Chester Township Sets Native Plant Sale, Orders Due Soon

CHESTER, NJ — Those looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift, or just an environmentally-friendly addition to the garden, Chester Township has just the thing.

Chester Township residents have until May 6 to place orders in the township Environmental Commission's Native Plant Sale, an effort the commission said is meant to expand the use of native plants that support pollinators and birds.

The announcement says the sale is not a fundraiser. Instead, its purpose is "to bring high-quality native plants that support pollinators and birds into our community in order to increase biodiversity and improve the health of our local ecosystem."

There are dozens of plants to choose from, including types of ferns, perennials, shrubs, and trees.

The sale comes as habitat and species loss continue to affect pollinators and birds. The commission said residents can help by creating gardens and landscapes with plants that those species rely on. The announcement asks residents to consider placing an order and adding some of the plants to their home gardens.

The township also provided guidance for people who want more information before ordering. According to the announcement, shoppers can use hyperlinks on the order form to learn about each plant, including what it looks like, the conditions it needs to thrive, when it blooms, and how large it grows.

Orders must be submitted by May 6, and ordering instructions are listed at the bottom of the order form. The plants must be picked up at the Barn at Highlands Ridge Park on Saturday, May 16, between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

The announcement directs questions to communication@chestertownship.org. It also says that anyone who has trouble with the Google form can use a PDF version of the order form instead.