The Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD) will host their annual Native Plant Sale on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outdoors at the Boardman River Nature Center, located at 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City.
Over 70 species of native plants will be available to purchase on a first-come, firstserved basis, and plant experts will be on-site to help answer questions about what plants would work best in your landscape.
Details about this year’s sale:
• Sale will be held OUTDOORS – dress for the weather.
• A limited number of shoppers will be allowed in the “plant tent” at a time.
• Because of the outdoor venue and uneven ground, GTCD will not provide carts, though a limited number of boxes will be available. Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable boxes and wagons.
For an expected list of plant species available at the 2025 sale, please visit: www.natureiscalling. org/native-plant-sale. Plant species available are subject to change and are not guaranteed.
Why plant native plants? Here are just a few reasons to consider: • They enrich the environment. Native plants are not only beautiful; they also enrich the environment and support our beautiful and unique natural ecosystem. Native plants support an amazing diversity of butterflies, moths, and other insects. Non-native plants simply cannot perform this critical habitat role. By supporting a diversity of insects, native plants also provide food for birds and other insect predators. Most songbirds require insect food for their nestlings to reach adulthood. Incorporating more native plants into your home landscape also helps attract pollinators that increase crop yields, as well as insect predators that reduce costs for pest management.
• They inspire learning. Native plants can turn your backyard into a learning laboratory to inspire the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards.
• They require little upkeep. Native plants are well adapted to survive in our climate. They are a great choice for the “handsoff” gardener as they require little fertilizer, pesticides, and upkeep to thrive.
• They help support local farmers. By incorporating more native plants into your home landscaping, you are also helping your local farmer. Native plants attract pollinators that increase crop yields, as well as insect predators that reduce costs for pest management.
• They are beautiful. Native plants, and the birds and butterflies they attract, are beautiful. They are part of what makes our region a unique and inspiring place.
