On May 2nd, a lovely, cool and slightly overcast day -- perfect for plants and people -- around 1,200 people flocked to the Millbrook Marsh Nature Center in State College for the 2026 Central PA Native Plant Festival. Twelve native plant vendors from around the state supplied a wide array of Pennsylvania native plants. Information booths from an array of environmental organizations were busy answering questions and providing information on a variety of topics, from plants to insects, conservation to birding. There was also opportunity to learn about native bees and about the conservation of vital invertebrates from expert speakers. Good local food was provided by Webster’s Café and Common Ground Café, and music by The River Band added to the cheery ambiance.
Thanks to all the volunteers, vendors, and Millbrook Marsh staff who helped to make the day a memorable success! Lots of plants went to new homes, and lots of people got information on the importance of native plants. It is great to see the growth in interest in planting natives and removing invasives.
Mark your calendars for next year’s sale at Millbrook Marsh on May 1, 2027!
Thanks to all the volunteers, vendors, and Millbrook Marsh staff who helped to make the day a memorable success! Lots of plants went to new homes, and lots of people got information on the importance of native plants. It is great to see the growth in interest in planting natives and removing invasives.
Mark your calendars for next year’s sale at Millbrook Marsh on May 1, 2027!
Saturday, May 2, 2026 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. No sales before 10:00
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center, Puddintown Rd, State College, PA 16801
Millbrook Marsh Nature Center, Puddintown Rd, State College, PA 16801
Bring your wagon and your list - over 300 species of Pennsylvania native plants to choose from. You can even pre-order from our vendors - the list will be available by April 1 so you can plan ahead!
Enjoy food from Webster's Cafe and listen to the River Band as you eat. Fun for everyone - even special activities for the kids!
Enjoy food from Webster's Cafe and listen to the River Band as you eat. Fun for everyone - even special activities for the kids!
Schedule of Events
10:00 am - 3:00 pm - Plant Sale and Information Booths, Children's Activities 11:00 - Presentation in the Education Building Wild Bees of Pennsylvania Discover the hidden life and amazing diversity of wild bees of Pennsylvania. Learn about where bees live, what they eat, and what makes them such unique and important pollinators. Sarah Kania is a bee biologist in the Department of Entomology at Penn State focusing on bee diversity in Pennsylvania. Sarah is a native plant enthusiast with a background in plant and restoration ecology. She also serves as a Xerces Ambassador for The Xerces Society. 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Music by The River Band
1:00 Presentation in the Education Building
Supporting the Small to Save the Whole - Cultivating Compassion All Year Long Without insects and other invertebrates, life as we know it would cease to exist. Pollinators and other invertebrates are important for the flowers we love, the food we eat, clean water, is a critical food source for lots of wildlife and so much more. Join Kristy Gallo, Xerces Society Ambassador as she showcases the steps you can take to help conserve these small but vital lives through all life cycles and all seasons. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. Kristy is a resident of Bellefonte, PA. She is currently working towards converting their 3 acre property back to native habitat after a successful transformation at their previous suburban home in Columbus, Ohio, where she won “Best in Show” with the Dispatch Garden Awards and an even bigger win offering “Best in Community” for the local flora and fauna. Kristy is a Biologist by degree and an artist and naturalist by heart. She is finalizing her certification as a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist and is a Xerces Ambassador, and volunteers much of her time in community outreach, land stewardship, landscape design and habitat installation. |
Plant Vendors - Check out the list of plants our vendors will have - make your list. Pre-orders are a great way to ensure you get your dream plants - check the vendor list for those that accept pre-orders.
Information Booths - Have your questions about native plants, wildlife and gardening answered! American Chestnut Society American Forest Foundation Clearwater Conservancy Dept of Entomology Juniata Valley Audubon Society Master Gardeners Penn State Arboretum State College Bird Club/Bird Town Wild Ones Xerces Society Food
Websters Café Common Ground Farms Band
The River Band 
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