Native Plant Trust, the nation’s first plant conservation organization and the only one solely focused on New England’s native plants, announces the launch of a two-year collaboration with the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts (GCFM). The initiative anticipates reaching more than 11,000 member gardeners throughout the state, spreading the message of native plants to 147 communities.

The collaboration, called the Native Plant Challenge, sets goals for garden clubs throughout the state to learn about native plants, identify ones appropriate for their locations, and design and implement native plant gardens in their communities. “Native plants provide significant ecological and aesthetic value to our landscapes. The Native Plant Challenge will educate thousands of people on how to encourage healthier environments and ecosystems in Massachusetts,” says Courtney Allen, Native Plant Trust’s Director of Public Programs.

Under the leadership of GCFM president Bonnie Rosenthall, the Native Plant Challenge supports GCFM’s century-long mission to assist member clubs with education and appreciation of horticulture, landscape and floral design, gardening and environmental concerns.

As part of the initiative, Native Plant Trust is making available special resources to GCFM member clubs, including an online course “Designing with Native Plants” and selected plants from Nasami Farm, its nursery in Whately, MA. Participants may also access Native Plant Trust’s public resources, including the online Plant Finder, a tool to help gardeners discover plants native to New England that will thrive in specific garden conditions, while meeting practical and aesthetic preferences.