Neighbors for Nature program supports pollinators and clean water

GREEN BAY – The city of Green Bay is launching the Neighbors for Nature program, a new initiative that encourages residents to create natural habitats in their own yards using native plants. The program is operated by the Green Bay Conservation Corps in partnership with the Green Bay Sustainability Commission.

As part of the 2026 launch, Neighbors for Nature will provide 300 free native plant kits to Green Bay residents who registered through the City website between March 23 and April 19. All Green Bay residents were eligible to enter for a chance to receive a kit and winners were announced on Earth Day, April 22. Each plant kit includes 15 native plants, an educational packet and a yard sign that residents can display to show their support for pollinators and healthy ecosystems. The educational materials offer planting designs, how-to guides, maintenance plans and additional resources to help residents successfully establish and care for their native plantings.

Native plants play a critical role in feeding pollinators such as butterflies and bees, which are essential to food production and local ecosystems. These plants also help increase water filtration, improve water quality, reduce standing water and improve air quality in neighborhoods across the city. By installing native plant habitats at home, residents are helping protect what they love while contributing to a greener, more resilient Green Bay.

Plant kit pickup will take place at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary on three dates in May so winners can choose a time that works best for them.

Funding and support for Neighbors for Nature is provided by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, Cellcom Green Gifts and the City of Green Bay.

Native plants for the kits are being grown locally by the Green Bay Conservation Corps, Green Bay Botanical Garden and Stone Silo Prairie Gardens.

Neighbors for Nature replaces the former No Mow May program and continues the community conversation about how residents can support pollinators and water quality in ways that work for their yards and the broader environment.

The city and its partners hope the program will grow in future years as more residents choose to be neighbors for nature.

For more information about Neighbors for Nature or to learn about future opportunities to participate, residents can visit the Green Bay Conservation Corps page on the City of Green Bay website.