The Sussex Chapter is the northernmost chapter of NPSNJ in New Jersey. Begun in 2015 with a group of native plant enthusiasts, we have expanded to 41 members who enjoy observing native plant habitats in our county’s numerous state parks and gardens. Our members include people who are also passionate about birds, butterflies, moths, floral design, photography, and environmental issues, so there is abundant cross-fertilization and a lot of learning at our meetings.
The group is comprised of a number of Rutgers Master Gardeners and native plant enthusiasts of all experience levels. At our monthly meetings we plan field trips to various native plant gardens and parks both in and out of county. We share our personal garden experiences as well as do research and share topics of interest with the group.
We also believe in educating residents about native plants by actively reaching out into the county with educational programs, displays, a speakers bureau, and by participating in township plant swaps. Members also maintain several community gardens in Sussex County. Every year the Sussex Chapter staffs an educational table at the New Jersey State Fair in August.
We welcome any and all folks interested in learning more about native plants to join our meetings where we feature various speakers and lively discussion. You are also invited to accompany us on our field trips here in beautiful Sussex County and beyond.
Meetings
The NPSNJ Sussex Chapter usually meets on the first Monday of every month at 7pm in person at the Sussex-Wantage Library, 69 County Road 639, Wantage. There is no meeting in December or January.
Sussex Chapter Events
- December 2023 – Chapter Members Kathy Baklarz and Nancy Caulfield designed and installed the main display case in the lobby of the Sussex Wantage Library, home of our regular monthly meetings. The display will run for the month of December and includes information about the Native Plant Society, many local native plant specimens, and suggested books for learning more about the value of growing natives. (Photo below taken 12/1/23 completing the cabinet.)
- Our first in-person meeting of 2024 – Monday, 2/5/24 at 7pm at the Sussex-Wantage branch of the Sussex County Library. Guest speaker is Robert Somes, Senior Zoologist of NJDEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife discussing his group’s work with threatened and endangered species in NJ (Photo above).
- March 2024 – The March 4th meeting of the Sussex chapter will feature a program given by NPS and NABA member, Sharon Wander, who will present, “Making Your Property Pollinator Friendly.”Join us at 7pm at the Sussex-Wantage Library. All are invited.
- April 2024 – The magic of the Monarch butterfly’s migration will be presented on April 1st. Diane Tassey, a former naturalist and researcher for the Monarch Monitoring Project managed by NJ Audubon in Cape May, will speak about the tagging project as well as conservation, nectar, habitat, population status, life cycle, latest research, their Mexican winter habitat, and spring migration. Find out more about these “royal” insects at the Sussex Wantage library, 69 County Road 639, Wantage, at 7 PM.
Introducing March Meeting speaker, Sharon Wander –photo by Lynn Dubnoff
Some Prior Year Chapter Activities
Alana, Mary, April, Bonnie, Johanna, and Sharon at Bowman’s.