Native Plant Sale: An Astounding Success! |
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THANK YOU to all who participated in the recent native pollinator plant sale hosted by Great Swamp Watershed Association with volunteer support from 17 towns and community partners, including the Garden Club of Madison and Madison Environmental Commission.
Many of you were among the 430 buyers from 72 towns who took home more than 13,650 plant plugs. More than 2,000 of these beautiful, powerhouse plants are being added to Madison yards! It's estimated that Madison acquired the most plants per capita. 🥳 🏆 🌼
The local enthusiasm for native plants is amazing — the entire stock of kits and 19 individual species sold out TWICE, in just 18 days. These astounding numbers mean great things for the many pollinator-benefitting gardens that will spring up around our region.
When all the swamp milkweeds, cardinal flowers and more are planted, we will create an estimated 2,275 square yards of new pollinator habitat throughout northern New Jersey. That is almost half an acre, and a huge impact! Look at this plant sale map to see what we mean.
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How Many Butterflies & Moths Does Your Tree Support? |
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Visit Native Plant Finder and search on your zip code to find trees (and other plants) that host the highest numbers of butterflies and moths. These creatures are not only interesting to see, they're also essential to feeding birds and other wildlife where you live.
Be sure to click through on each tree genus (broad category such as oak, maple, birch, etc.) to find out which species are native to your area. For example, not all maple species are native to the U.S. or our region (in fact, some of these non-natives are invasive).
Observe your trees and yard to see what caterpillars, moths and butterflies live there! Keep your eyes open for these beauties and others:
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Red-spotted Purple butterfly (Limenitis anthems astyanax)
Photo © Wade & Sharon Wander.
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Green Marvel moth (Agriopodes fallax)
Photo by Doug Tallamy
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Found a bug in your yard or on a walk and wondering what it is, and if it's a "good" bug or a bad one? Download the free Seek by iNaturalist app, take a photo, and find out!
Using the power of image recognition technology, the app lets you identify and learn about the insects, plants and animals all around you. Fun for all ages!
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Have you seen these rare native trees in Madison? |
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They were planted by the Friends of Madison Shade Trees to help reestablish the species after a devastating blight at the turn of the 20th century, which killed most American Chestnut trees in the U.S.
Their disappearance created profound change in the structure and composition of eastern forests.
Our super Department of Public Works (DPW) team has played a large role in preserving these young trees, replanting the survivors twice, protecting them with deer fencing and mulch, and making sure they aren't damaged when the lawn is cut.
124 species of butterflies and moths use American Chestnut tree as a caterpillar host plant in our area. Learn more.
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Meet Madison's Beekeepers and Pollinator Gardeners
Wednesday, June 2, 7:30–9:00 PM
Via Zoom
Learn the basics of beekeeping, and the importance of gardening with native pollinator plants.
Bee populations are under severe threat from pesticide use and habitat loss. Members of Madison, New Jersey’s popular Beekeeping Club will share their experience in supporting local honeybees, both in their own yards and at the Community Garden.
In addition Joan Maccari, a native plant educator and Environmental Commission member, will take you on a virtual tour of Madison's pollinator meadow and bee-friendly gardens.
You’ll leave with tips on how to reduce chemicals in your yard and ideas about what flowers to plant to attract bees and butterflies.
Presented by Madison Environmental Commission
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Gardening for Pollinators:
Plant It, They Will Come
With Hazel England, Director of Education, Outreach and Land Stewardship for the Great Swamp Watershed Association
Recorded, watch at your convenience
Imagine relaxing in your yard, watching the butterflies, dragonflies, hummingbirds, and other beautiful pollinators and wildlife frolicking in your pollinator garden. It's easier than you may think!
Learn the appropriate native plants you will need to attract pollinators, and why this type of garden benefits your yard, your neighborhood and our shared watershed. Every yard matters!
Presented by the Great Swamp Watershed Association
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Wanted: Volunteer who can research where to bring used plant pots and garden materials.
The job involves calling local nurseries, checking in with garden organizations and confirming information on the websites of Home Depot and Lowe’s.
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Follow @GreenMadisonNJ on social media for the latest eco-tips, events, discussion & more.
We want to hear your thoughts there, too!
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Do you have a friend or neighbor who'd be interested in receiving Madison Environmental Commission's newsletter?
If so, please forward this email and let them know they can sign up here to receive future issues. |
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