Native Plant Exchange

Native Plant Exchange

Saturday, October 11 • 10 am–Noon
at Blandford Nature Center
1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

A collaboration between Wild Ones River City Chapter and Blandford Nature Center.

The purpose of the Native Plant Exchange is to foster natural landscaping with native plants. Bring favorite native plants from your yard to share with others and take some home for yourself. All plants are FREE, and you are not required to bring plants in order to take some home. This is a place where those with an abundance can share with others and help them get started with native plants.

If you are bringing plants:

  • Please bring plants to share from your garden that you know to be true native species —no introduced species, cultivars, or nativars.
  • Make sure that roots are in-tact and plants are potted well.
  • Label each plant with as many details as possible: common name, latin name (if known), sun/part-sun/shade preference, and soil/moisture preference (if known).
  • Please arrive early to allow us time to arrange plants by category and species.
  • Plant drop-off will be from 10 am–10:45 am.
  • You’re encouraged to walk Blandford’s trails ($5 admission for non-members), explore the Visitor’s Center, visit our education tables, and mingle with other native plant enthusiasts until it’s time for the exchange.

If you are taking plants:

  • Please bring a cardboard box or other container for transporting.
  • Arrive by 11 am to hear announcements and guidelines for the plant exchange.
  • Plant exchange will be from 11 am–Noon.
  • Be respectful of others—if there are only a few plants of a particular species, only take one.
  • We’ll do our best to make sure everyone gets some native plants!
  • Educational materials and planting/growing advice will be available to get you started.

Additional details:

  • Free parking available at Blandford Nature Center.
  • Follow the signs to the School Yard, next to the Visitor’s Center.
  • Light snacks, educational materials, and planting instructions will be provided.
  • Learn more about native plants, River City Wild Ones, and Blandford Nature Center.
  • This is a great opportunity to meet other native plant enthusiasts!
  • If you have time, be sure to explore Blandford’s trails ($5 admission fee for non-members), visit the Gift Shop, and browse our educational resources.
  • Event will take place rain or shine; indoor location available in case of rain.
  • Thank you for helping us to Plant It Forward!

Past Wild Ones Plant Exchanges