Fall Native Plant Swap & Share

The North Alabama Native Plants Society welcomes families to their seventh annual Fall Native Plant Swap & Share, a relaxed gathering where gardening enthusiasts trade seeds, cuttings, and potted plants—all native to the region. Whether your family is already nurturing a backyard habitat or just beginning to explore local ecosystems, this event offers a hands-on way to learn about Alabama's native flora while connecting with friendly, knowledgeable plant lovers. Kids can observe seed exchanges, ask questions about pollinators, and see firsthand how communities support local biodiversity. No trading materials? No problem—many attendees are happy to share plants and gardening wisdom freely. The swap takes place Saturday, October 17th, from 1 to 4 pm at Blevins Gap Nature Preserve, specifically at the north end of the parking lot near Marie's Pollinator Garden. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is casual—you can bring a folding table or simply arrange your offerings from your vehicle's trunk or truck bed. Only native Alabama plants are permitted (no invasives, no non-natives, and no sales), so this is purely a community exchange. Feel free to bring plastic pots, gardening tools, or plant-related books to trade alongside living specimens. This event suits curious kids of all ages, especially those interested in nature and science. Consider bringing a wagon or garden gloves if your children want to help transport plants, and don't hesitate to arrive without anything to swap—the real value is in the conversations and connections made with people who share a passion for Alabama's natural heritage.