Native Plant Giveaway Returns
Volunteers put together a plant order during the Land Trust’s giveaway in 2025.
Door County Land Trust is once again giving away free native plants to celebrate Earth Month in partnership with the Big Plant, organized by the Climate Change Coalition of Door County. Native perennials and trees will be given away in the Epicenter parking lot on Saturday May 9th at 10am until supplies run out. The Land Trust is also seeking volunteers to help run the event and will receive free plants for their service.
“It was a great opportunity to have fun while educating others on the importance of native plants,” said Arie Hunt, a first-time volunteer who helped at last year’s plant giveaway. “A native plant is going to create structure by growing really deep roots that hold soil.” She explained how native plants can help reduce erosion and flooding, “plus they’re good for birds and bees!” she added.
Plant Giveaway Details
Plants are given away on a first-come, first-served basis with a limit of three per person. It is suggested to arrive early and dress appropriately for the weather, as attendees can expect to wait in line. Native tree species include balsam fir, eastern white pine, white spruce, and—new in 2026!—red pine. Native perennial species include New England aster, golden Alexander, common ironweed, and marsh blazing star. Click here to learn more about the plants that will be available.
Plants are free, but donations to support the Land Trust’s mission to protect Door County’s lands and waters are welcome. The giveaway takes place at 10am in the Epicenter parking lot located at 217 N. 4th Ave. Visit the event page here.
The Big Plant
The Door County Big Plant is a county-wide tree-planting initiative organized by the Climate Change Coalition. Their mission is to inspire as many people as possible to plant and grow as many native trees as possible. The Land Trust offers native perennials alongside trees so households without the space for trees can still support pollinators.
How Native Plants Help
Door County’s wildlife is evolutionarily adapted to depend on native plants for food and shelter. When land is developed, it is often replaced with non-native ornamental plants that require more fertilizer, water, and maintenance. Planting native plants helps maintain Door County’s ecological and natural heritage and benefits pollinating insects that are foundational to the health of our environment.
Get Involved!
To volunteer for the Land Trust’s plant giveaway on May 9th, contact Paige Witek by emailing pwitek@doorcountylandtrust.org. The Land Trust is grateful to Pete and Laura Moegenburg for sponsoring this year’s plant giveaway! Native trees are from Evergreen Nursery and native perennials are from Taylor Creek Nursery. Visit doorcountylandtrust.org for more information about the plants available.
New England aster is one of the native plants available at the upcoming plant giveaway.
