Pennsylvania Native Species Day

We’re proudly joining gardens across the state in recognizing the second annual Pennsylvania Native Species Day, which falls on May 18—but we’re celebrating on May 20 with a variety of walks and talks.

Established by the Pennsylvania Invasive Species Council in 2022, Pennsylvania Native Species Day seeks to showcase Pennsylvania’s native species on land and in water, while highlighting the importance of reducing invasive species to sustain Pennsylvania’s biodiverse ecosystem and all that depends on it.

Join us for the following walks and talks, and learn more about how you can use native plants in your own landscape.

Activities and Locations

Meadow Ecology Walk
11:30 am
Meadow Garden: Hourglass Lake Pavilion

Longwood’s Meadow Garden is a dynamic ecosystem full of native plant and animal life. Join Associate Director, Land Stewardship and Ecology Dr. Lea Johnson for a talk and short walk in the Meadow Garden to learn about what it takes to keep native meadow communities vibrant—and how to keep invasive species from taking over.

Wildflower Walk
12:30 pm
Meadow Garden Entrance

More than 300 species of wildflowers bloom each year in our Meadow Garden. Join Senior Land Stewardship and Ecology Technician Pandora Young for a wildflower walk in our Meadow and Forest District and learn about the key features that you can use to identify wildflowers in nature and how to distinguish native plants from invasive species.

Using Native Plants in Your Home Garden Walk
1:30 pm
Peirce’s Plaza

Thanks to the rich diversity of our local ecosystems, there’s a beautiful native plant for almost every soil and light combination you might find in your garden. Join Senior Horticulturist Kari Getchonis for a walk in Peirce’s Woods and learn how you can add wildlife-supporting, pollinator-friendly native species to your home garden.

Explore Our Native Ecosystems
12:00–5:00 pm
Hourglass Lake Pavilion and Meadow Garden Entrance

Learn from our knowledgeable staff about the diversity of native plants and animals that inhabit our meadow and forest ecosystems.

Can’t join one of our walks? You can find many beautiful native plants in our Meadow Garden, Forest Walk, and Peirce’s Woods.

Native Plant Giveaway
12:00-5:00 pm
Visitor Center

Take home a native plant to grow in your home garden. While supplies last.

Join the Conversation
Let everyone know you’ve participated by using #PANativeSpeciesDay and #PANativePlants on social media.