Dear Members,

Spring has sprung! We're sure you are excited to get outside, eager to see the region's beautiful native plants, and more than ready to explore their fascinating habitats. Our members are busy people, always on the move, and even though you love our work, standing still long enough to make a donation to support us can be tough. We know how it is! So to make it easier than ever to "click-and-go" we have introduced an online monthly giving program. Now you can set up recurring donations from your credit card to support your favorite program, the Seed Ark campaign, or our Annual Fund in one simple process. You can even sponsor a seed in your home state every month!

Select the "monthly" option on the donation page and enter your information just once. Your credit card company will process your kind gift each month, and we'll confirm your contributions. Monthly gifts can be made in honor of or in memory of a loved one, making a wonderful, long-lasting tribute to that special someone, and they are perfect for showing Mom how much you care all year round. In this busy season, we thank you for taking the time to set up a recurring gift to the Society. Your generosity, today and in the future, is deeply appreciated. Thank you. Now get out there and enjoy spring!

The staff of New England Wild Flower Society

On The Road

Earlier this month, Elizabeth Farnsworth, Senior Research Ecologist, and Michael Piantedosi, NEPCoP/Seed Bank Coordinator, co-presented at the 2016 Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference for land trusts and regional environmental advocacy groups. Their talk about the Society's State of the Plants report generated significant interest in our conservation efforts and helped build new relationships with other habitat-focused organizations.

Beyond Bees

Dan Jaffe, Propagator and Stock Bed Grower, took the center stage as the closing speaker at the Connecticut Master Gardeners 2016 Symposium on March 19, explaining the interactions between native plants and many different pollinators. He explained how anyone could build a pollinator-friendly garden that not only functions ecologically but is also low maintenance and beautiful to behold.

Nasami Farm Open House

Join us for an exclusive Members-Only Open House at Nasami Farm on Friday, April 29. Activities include greenhouse tours with Mark Richardson and seed cleaning demonstrations with Michael Piantedosi. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at our native plant nursery and to also learn about our seed banking program. All current members welcome. RSVP: 508-877-7630 x3104.

Arbor Day Celebration

Enjoy a family-friendly day to celebrate native trees on Saturday, April 30, at Garden in the Woods. There will be children's activities and games, interactive art projects, guided tours, tree-climbing demonstrations, an arborist truck on display, workshops on planting and pruning trees, and we're giving away 500 trees...on a first-come, first-served basis! The fun starts at 10:00 a.m. Learn more online.

May 3: Valley Gives

Valley Gives 2016 is a special 24-hour online fundraiser, on Tuesday May 3, to benefit nonprofits in towns in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties, including Whately, MA, home to our native plant nursery, Nasami Farm. Your Valley Gives 2016 donation will help support our essential horticulture and conservation work in Western Massachusetts. Please give generously. Thank you!

Mother's Day at the Garden Shops

Our Garden Shops offer something for everyone - and especially for mothers! Whether she likes native plants, books, gardening supplies, jewelry, or housewares...we can gift wrap and ship to your special lady in time for her special day. Call 508-877-7630 x3209 for help choosing the perfect present, and remember members get a 10% discount!

Trillium Society 2016

Our Trillium Society's annual gathering on Monday, May 9, features a private luncheon with Mark Richardson, Director of Horticulture. Mark will present "Planting for the Future: Forest Succession in the Old Meadow" followed by a visit to the meadow at Garden in the Woods, weather permitting. RSVP or learn more about planned giving: 508-877-7630 x3802.

Conservation Circle: Behind-the-Scenes

Conservation Circle members have been mailed invitations to their 2016 Behind-the-Scenes event on Sunday, May 15. Julie Bernson, Deputy Director for Learning and Engagement for the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, MA, will guide us through the new Overgrowth exhibit and our own Mark Richardson will discuss the property's unique landscape and plantings. RSVP: 508-877-7630 x3802.

Why You Should Kill Your Lawn!

On Wednesday, May 18, Conservation Circle and Sustainer members will be treated to a very special evening presentation of Mark Richardson's popular "Kill Your Lawn" talk at the Brigham Hill Barn in Grafton, MA. Bring your friends. This is a night they won't want to miss! Members are encouraged to upgrade before May 10 to receive invitations. RSVP: 508-877-7630 x3104.

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