Dear Members,

Hot off the presses! We are delighted to announce the next edition of Native Plant News, the Society's magazine for our members, has been mailed. Your personal copy will arrive very soon, and it is also available to download online. At this time of year, we often give thanks for the beauty of New England. Let's also take a moment to think about what makes these varied landscapes teem with life--plants! Native plants are critical to the habitats of the region we love, and in our hearts we know protecting them is essential. Your donation to our 2015 Fall Appeal is a great first step. You can be truly proud of the role your philanthropic contribution plays in securing a positive future for the native plants of New England.

When making your donation to the 2015 Fall Appeal please remember your Annual Fund gift supports ALL the projects mentioned in the magazine, e-newsletters, and on our website. For example, as we evaluate different conservation methods, such as the highly controversial "managed relocation" written about in this issue of Native Plant News, it is support from friends like you that helps fund a science-based, strategic approach to the conservation and promotion of the region's flora.

Thank you, and happy reading!

The staff and volunteers of New England Wild Flower Society

Stop Raking!

Your neighbors might disapprove, but there are myriad reasons not to "clean up" your garden this fall. Many pollinators, and some amphibians, overwinter in leaf litter and dry perennial stems. Cleaning up your leaves destroys their habitat and kills any who have already bedded down. Let your garden work for nature this winter and save the cleanup work for spring!

Mill River Waterfront Restoration

We are working with Smith College to create an invasive species management and vegetation restoration plan for their Mill River waterfront area. The area is priority habitat for a number of rare species dependent on the river's ecosystem. The plan will identify invasives for eradication, control, and suppression, as well as pinpoint areas to focus on for improved ecological function.

Explore China

A backroads journey to fascinating cultures and spectacular landscapes; July 8-21, 2016. The Tibetan highlands of Sichuan are home to an extraordinary diversity of plants; including rhododendrons, primroses, orchids, and gentians. Join botanist Ted Elliman to explore forests, meadows, alpine communities on the eastern edge of the Roof of the World. Learn more online or download the brochure.

Giving Tuesday

Have you seen the #Giving Tuesday logos everywhere? This national day of fundraising is fast approaching: December 1. We are excited to take part with a special crowd funding campaign for our Seed Ark. Please sign up and share our CrowdRise Giving Tower link with your friends and families so everyone can help save imperiled plants. Thank you!

Holiday Shopping Evening

Members are invited to our third annual event on Wednesday, December 2, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Garden Shop at Garden in the Woods. Join us for a fun evening of retail therapy with light refreshments, 20% off purchases, and the chance to win an exciting door prize. RSVP online or call 508-877-7630 x3104.

Winter Retail Hours

Can't make the special members' only evening? The Garden Shop at Garden in the Woods is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from November 1 to December 23, 2015. Holiday shopping without the holiday rat race! Imaginative gifts, many locally sourced. Plentiful convenient parking. Personal attention. Free gift wrapping. Shipping service available.

The Perfect Gift for Everyone

Still not sure what to get your Aunt Sally for Thanksgiving? How about a gift membership to New England Wild Flower Society? This earth-friendly gift lasts all year and doesn't require watering or pruning! Gift memberships are perfect for the holidays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, birthdays, or any other special occasion. Contact: 508-877-7630 x3104.

Funding the Future

For those of us who love forward-thinking, bequests offer wonderful opportunities to support all sorts of exciting future success! And telling the Society about your bequest allows us the honor of thanking you right now. A bequest could stipulate a dollar amount, asset(s), or percentage value be given to New England Wild Society from your estate. For more information, contact 508-877-7630 x3502.

Don't forget to add membership@newenglandwild.org
to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox!