Northport Native Garden Initiative Inc

“Our non-profit organization, Northport Native Garden Initiative was established in February of 2021 by three Northport residents who were looking to introduce more native plants into the local community of Northport, NY. The group raises money through donations but also by selling plants at the local Farmers Market and during an annual plant sale. Participating in the Farmers Market allows the organization to show residents how beautiful native plants are and discuss the ecological benefits the plants bring to the community. These plants are also not readily available in nurseries, so part of the organizations mission is to make the plants more readily available in the community. The organization seeks to increase community awareness and participation in native gardening through education, access, and exposure. This past year, NNGI donated native plants, as well as time and labor, to the installation of several public gardens throughout the town. The idea behind this work is to showcase native plants in high-traffic areas where community members will take notice and find interest. In each garden installed, the organization places a sign with the organizations website. In 2024, NNGI partnered with town and village officials, as well as local business owners, to place gardens in four locations in the Village of Northport. They also expanded three established community gardens and partnered with several Scouts to install native plants in nearby locations. Additionally, native trees were donated to Northport Village to replace non-native species that were removed. Over 400 native plants were installed in just one garden around the parking lot and seating area for local business, Brew Cheese. The business was selected as it is on a busy corner in the village and has an expansive outdoor seating area where patrons are now surrounded by native plants. NNGI participated in the Northport Historical Societys annual garden tour this year to showcase the garden to over 100 community members who participated. The organization hosted two lectures, one virtual and one in person, where they invited a professional in to speak about the importance of native plants and the bee population. Each event was attended by approximately 50 people. Participants walked away with actionable steps they can take in their own backyards to improve the local ecosystem. Another facet of the organizations educational programming is participating in the Northport-East Northport School Districts annual Earth Day STEM Fair where board members volunteer to run a station to educate students and their families about native plants and the students have an opportunity to plant a native plug to bring home with them. NNGI donates the plants for the event, as well as their time. The program is attended by over 500 people. This past year, the organization also distributed free native plant plugs outside of Northport Village Hall. NNGI donated 150 plants for the event. Volunteers spoke to community members about the ecological value of gardening with native plants while handing out the free plugs. Each summer, NNGI partners with Northport Village officials to sponsor Clean the Bay Day. NNGI organizes volunteers to spend several hours cleaning up Northports shores. NNGI also donates native plants to help reestablish the shoreline and dunes and prevent erosion and stormwater runoff, which are planted as part of the event.”

“Farmers Market 4974.”

“Farmers Market 9761.”

“Community Projects 4094.”

“Office and Admin expenses 2318.”