New Native Seed Library at WML Promotes Environmental Sustainability

April 25, 2023 –The Westfield Memorial Library is partnering with the Town of Westfield Green Team to create a Native Seed Library. The Native Seed Library has been made possible by generous funding from the Friends of the Westfield Memorial Library.

The Native Seed Library will feature a collection of seeds that will be open to all library users. One of the primary goals is to combat the expanding number of invasive plants in the ecosystem and improve the overall health and biodiversity of local habitats by encouraging the growth of native plants.

“Native plants offer numerous benefits to our environment including providing food and habitat for native pollinators and other wildlife,” said Lois Krause, Co-Chair, Town of Westfield Green Team. “They promote biodiversity and add low-maintenance beauty to our outdoors.”

“Please join us in creating a Westfield Pollinator Pathway by taking native seeds from the library and planting them in your garden,” she continued. “Natives do take a year to get established but do not require special attention after that. They have evolved for our environment.”

The Native Seed Library will be located at the Westfield Memorial Library, 550 East Broad Street, and it will feature seeds such as Zinnia, Cosmos, and Partridge Pea. All seeds are from local sources and will be collected, organized, and distributed in the library.

But unlike a typical library collection, nothing needs to be returned. Just select a packet of seeds and take them home to plant.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Green Team to support environmental sustainability in Westfield,” said Allen McGinley, Library Director. “Not only will we be distributing seeds to residents, but we will also provide books, workshops, and other information related to native plants.”

On Wednesday, May 10, there will be an event at the library at 7:00pm to kick off the Native Seed Library. Guest lecturer Michele Bakacs will speak about additional information regarding native plants, and seed packets will be distributed to attendees. She is the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Natural Resources County Agent for Middlesex and Union Counties and is the state coordinator of the Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program.

With more than 22 years of experience in natural resource management, Michele focuses on teaching invasive species ID and control, while promoting increased use of native species.

For further information, please contact Allen McGinley at amcginley@wmlnj.org or 908-789-4090 ext 4119.