Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Pollinator Program Wins Innovation Award from the National Association of State Park Directors

BOSTON — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) are proud to announce that their collaborative initiative, the Growing Wild program, has been awarded the National Association of State Park Directors’ (NASPD) 2025 Innovation Award. This award recognizes the program for its efforts to increase public engagement in conservation and expand native pollinator habitats across the state.  

Launched in 2021, Growing Wild focuses on expanding native plant populations critical for supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which play an essential role in protecting our environment and enhancing food security.  

“Growing Wild shows how powerful it can be when we invite our residents to help care for our natural resources,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “A few plants in a backyard may seem small, but when thousands of people across the state join us in this movement, it creates a healthier ecosystem and a strong sense of shared stewardship. This award is a recognition of that collective effort – from our staff and partner agencies who made this possible, to every resident who planted a starter kit and helped biodiversity take root in their community.”  

“Congratulations to our DCR colleagues on this prestigious award that recognizes the importance of native plant species and pollinators that play such a critical role in protecting wildlife and maintaining a thriving agricultural sector,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “For five years, MDAR has partnered with DCR and MNLA on this creative and proactive initiative to educate and empower residents about the importance of pollinators to our Massachusetts ecosystem.”

“Each year the NASPD has an opportunity to recognize significant accomplishments around the country that contribute to the growth and preservation of America's State Parks. With a record number of submissions this year the decision was not easy, but the innovative approach of the Massachusetts DCR, partnering with MDAR, and the MNLA to launch the Growing Wild Program stood out,” said NASPD President Paul McCormack. “Their work will contribute to improving biodiversity for years to come and has made a difference for their communities and state. Massachusetts is known for revolutions, so we hope this movement starts a Growing Wild revolution across America’s State Parks!”

“We’re thrilled to see DCR recognized with the 2025 Innovation Award for their amazing work on the Growing Wild program. As proud partners, the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association celebrates this well-deserved honor,” said MNLA Executive Director Rena Sumner. “Growing Wild is making a real difference by bringing back native plants, supporting pollinators, and helping to protect the biodiversity that makes Massachusetts special.”

In just five years, the Growing Wild program has distributed 8,225 starter kits, each containing two one-gallon native perennial plants, a seed packet, and user-friendly educational materials. These efforts have resulted in the creation over 9 acres of new native pollinator habitats across the state. The program invites residents to participate by planting native species and contributing to ecological health.

The success of Growing Wild has inspired all partner staff to take further steps to protect native plant species and pollinators at state parks, including the adoption of pollinator gardens, managed meadows, and low-mow areas. As a result, Massachusetts has emerged as a leader in supporting the role of pollinators in biodiversity, providing an example for how public engagement and education can be harnessed to advance these goals.  

To enhance inclusivity, the program has also partnered with three Massachusetts Tribal communities to offer starter kits that include plant species of cultural significance to local Indigenous populations, further broadening the program’s impact.

Growing Wild encourages Massachusetts residents to join the movement to protect native plants and the pollinators that depend on them, ensuring a thriving ecosystem for future generations.

For more information about the Growing Wild program's webpage. 

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