Dear Members,

Join us for the 2016 Members' Open Houses at Garden in the Woods on Friday, April 15 and at Nasami Farm on Friday, April 29. We have lots of fun activities scheduled especially for our members...be the first to buy new plants with your members' discount and enjoy free tours and demonstrations! Some programs require advance registration (508- 877-7630 x3104) and will meet on the patio. To purchase plants and other great merchandise, or to walk the trails by yourselves, please show your valid membership card at the Garden and Nasami's Visitor Centers.

Want to bring a guest? Fantastic! Personal members are allowed the same number of guests for members' events as your membership level permits you to bring with you to the Garden. For example, a member at the Individual with Garden Access level may bring one guest each time they visit the Garden and for each member event. Join or renew today and make the most of these special spring opportunities for members!

The staff of New England Wild Flower Society

Take Action on Climate Change

According to one of New England's U.S. Senators, at least a dozen Republican Senators are willing to vote for comprehensive climate legislation...if they get political cover. What can we do? Put pressure on the 154 corporations that signed the American Business Act on Climate Pledge--in support of "a climate change agreement that takes a strong step forward toward a low-carbon, sustainable future"--to actively lobby Congress to pass a bill. Write to those companies today!

Great Backyard Birding starts with Great Native Plants

Many bird-friendly plant lists start and end with tasty fruit-bearing species like serviceberry and chokeberry. The truth is that 95% of native North American bird species feed their young a diet of tasty insects. The best way to support birds in your garden is to plant a diversity of insect-friendly native plants like asters and oak trees.

Sanctuary Insight

This spring, plan a visit to our Robert P. Tristram Coffin Wild Flower Reservation in Woolwich, ME. Hilly woods, a brook, and 1,256 feet of sandy shore and tidal marsh make up this 177-acre property which is located along a migratory flyway for water fowl. More than 100 native species, including Cypripedium acaule, Viola pubescens, and Actaea pachypoda, grow here!

Last Chance for Winter Walking!

The mild weather makes for great Winter Walking at Garden in the Woods but time is running out-tomorrow, March 25, is the last day of this member benefit. Sign in/out at the Administration Building (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) We're getting ready to open to the public so the trails will be completely out-of-bounds for maintenance after tomorrow.

Ted's Talks

Author and botanist extraordinaire, Ted Elliman, will be visiting each of the six New England states during his Wildflowers of New England book tour! During his talks, Ted will discuss that particular state's native plants and highlight species of special note. Remember, personal members enjoy discounts on books and lectures:

Massachusetts: April, 16 Connecticut: April, 21

Rhode Island: May, 5 Maine: June, 1

New Hampshire: June, 2 Vermont: June, 23

Salamander Celebration

Walk the trails and examine the vernal pools at Garden in the Woods looking for this shy and beautiful woodland creature and its amphibian cousins. This class will conclude with salamander crafts and an origami jumping-frog contest. Pre-registration required for each adult and child, and all children must have an adult companion. April 3: $12 (Member) / $14 (Nonmember)

Seven Days a Week

The Garden Shop at Garden in the Woods opens for members on April 15, and to the public on April 16. Our new hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m...seven days a week!... through October 15. Discover new species on the plant list, a fresh selection of gardening tools, gifts, books, and boxed lunches. 48 hours' notice required for orders: 508-877-7630 x3601.

Silver Envelopes

Help us receive much-needed advertising space in the Boston Globe through their 2016 GRANT program. Your vote will help protect native plants in your local community and across the whole New England region. Redeem your Globe voucher online or complete and return your silver envelope. Vote for "New England Wild Flower Society, Inc. / Framingham, MA" to promote native plants!

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