MA Program Prioritizes Pollinators, Native Plants This Summer

MASSACHUSETTS — Massachusetts has created an initiative they hope will inspire people to get out in their yards and gardens.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Department of Agricultural Resources and the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) announced the launch of the fifth year of the Growing Wild program, encouraging the public to preserve and protect pollinator habitats by inspiring residents to plant native species and pledge their gardens in support of pollinators.

To commemorate the initiative, Gov. Maura Healey proclaimed May 30 as “Growing Wild Day” in Massachusetts, marking a major milestone in the state’s expanding effort to protect native species and restore pollinator habitats.

As part of this year’s program, Growing Wild is offering free pollinator starter kits at 18 nurseries and six DCR parks across the state starting on Friday.

Additionally, DCR, for the first time, has partnered with Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe to offer plants to Indigenous communities for their use and enjoyment.

Native plants like Milkweed and Joe Pye Weed are valued in Indigenous culture and traditions, officials said.

In honor of the program’s fifth year, state and local leaders will gather at Rogers Spring Hill Garden Center in Haverhill for a public launch event celebrating the program’s continued growth and impact across the state.

"Growing native plants and attracting pollinators in our gardens is a great way to show our commitment to protecting nature and wildlife,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “The Growing Wild program helps us to transform lawns into safe havens for pollinators like bees and butterflies. I am proud to be a part of the Growing Wild community and to use native plants in my own backyard.”

As part of this year’s initiative, and in celebration of the start of National Pollinators Month in June, Growing Wild is offering free starter kits that include two one-gallon native perennial plants, native seed packets and educational resources on pollinator-friendly gardening.

Kits will be available starting on Friday while supplies last at 18 participating nurseries and three Tribal community sites, participating in the program for the first time this year.

Kits will also be available at the six DCR parks on the following days and times:

• Holyoke Heritage State Park - Wednesday, June 4, 12-2 p.m.
• Mt. Greylock Reservation in Lanesborough- Wednesday, June 4, 1 –3 p.m.
• Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in East Falmouth- Wednesday, June 4, 2-4 p.m.
• Middlesex Fells State Reservation in Stoneham - Thursday, June 5, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center in Worcester - Thursday, June 5, 1 – 3 p.m.
• Lawrence Heritage State Park - Monday, June 9, 1 – 3 p.m.

“The Growing Wild program enables us to partner with our state agency and nursery partners to give residents the tools to create and nurture their own pollinator and native plant gardens, helping make our landscapes more resilient,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Through this program and the free Growing Wild starter kits, we are fostering a sense of shared stewardship of our public and private green spaces, protecting biodiversity, enhancing the natural beauty of our communities. Together, we are nurturing a brighter, greener future, one garden at a time.”

Since its launch, Growing Wild has distributed nearly 6,000 starter kits since 2021, totaling an estimated 6.5 acres of pollinator habitat across the state. To learn more, find educational materials, native plant guides, find a nursery, pledge your garden, and for a full list of participating nurseries visit the MNLA Growing Wild website, mnla.com/growingwild.