Through a step-by-step visual timeline, attendees will learn how to create a large native plant garden. We’ll learn how to collect and sort seeds, when to and how to sow those seeds in winter, and how to prepare a plot. By playing a fun Native Plant Party Game, attendees will become familiar with the appearance of native plants, and the ways that they support native food webs. Participants will also learn about the Lenni Lenape’s uses for native plants, from pre-colonial times up to today.

Presenter Kari Lloyd is a 6th grade science teacher and environmental club advisor at Melvin H. Kreps Middle School in East Windsor, NJ.  In addition to her home gardens, recently featured in the Hidden Gardens of Hopewell Valley 2023 tour, Kari has worked with her students to create two large native gardens at her school using plants that were started from collected seeds.  Kari is also an experienced native plant event coordinator, and has facilitated anti-racism workshops as well.