our local landscapes.
VIRGINIA
Continuing….
Earth Sangha Local Ecotype Wild Plant Nursery, Springfield
In the DC area, we operate a volunteer-based program to propagate local native plants, restore native plant communities, and control invasive alien plants. Our Wild Plant Nursery is the region’s most comprehensive effort to propagate native plants directly from local forests and meadows. Walk in nursery hours: Sundays 9am to 1pm, Mondays 9am to 1pm & Wednesdays 9am to 1pm.
Eastern US+/Virtual
June 4
Justice Clearinghouse: Who’s Been Nibbling My Garden?
Our gardens and landscapes couldn’t flourish without wildlife, but a significant volume of complaint calls about various wildlife species arise out of the public’s interactions with animals like chipmunks, deer, rabbits, raccoons, and groundhogs – and their presence in these spaces. Join us for this cohosted webinar featuring Nancy Lawson, The Humane Gardner, to learn about how to garden and landscape among hungry mammals, as well as how to address misunderstandings about some of these common key players. This webinar will provide resources and strategies for coexisting with our Wild Neighbors in our greenspaces, in our backyards, and in our gardens. No fee.
VIRGINIA
June 5
The VNPS Potowmack Chapter monthly Native Plant Sale at Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria
VNPS First Wednesday Plant Sales are from 10am to 1pm at our propagation beds across the driveway behind the Horticulture Center. Our knowledgeable Propagation Bed Volunteers are looking forward to visiting with you and helping you select the right plants for your environment. Cash or check only, please. VNPS Potowmac Chapter: https://vnps.org/potowmack/.
NORTH AMERICA!
June 15
Nature Photography Day!
Each year, June 15 is designated by the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) to promote the enjoyment of nature photography, and to explain how images are used to advance the cause of conservation and protect plants, wildlife, and landscapes both locally and globally.
EVERYWHERE!
June 17 – 23
Pollinator Week!
Thank You for Celebrating Pollinator Week with Us! Pollinator Week is an annual celebration in support of pollinator health that was initiated and is managed by Pollinator Partnership. It is a time to raise awareness for pollinators and spread the word about what we can do to protect them. The great thing about Pollinator Week is that you can celebrate and get involved any way you like! Popular events include planting for pollinators, hosting garden tours, participating in online bee and butterfly ID workshops, and so much more. However you choose to celebrate this year, be sure to register your event on the map below, and share your story with us by tagging us on social media using the hashtag #PollinatorWeek.
MARYLAND/Virtual
June 25
Maryland Monthly Program: Ask a Bumble Bee!
Ask A Bumble Bee! Exploring Bumble Bee Floral Preference with Jenan El-Hifnawi. This session explores the “Ask A Bumble Bee” (AABB) program; a citizen science initiative dedicated to understanding bumble bee floral preference. In addition to learning how to participate in the program, attendees will hear some of our latest research findings; ultimately walking away with practical information for creating and observing bee-friendly gardens! No fee.
MARYLAND/Online & In-Person Sale
Continuing…
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery, Baltimore
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery specializes in plants native to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Our non-profit native plant Nursery in Maryland offers more than 400 local species of trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, and more.Native plants are a feast for both our eyes and our planet. They help provide clean water, healthy soils, beautiful landscapes, and so much more. We strive to offer beautiful and durable plants that benefit and our local landscapes.
VIRGINIA
Continuing….
Earth Sangha Local Ecotype Wild Plant Nursery, Springfield
In the DC area, we operate a volunteer-based program to propagate local native plants, restore native plant communities, and control invasive alien plants. Our Wild Plant Nursery is the region’s most comprehensive effort to propagate native plants directly from local forests and meadows. Walk in nursery hours: Sundays 9am to 1pm, Mondays 9am to 1pm & Wednesdays 9am to 1pm.
VIRGINIA
July 3
The VNPS Potowmack Chapter monthly Native Plant Sale at Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria
VNPS First Wednesday Plant Sales are from 10am to 1pm at our propagation beds across the driveway behind the Horticulture Center. Our knowledgeable Propagation Bed Volunteers are looking forward to visiting with you and helping you select the right plants for your environment. Cash or check only, please. VNPS Potowmac Chapter: https://vnps.org/potowmack/.
MARYLAND/Online & In-Person Sale
Continuing…
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery, Baltimore
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery specializes in plants native to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Our non-profit native plant Nursery in Maryland offers more than 400 local species of trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, and more.Native plants are a feast for both our eyes and our planet. They help provide clean water, healthy soils, beautiful landscapes, and so much more. We strive to offer beautiful and durable plants that benefit and our local landscapes.
VIRGINIA
Continuing….
Earth Sangha Local Ecotype Wild Plant Nursery, Springfield
In the DC area, we operate a volunteer-based program to propagate local native plants, restore native plant communities, and control invasive alien plants. Our Wild Plant Nursery is the region’s most comprehensive effort to propagate native plants directly from local forests and meadows. Walk in nursery hours: Sundays 9am to 1pm, Mondays 9am to 1pm & Wednesdays 9am to 1pm.
VIRGINIA
August 7
The VNPS Potowmack Chapter monthly Native Plant Sale at Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria
VNPS First Wednesday Plant Sales are from 10am to 1pm at our propagation beds across the driveway behind the Horticulture Center. Our knowledgeable Propagation Bed Volunteers are looking forward to visiting with you and helping you select the right plants for your environment. Cash or check only, please. VNPS Potowmac Chapter: https://vnps.org/potowmack/.
MARYLAND/Online & In-Person Sale
Continuing…
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery, Baltimore
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery specializes in plants native to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Our non-profit native plant Nursery in Maryland offers more than 400 local species of trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, and more.Native plants are a feast for both our eyes and our planet. They help provide clean water, healthy soils, beautiful landscapes, and so much more. We strive to offer beautiful and durable plants that benefit and our local landscapes.
VIRGINIA
Continuing….
Earth Sangha Local Ecotype Wild Plant Nursery, Springfield
In the DC area, we operate a volunteer-based program to propagate local native plants, restore native plant communities, and control invasive alien plants. Our Wild Plant Nursery is the region’s most comprehensive effort to propagate native plants directly from local forests and meadows. Walk in nursery hours: Sundays 9am to 1pm, Mondays 9am to 1pm & Wednesdays 9am to 1pm.
VIRGINIA
September 4
The VNPS Potowmack Chapter monthly Native Plant Sale at Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria
VNPS First Wednesday Plant Sales are from 10am to 1pm at our propagation beds across the driveway behind the Horticulture Center. Our knowledgeable Propagation Bed Volunteers are looking forward to visiting with you and helping you select the right plants for your environment. Cash or check only, please. VNPS Potowmac Chapter: https://vnps.org/potowmack/.
VIRGINIA/In-Person Event
September 28
Northern Alexandria Native Plant Sale, Alexandria
The purpose of this sale is to promote native plant gardening in our neighborhoods because gardening with natives is better for our watershed, our woodlands, and our wildlife, especially birds. Bringing together many growers selling a variety of plants makes it easier for neighborhood gardeners to find quality plants and encourages a greater demand for natives in the nursery industry. Nursery vendors from Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania will be at the sale.
MARYLAND/Online & In-Person Sale
Continuing…
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery, Baltimore
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery specializes in plants native to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Our non-profit native plant Nursery in Maryland offers more than 400 local species of trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, and more.Native plants are a feast for both our eyes and our planet. They help provide clean water, healthy soils, beautiful landscapes, and so much more. We strive to offer beautiful and durable plants that benefit and our local landscapes.
VIRGINIA
Continuing….
Earth Sangha Local Ecotype Wild Nursery, Springfield
In the DC area, we operate a volunteer-based program to propagate local native plants, restore native plant communities, and control invasive alien plants. Our Wild Plant Nursery is the region’s most comprehensive effort to propagate native plants directly from local forests and meadows. Walk in nursery hours: Sundays 9am to 1pm, Mondays 9am to 1pm & Wednesdays 9am to 1pm.
VIRGINIA
October 2
The VNPS Potowmack Chapter monthly Native Plant Sale at Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria
VNPS First Wednesday Plant Sales are from 10am to 1pm at our propagation beds across the driveway behind the Horticulture Center. Our knowledgeable Propagation Bed Volunteers are looking forward to visiting with you and helping you select the right plants for your environment. Cash or check only, please. VNPS Potowmac Chapter: https://vnps.org/potowmack/.
MARYLAND/Online & In-Person Sale
Continuing…
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery, Baltimore
Blue Water Baltimore’s Herring Run Nursery specializes in plants native to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Our non-profit native plant Nursery in Maryland offers more than 400 local species of trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, and more.Native plants are a feast for both our eyes and our planet. They help provide clean water, healthy soils, beautiful landscapes, and so much more. We strive to offer beautiful and durable plants that benefit and our local landscapes.