FREE lecture series - GROW NATIVE MASSACHUSETTS

GROW NATIVE MASSACHUSETTS was founded in 2010 as a Massachusetts-focused, open-source resource for everyone's use in reaping the tremendous benefits of native species.

It’s most popular forum for learning and sharing information about native species is through lecture series - "EVENINGS WITH EXPERTS" which are free and available on ZOOM or in-person. There are 4 great topics for 2024 beginning in February at these registration links:

• February 7,  7pm - Meadowmaking for Beginners - register here
• March 6,  7pm - The Secret Lives of Native Bees - register here
• April 3,  7pm - Planting for Climate Resilience - In-person at Cambridge public Library, no registration required 
• May 8,  7pm - Gardening Among Hungry Mammals - register here

So, what are those tremendous benefits of native species?

• Low maintenance: once established, native plants generally require little maintenance.
• Beauty: Many native plants offer beautiful showy flowers, produce abundant colorful fruits and seeds, and brilliant seasonal changes in colors from the pale, thin greens of early spring, to the vibrant yellows and reds of autumn.
• Water conservation:  Because native plants are adapted to local environmental conditions, they require far less water, saving time, money, and perhaps the most valuable natural resource, water.
• Combat climate change: Many native plants, especially long-living trees like oaks and maples, are especially effective at storing the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.
• Contribute to a healthier outdoor home environment: Native plants don’t require typical suburban lawn chemicals and pesticides, which can be quite harmful to human and pet health.
• Provide vital habitat for birds and other wildlife: Native plants provide critical habitat for wildlife, including birds and other important pollinators.