Growing native plants in one’s yard or garden can make a difference for pollinators and other insects, as well as the birds that depend on insects to feed their young each spring. 

On Saturday, Feb. 12, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is offering a native seed sowing workshop from 11 a.m. to noon at Coastal Rivers Salt Bay Farm, 110 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta.

Coastal Rivers will provide all materials, including pots, soil, seeds for either sunny or shady locations, and a piece of hardware cloth to protect the seeds from hungry birds and rodents when they are placed outside.

The seeds are purchased from Wild Seed Project and are easy for beginning gardeners to grow. Wildflower varieties include four types of asters, bee balm, Bowman’s root, blue-stem goldenrod, common milkweed, pearly everlasting, and red columbine.

All ages are welcome to participate in this family-friendly program. Participants will need to wear a mask and dress for the weather, as the group will be working together at the picnic tables outside. Coastal Rivers asks that all age-eligible participants be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

There is a materials fee of $12. Registration is required at coastalrivers.org/events.