Welcome to the Union County Chapter of NPSNJ!

Our Mission: We are here to bring people together from all backgrounds, across Union County and beyond, united by our shared passion for New Jersey’s native flora. We welcome members with various interests and experience levels, eager to learn and contribute to our community and our local habitats. 

Throughout the changing seasons, we offer a rich tapestry of experiences for both members and non-members of all ages: 

  • Experiential learning opportunities 
  • Social gatherings 
  • Community service projects
  • Educational programs (in English and Spanish)
  • Volunteer appreciation events
  • Outreach initiatives 

Contact the Union Chapter 

Leaders: Elizabeth Talmont and Mary Roberts
Union Chapter

Little girl at Milkweed seed release event. Unami Park Sept 2024.

Our Activities: Our activities are rooted in a scientific understanding of native plants’ crucial role in supporting local wildlife and ecosystems. We’re committed to expanding access to and engagement with the natural world for everyone. Join us for a variety of events, including: 

  • Tours of local parks and gardens 
  • Seed collection demonstrations 
  • Winter sowing and propagation workshops 
  • Guest speaker presentations 
  • Book discussions
  • Plant and seed swaps 
  • Local advocacy strategy sessions 
  • Crowd-sourced mapping of local native plants 

Whether you’re a curious beginner, an enthusiastic balcony gardener, or a seasoned restoration ecologist, we invite you to ‘JOY’n us in celebrating and preserving New Jersey’s native plants! 

Winter Seed Sowing Workshop at the Trailside Museum and Nature Center in Mountainside, Jan 2025


Upcoming Events


Past Events

Brightwood Park Tour and native plant giveaway, in partnership with the Friends of Brightwood Park, Westfield, Sept 2024

Garden tour 2025

Meander in the Meadow 2025

Union County Natives in the News

  1. The Westfield Leader – May 22, 2025 – “The Fight to Protect New Jersey’s Native Plants”https://www.goleader.com/2025/05/22/fight-protect-new-jerseys-native-plants/
  2. The Cranford Tap – article. June 7, 2025 https://www.tapinto.net/towns/cranford/sections/home-and-garden/articles/native-plants-take-center-stage-in-inaugural-garden-tour-in-cranford-and-westfiel
  3. Westfield Tap 6/17/25 (top story of the day) https://www.tapinto.net/towns/westfield/sections/green/articles/union-county-garden-tour-shows-off-benefits-and-beauty-of-native-plants