MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY - Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) announced today that the sixth annual Plant for Pollinators program is going strong. Working in conjunction with 28 plant program partners, GSWA hosts a series of expert-led webinars focused on native plants and the essential role pollinators play in the ecosystem. In addition, the organization will again offer the Plant for Pollinators program online sale. Webinar registration and detailed information about the program can be found at GreatSwamp.org or by calling 973-538-3500.

Upcoming plant program events:

March 31, 7:00 - 8:00 pm – Webinar #3: Plant for Pollinators: Get Ready to Shop with GSWA’s Hazel England. “This webinar offers the ‘right plant right place mindset,’” stated Hazel England, GSWA’s Director of Education, Outreach, and Land Stewardship. “Participants will learn about site preparation, what to plant and where, and what pollinators the specific plants will attract.

Participants will receive an in-depth look at the 43 native perennials and five carefully curated kits for all kinds of garden conditions available at the organization’s Plant for Pollinators Program online sale, including bulk and specialty groundcovers. We will highlight how to choose the best plants for your site as well as site preparation.

April 1 @ 12:00 pm - April 21 @ 5:00 pm – Plant for Pollinators Program Online Sale. Plant pickup dates are May 2-3 at 16 area-wide locations throughout the watershed and beyond.

April 2, 7:00 - 8:00 pm – Webinar #4: The Extraordinary Caterpillar – Nature’s Tiniest Superhero! Participants will receive a link to view a special home-screening of The Extraordinary Caterpillar. “It’s a beautifully shot documentary that reveals the vital—and often overlooked—role caterpillars play in our ecosystems,” said England. The film follows experts Dr. Doug Tallamy and Sam Jaffe who highlight the incredible lives and roles caterpillars play in our yards. A live Q&A session will follow the movie, and it is being shown early enough that plants referenced can still be purchased in the sale.

April 27 - May 1 – Volunteer opportunities: Plant Program Factory Days. GSWA are looking for help in preparing the 30,000 native plants for distribution at their Morristown-based headquarters, and for pickup at regional locations on May 2 – 3. Those interested in assisting should email plantsale@greatswamp.org and will sign up in early April for a 2-hour volunteering slot.

“GSWA and our community partners remain committed to educating residents on the value of native plants,” said England. “By planting native species, you’re creating essential habitats for pollinators and birds, strengthening the web of life that sustains our local environment, and making your own yard more climate resilient.” To help native gardeners establish strong gardens, GSWA is offering the following outdoor, in-person program:

June 29, 5:30 – 7:00 pm – Caring for Your Native Plants at Foote’s Pond Park, 137 James Street, Morristown, New Jersey. Native plants are low maintenance, but they still require some care. This session, with a walk through and stops in a restored meadow and park area covers the essential care of these hearty plants, how to keep them performing, and behaving, with practical how-tos and tips to keep a balanced landscape.

Operated by the Great Swamp Watershed Association and its Plant Program Partners, the native plant program is supported by promotional efforts and volunteers from 16 local towns and eight non-governmental organizations. “With their partnership—and your participation—we’re building a greener, healthier future.”

For additional information and to register for these free webinars, visit GreatSwamp.org.

2026 Plant Program Partners: Bergen/Passaic Chapter-NJ Native Plant Society, Bernards Twp EC, Bernardsville EC, Burnham Park Association, Chatham Borough EC, Chatham Township EC, City Green-Clifton, Friends of Foote's Pond Wood, Florham Park EC, Garden Club of Madison, Great Swamp Watershed Association, Harding Twp EC, Madison EC, Mendham Township EC, Millburn EC, Morristown Shade Tree Commission, Morris Township EC, Native Plant Society NJ-Essex Chapter, Native Plant Society-Union County, Parsippany Green Team, Parsippany Environmental Advisory, Parsippany Library, Ridgewood Pollinator Pathway,

Sprout House-Chatham, Summit EC, Summit Green Faith Circle, Tewksbury EC, Westfield Green Team

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About the Great Swamp Watershed Association

Now in its 45th year, the Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the water resources of the Passaic River region, from the Great Swamp headwaters to Newark Bay, for present and future generations. Through education, advocacy, science, land preservation, and stewardship, in collaboration with partners, we work to instill our communities with an awareness of water’s effect on health and the beauty of the environment, from source to sea. The organization educates over 3,000 school children, monitors over 30 stream locations, and holds approximately 40 public events each year.

For more information about the Great Swamp Watershed Association, visit GreatSwamp.org.