Sustainable landscaping

Why We Prioritize Locally Native Plants in Middlesex County

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Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis) feeding on wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), a pale purple flower with narrow petals.

The Middlesex Conservation District works to support conservation practices on this landscape through local partnerships and voluntary action. Prioritizing native plants that are part of this region’s ecosystems is one practical way to do that. Defining “Native” vs. “Local” Here in the United States, we have a complex history with the concept of “native,” shaped … Read more

Spring 2026 Native Plant Sale

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On Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, more than 300 customers came to Minuteman High School in Lexington in search of native plants. Scale and Preparation In the days leading up to the sale, Middlesex Conservation District supervisors and volunteers packed nearly 2,900 plants for 227 pre-orders, representing 44 species of locally native forbs, … Read more