About the Event
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to attend the 2026 Native Plant Swap & Shop on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Scout Camping Area in the Watchung Reservation, located near the Trailside Nature & Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.
This special event gives Union County residents the opportunity to swap up to three invasive plants from their own gardens in exchange for up to three native plants, free of charge.
“Native plants play an important role in supporting pollinators, improving biodiversity, and strengthening the health of our local environment,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “Events like this help residents learn more about environmentally friendly gardening practices while also creating an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy one of Union County’s beautiful park spaces.”
Union County residents will be eligible to swap up to three invasive plants from their property in exchange for up to three native plants at no cost. Examples of invasive species accepted during the event include Japanese Barberry, Pachysandra, Butterfly Bush, English Ivy, Periwinkle, Garlic Mustard, and more. Native plants help support pollinators, birds, and local wildlife while promoting healthier ecosystems throughout Union County.
Residents must pre-register to participate below in the plant swap portion of the event.
Registration is limited to 100 participants. Out-of-county residents are welcome to attend and shop for plants, though only Union County residents are eligible to participate in the plant swap.
In addition to the swap, attendees will have the opportunity to shop for native plants from Toadshade Wildflower Farm & Native Plant Nursery. Pre-orders are recommended through the nursery’s website at www.toadshade.com. Representatives from the Native Plant Society of New Jersey will also be present during the event to provide educational information and resources.
For more information about native plants in Union County, please download our free guide: “Plant This, not That.” Questions about the Plant Swap and Shop on June 11th should be directed to park.env.services@ucnj.org.
Registration Form
What is an invasive plant?
Any plant that is not native (or does not naturally live in our area) that causes harm to the environment. In most cases, invasive plants are able to overtake an ecosystem and use up valuable space and resources from native plant species.
They do this by being very effective and fast reproducers and by being habitat generalists – they live well in a variety of conditions. Invasive plants have few, if any, natural predators or competitors (ie: deer, groundhogs, etc), so there is nothing to keep their population in check.
Once established, these plants can continue to grow and spread, and can eventually form a monoculture – an area with just one plant species – which is devastating to biodiversity.
How many can I bring?
As many as you would like! But we can only give you a maximum of 3 native plants per household.
How do I bring them?
Dig up the plant, roots and all, and place in a box, bag, etc. Be sure to tie or tape the container so nothing “escapes”!
Where do I bring them?
Use GPS directions for 452 New Providence Rd, Mountainside, NJ. Before entering the Trailside Nature & Science Center parking lot, take the Dead End service road to the left of the yellow and green Trailside sign. Follow that road downhill to the Scout Camping Area. There will be signs to help guide you.
How do I register and what plants will I be given in return?Please use the form above on this page. Any additional questions should be directed to park.env.services@ucnj.org. Plants that will be available for swapping (while supplies last) include:
- Cardinal Flower
- Purple Coneflower
- Wild Bergamont
- Orange Coneflower
- Blue Vervain
- Common Yarrow
- Canada Germander
- Wild Strawberry
How do I pre-order plants from Toadshade Wildflower Farm for this event?
Simply go to toadshade.com, and during checkout enter “Union County Swap and Shop” in the special requests box. For the shipping option, choose “pickup.”
What are examples of invasive plants?
Questions?
Any questions can be directed to park.env.services@ucnj.org