Our chapter focuses on outreach: we aim to educate the general public about the beauty and ecological value of native plants. We organize a wide variety of activities such as garden tours, guided walks, plant sales, and seed demonstrations. To reach the most people, we host events in various towns.

Anyone –whether you are a “newbie” gardener or experienced – is welcome to join our activities! Our activities are listed events below.

Information tables:

As part of our outreach focus, we participate in many environmental events throughout Essex County. If you would like us to host an information table for your town or organization, please contact us at .

Speaker’s Bureau:

Need a speaker for your community group, library, Scout troop, or garden club? We are happy to give talks about native plants at no cost!

Potential topics include:

Getting Started with Native Plants;
Feeding Butterflies, Not Bambi: Deer Resistant Native Plants;
Gardening for the Birds
Spring Beauties for Biodiversity.
Contact to schedule a presentation.

Announcing Mini Grants for Essex County!
DEADLINE: JUNE 2, 2025

The NPSNJ Essex Chapter is now accepting submissions from local schools, organizations, and individuals working to create pollinator gardens and wildlife habitat in public spaces. These grants are intended for small gardens such as libraries, schools, pocket parks, and traffic islands, that will help educate our community on the vital role of native plants.

Grant recipients will receive plant kits with approximately 50-100 perennials and 3-6 shrubs that will bloom from spring to fall. Priority will be given to schools and underserved communities, and must be located in areas viewable by the public. Plant kits will be available for Sunny-Dry, Sunny-Wet, and Shady areas.

Finalists will receive site visits and grants will be announced in mid-August, with plants arriving in time for fall planting. The NPSNJ Essex Chapter will support the projects by advising.

To submit for consideration, you must be a current member of NPSNJ and your project must reside in Essex County.

Questions? Email:
with “Mini Grant” in the subject line

For guidance on creating school gardens, see the School Guide at: https://npsnj.org/native-plants/schoolguide/ On May 15 at 7pm, NPSNJ is offering a free webinar on creating school gardens.

DEADLINE for applications JUNE 2, 2025
Awards to be announced in July

APPLY HERE

Steering Committee:

Our chapter’s activities are organized by a steering committee of eight native plant enthusiasts: Dena Corbin, Dennis Hillerud, Jessica Miller, Phaedra Singelis, John Suskewich, Alice van Straalen, and Deb Ellis (leader). We also have many dedicated volunteers who help “spread the word” about native plants.

Upcoming Essex Chapter Events

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MEMBERS Fall Party, Garden Tour, Plant Swap

20 Whitaker Place, West Caldwell
Sat, Oct. 18, 2:00 – 4:00. Raindate: 10/19

2-4: Explore the garden & enjoy refreshments
2:30 Welcome of Members & Garden Talk by Russ Furnari, Homeowner
3:00 Plant Swap Opens
3:30 Book Raffle Winners Announced

Gather with other NPSNJ members as we celebrate our seventh year of the Essex Chapter community to share stories, swap plants, enjoy food and drinks, and participate in a free raffle of native plant books! You will enjoy seeing old friends and meeting new ones!

This is a members-only event; please join if you are not already a member.

Become a Member

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PLANT SWAP

Are you looking to add something new to your yard?
Are you just starting out and don’t yet have things to share?
That’s OK!
Swap with us!

Plant Swap Details:

1. Bring plants either potted up or “bare root” wrapped in damp newspaper.
2. Please only bring native plants that you know the binomial/Latin names.
3. If possible, label your plants in advance.

Join our Plant Swap Conversation on our FB page!

We are looking for refreshment volunteers! If you can help,

email Deb Ellis at