D&R Greenway Land Trust’s native plant sales to be held at noon April 10, 11, and Saturday, April 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at D&R Greenway’s Native Plant Nursery

Eco-conscious gardeners know that planting native plant species provides essential food for local wildlife, in migration and in breeding seasons. Along with exciting native wildflowers such as cardinal flower, milkweed, wild geranium, rattlesnake master, wild blue indigo, nodding onion, foam flower and native ferns, the nursery offers native shrubs, trees, and grasses.

Native shrubs include buttonbush, native viburnums, elderberry, winterberry, blueberry and more! Native trees include serviceberry, pawpaw, magnolia, oak and more! D&R Greenway Land Trust’s plants are grown from locally sourced seeds or starter plants and are free of harmful nicotinoid insecticides. A full catalog is available online at https://drgreenway.org/events/spring-2025-native-plant-sale-save-the-date/ 

“We are excited to invite the public for the seasonal opening of our Native Plant Nursery and offer plants that sustain our local ecosystem,” said D&R Greenway’s Director of Land Stewardship, Tina Notas. 

Linda Mead, D&R Greenway’s President & CEO noted “Our knowledgeable staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions and steer you to the best choices for your yard. By planting natives, you are taking action against climate change and protecting the species of birds, butterflies and pollinators that need these plants for survival!” 

Home native habitats contribute to a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem. Of prime importance is the relationship of native pollinators with New Jersey’s native plants. Nectar from native milkweed provides the right energy source to adult butterflies, and, importantly, the milkweed’s leaves also provide the right food for caterpillars to grow. This special relationship makes native milkweed a host plant for our Monarch Butterflies. Monarch butterflies could not thrive without milkweed. Turning the home garden into natural habitat fosters these crucial partnerships, such as monarch and milkweed. Native plants also require less in terms of irrigation and do not require fertilizer. 

D&R Greenway Land Trust has preserved more than 20,000 acres of land in central New Jersey, fulfilling its mission to preserve a network of natural lands and open space accessible to the public. The land trust is committed to inspiring a conservation ethic through all its programs, including increasing awareness of the benefits of native species. Habitat restoration projects began on D&R Greenway lands. Native plants’ usefulness extends even beyond home gardens to local schools, municipalities and other non-profits. 

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D&R GREENWAY LAND TRUST IS IN ITS 30TH YEAR of preserving and protecting natural lands, farmlands and open spaces throughout central and southern New Jersey. Through continuous preservation and stewardship — caring for land and easements to ensure they remain protected and ecologically healthy in perpetuity — D&R Greenway nurtures a healthier and more diverse environment for people and wild species in seven counties. Accredited by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission, D&R Greenway’s mission is to preserve and care for land and inspire a conservation ethic, now and for the future. Since its founding in 1989, D&R Greenway has permanently preserved 303 properties, approximately 20,500 acres, including over 30 miles of trails open to the public. 

The Johnson Education Center, a circa 1900 restored barn at One Preservation Place, Princeton, is D&R Greenway’s home. Through programs, art exhibits and related lectures, D&R Greenway inspires greater public commitment to safeguarding land. 

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