“The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each.” —1 Corinthians 3:8
A major part that each of us can play in protecting our endangered plant and animal species in New Jersey (there over 700 of them!) is to provide native habitats in our own backyards.
On Sunday, April 24, in celebration of Earth Day 2022, following worship we welcome the entire St. Matthew congregation to a blessing of the pollinator garden, followed by a garden tour and native plant give-away. Come and join in fellowship, and leave with a free, healthy, vibrant, and locally grown NJ native plant to enjoy in your garden, pot, or planting box!
To learn more about native plant species in New Jersey (including those in our pop quiz below), visit the Native Plant Society of New Jersey. You can also learn more about endangered plant and animal species in New Jersey on the Nature Conservancy website.
Later in the spring or early summer, we’ll again be sponsoring a gleaning event with our local mission partner NJ Farmers Against Hunger. Please be on the lookout for further details, and we encourage you to sign up for this fun and safe outdoor, socially distanced event!
If you would like to join the Green Team at one of our virtual monthly meetings, held the first Monday of the month (Ministry night), please contact Brian Lestini. Also check out our website and follow the SMLC Facebook page.
Pop Quiz: Can you name these NJ natives?
Left: Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida); Center: Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium); Right: Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)