2026 McDonald Farm Plant Sale

in 15 days

When

Saturday, May 9th 2026 at 09:00 US/Central

You’re invited to our annual Mother’s Day weekend plant sale, where you’ll find a wide selection of native perennials, and grasses, McDonald Farm-grown organic vegetable and herb seedlings, organic compost, rain barrels, Mother’s Day gift options, and more!

Our annual sale features a wide selection of your favorite native perennials and grasses, unique certified organic vegetable and herb seedling varieties, organic compost, rain barrels, accessories, and more!

We’re also hosting an online pre-order sale featuring our specially designed native plant and vegetable garden kits, native trees, shrubs, rain barrels, worm castings, and organic compost.

Shop online here: https://green-earth-harvest-tcf.square.site/

Get more plant sale information here: https://theconservationfoundation.org/plant-sale/

Thank you for shopping local and supporting our mission!

FAQ Did you know?

Conservation Sustainability Local Community Education

Where

10S404 Knoch Knolls Rd, Naperville, IL, USA

To attend this event and discover more service opportunities, please login.

Organizer

The Conservation Foundation

Simply put, we save land and we save rivers, and we’ve been at it for more than 50 years. Founded in 1972, The Conservation Foundation is one of the region’s oldest and largest not-for-profit land and watershed conservation organizations dedicated to preserving and restoring open space, protecting rivers and watersheds and promoting stewardship of the environment in northeastern Illinois. We focus our work in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties, but have also had the honor of working on significant projects in Cook, DeKalb, Grundy and LaSalle Counties.

FAQ

How does shopping at the McDonald Farm Plant Sale support The Conservation Foundation's work?

Purchases fund the Foundation’s local conservation programs—restoring habitat, protecting open space, supporting watershed health, and running education and stewardship initiatives. Buying locally grown natives, organic seedlings, compost and rain barrels keeps dollars in the community and directly advances those projects.

How can I choose plants that will thrive and maximize ecological benefit in my yard?

Measure the planting area and note sun exposure and drainage before you shop. Prioritize native perennials and grasses for pollinators and wildlife, select a mix of bloom times for season-long habitat, and choose plants that match your site’s moisture and light conditions. Read plant tags and ask staff or volunteers for recommendations tailored to your conditions.

What should I bring and do at the sale to make my trip efficient and reduce waste?

Bring sturdy reusable bags, boxes or a small wagon to transport plants safely and reduce single‑use plastic. Bring measurements (or a photo) of planting spots so you buy the right sizes. Consolidate purchases into fewer trips, keep root balls moist during transport, and reuse or recycle pots. If you pre-ordered, bring your order confirmation to speed pickup.

I can’t attend in person — how else can I support or participate?

Use the online pre-order store to buy plant and vegetable kits, native trees and shrubs, rain barrels, worm castings and organic compost—purchases still support the Foundation. Share the event with friends and on social media, consider becoming a member or donor, and sign up to volunteer at future events or restoration projects.

What weather and health precautions should I take to stay safe and be considerate at the sale?

Check the forecast and dress in layers; bring sunscreen, a hat, water and an umbrella if rain is expected. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven ground. Follow staff instructions, maintain respectful personal space while browsing, handle plants gently to protect roots and labels, and stay home if you’re ill so others and volunteers remain safe.

Did you know?

Native plants provide the specific nectar, pollen and host leaves many native insects and birds rely on—planting natives can significantly boost local pollinator and wildlife diversity.

https://xerces.org/ecological-benefits/native-plants

About three-quarters of the world’s leading food crops benefit, at least in part, from animal pollination—supporting pollinators in your yard helps protect the food supply.

https://www.fao.org/pollination/en

Home composting of food scraps and yard trimmings diverts a large share of household waste from landfills and reduces methane emissions created by organic waste decomposition.

https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home

Using rain barrels and green infrastructure (rain gardens, permeable soils, native plantings) reduces stormwater runoff and helps keep pollutants out of local streams and rivers.

https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/what-green-infrastructure

Landscaping with native plants generally uses less water and fewer fertilizers and pesticides than non-native ornamental plants, saving money and reducing chemical runoff to waterways.

https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/About/Native-Plants

Gardening and participation in local stewardship projects are associated with improved mental and physical health and stronger community connections—getting involved benefits both you and your neighborhood.

https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/community-strategies/green-spaces.html