Free Native Plant Kits at 21 Nurseries and 6 Parks Through Growing Wild Massachusetts Program

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates National Pollinator Month with Free Native Plant Kits at 21 Nurseries and 6 Parks Through Growing Wild Massachusetts Program

WHAT: The Healey-Driscoll Administration is celebrating National Pollinator Month and encouraging residents to join efforts to support pollinators by giving away free native plant starter kits at 21 nurseries and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) parks throughout May and June.

This annual effort is part of the Growing Wild Massachusetts program, a joint effort led by DCR, the Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) aimed at promoting native species to support local ecosystems. This marks the sixth consecutive year of Growing Wild Massachusetts.

Growing Wild Massachusetts is a statewide movement to help preserve and protect native pollinators in Massachusetts by enhancing our landscapes to benefit pollinators and the environment. By providing free starter kits, DCR, MDAR & MNLA aim to encourage Massachusetts residents to take an active role in supporting pollinators through native plantings.

Each starter kit includes two one-gallon native perennial plants, native seed packets, and educational resources on pollinator-friendly gardening. Kits are available while supplies last.

All Massachusetts residents are encouraged to “Pledge Your Garden” and join the statewide pollinator map on mnla.com/growingwild.

WHEN: Friday, May 29^th 2026

10:00 AM ET

WHERE: Mahoney’s Garden Center Winchester

242 Cambridge St, Winchester, MA 01890

WHO: Massachusetts residents interested in receiving a free starter kit, joining the Growing Wild movement by planting native perennials, and learning more from DCR staff and conservation experts about the benefits of native plants and pollinator-friendly gardening.

CONTACT: Meg Fouhy, Elevate Communications – mfouhy@elevatecom.com, (617) 275-6974