THPRD's Spring Native Plant Sale is April 16

Want to attract birds and butterflies to your backyard this spring and summer but don’t know where to start?

Native plants are the answer, and the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District will have more than 150 species of them available at its Spring Native Plant Sale and Resource Fair on Saturday, April 16.

The 16th annual event is free and will be held from 10 am to 2 pm at the Tualatin Hills Nature Center, 15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton.

Native plants, once established, can create a beautiful backyard habitat for birds, butterflies, pollinators and other wildlife. Compared to non-native ornamental plants, they require less care, water, fertilizer and pesticide.

At the plant sale, gardeners of all ages can select from dozens of trees, shrubs, ground covers and perennials. And thanks to the variety of information booths that will be set up around the site, they’ll have plenty of knowledgeable resources to talk to – for free.

“You will be able to consult with plant experts, our own park rangers, and several community groups that can help you develop your own native plant garden,” said Karen Munday, program coordinator at the Nature Center.

A small selection of native plants -- including trilliums and other early-blooming wildflowers -- are available now at the Nature Center during business hours (8:30 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 5 pm on weekends).

The Spring Native Plant Sale and Resource Fair is sponsored by the Friends of the Tualatin Hills Nature Park. Proceeds will support environmental education programs and future improvements at the Tualatin Hills Nature Park, a 222-acre wildlife reserve in the heart of Beaverton.

The Nature Center provides nature education programs for children, adults and families – including summer camps – throughout the year. For more information about the plant sale or other THPRD nature programs, please call 503-629-6350 or email kmunday@thprd.org.

About THPRD
THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving 230,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, more than 90 park sites with active recreational amenities, 60 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and 1,400 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503-645-6433.