Dear Members,

Get a jump on spring! Your personal copy of our 2016 spring/summer program brochure will be in your mailbox soon. There are more programs than ever before to choose from. Celebrate native plants and enjoy Arbor Day, the summer solstice, and Trillium Week...a new seven-day affair devoted to celebrating the beauty and variety of trillium. Discover varied habitats and unusual plants through more than 17 expert-led excursions across New England. Register now before the ephemerals emerge and classes fill up!

The staff of New England Wild Flower Society

With Love and Carex

The only, presently known, extant population of Carex mesochorea (midland sedge) in New England is in Holyoke, MA. Our Conservation staff manages invasive woody shrub growth at the site and collects seed from this MA endangered species. Recently, our Seed Cleaning Volunteers prepared the 2014 collection and now the species is protected forever ex situ in our Seed Ark.

The Birds and the Bees

Eutrochium (joe-pye weed) provides great winter habitat for many pollinators. Birds eat the seeds and use the attached fluff to line their nests. Many native bee species nest in the standing dry stems of last season's growth. Wait until spring to cut it back so the birds and the bees can benefit from this pollinator powerhouse.

Be Mine For Nine!

To celebrate the most romantic month of the year, and its extra day, we are offering Individual and Individual With Garden Access members a special opportunity to add their beloved to their membership and upgrade to the Family and Friends level for only $9...call (508) 877-7630 x3802 before 2/29/16 to take advantage of this sweet deal.

Call for Nominations

The Society's Regional Impact Award recognizes one or more individuals or organizations for exceptional leadership and achievement in native plant conservation, horticulture, or education with regional significance. Although the individual or organization could be based elsewhere, the work must be executed in New England or have its primary focus on the native plants of New England. Nomination deadline: March 1.

Online Education

Learn from the comfort of your own home! We are delighted to introduce three pilot courses in native plant botany and design, plus a new live staff-led webinar series about conservation and horticulture. These online courses are launched at no cost, thanks to a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and additional generous funding from an anonymous donor.

Open House Save-the-Dates

Join us for members-only Open Houses to preview the 2016 season at Garden in the Woods (April 15) and Nasami Farm (April 29.) These events feature special tours and live demonstrations, as well as native plants and new merchandise in our Garden Shops. Details coming soon online and in the March membership e-newsletter. Some activities require advance registration. Contact: (508) 877-7630 x3104.

Think Spring!

Members may now place advance plant orders for any or all of six different Native Plant Collections, the Native Plant CSA, and Spring Meadow Kits. Information about each, along with the 2016 Anticipated Plant Availability List, is posted online. For all questions regarding plant pre-orders, please contact Noni Macon, Retail Manager: (508) 877-7630 x3209. Happy planning!

A Special Gift at Tax Time

Help us raise funds by getting your taxes prepared by H&R Block. Download this special referral form and present it at your appointment. If you are a new H&R Block client, the Society will get a $20 Annual Fund donation! Thank you in advance. H&R Block have offices through the region. Go online to find the one nearest to you.

New hours for 2016

Remember...Garden in the Woods will be open to visitors EVERY DAY from April 16 through October 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including holidays. (Members' Open House: April 15.) Nasami Farm will be open Saturdays and Sundays from April 30 through October 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Members' Open House: April 29.)

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