Massachusetts Gardens Get Pollinator Boost

The Massachusetts Departments of Conservation and Recreation, Agricultural Resources, and the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association have launched the sixth season of the "Growing Wild" campaign. This program offers free pollinator-friendly plant kits to state residents, aiming to establish crucial habitats for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These kits contain native perennials, native seed packets, and educational resources for gardening.

The campaign will distribute kits at 21 nurseries and six DCR parks across Massachusetts, with a full list available on the DCR website. Special kits with culturally significant native plants are also being provided to Tribal communities. As of May 31, 2026, the Growing Wild campaign will have distributed over 22,000 native plants since its 2021 launch, creating an estimated 12 acres of new pollinator habitat in 10 counties and 37 towns.

Pollinators are essential for healthy ecosystems and food supply, aiding in the reproduction of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper highlighted that native plants support pollinators, reduce water usage, and enhance community resilience to extreme weather. Massachusetts residents are encouraged to register their gardens on the Massachusetts Pollinator Map and "Pledge Their Garden" online to join a statewide network dedicated to pollinator conservation. In recognition of its efforts, Growing Wild received the National Association of State Park Directors' Innovation Award.