2025 Fall Native Plant Sale
Fall Native Plant Sale open at Clark College’s Native Plant Center
The Fall Native Plant Sale is underway at Clark College’s own Native Plant Center! Just behind the Orange Lot—tucked between the Science and Facilities buildings—visitors can browse the tables lined with trees, shrubs, and other Pacific Northwest natives, all while supporting environmental education programs at Clark. The last day to shop is Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This is the Native Plant Center (NPC) first sale of the academic year. Two additional sales are planned for 2026—one in winter and another in spring, each highlighting plants that thrive in the seasons ahead.
Restoration through education
Pictured (L to R): Kathleen Perillo, Destiny Weisweaver, and Meg Shuman
On hand to help visitors are NPC Co-Director Kathleen Perillo and Greenhouse Manager Meg Shuman, along with student employee Destiny Weisweaver, whose enthusiasm for the work is contagious. “Students are the heartbeat of the Native Plant Center,” Kathleen said.
Destiny, who greeted shoppers, answered questions, and helped each person find the perfect plant, said her time at the NPC has been life changing. “The Native Plant Center changed how I see myself and what I know I can accomplish,” she said. “It’s completely changed my future, and I don’t know where I’d be without it.”
A women’s studies major with plans to enter the BASTE program to become an elementary teacher, Destiny hopes to bring her love of plants into the classroom. “All students are welcome to come here and participate,” she added. “You don’t need to know anything about plants to be part of the team.”
That welcoming spirit is reflected in the NPC’s philosophy of Restoration through Education. Many plants sold at the Native Plant Sale go on to support habitat restoration projects across the region—the NPC has partners at the state, federal, and private level that work to restore natural habitats. Clark’s environmental classes also take field excursions to sites along the Columbia River Gorge and throughout Southwest Washington to gain hands-on experience through these restoration projects.
The NPC practices what it teaches—growing plants from seed to maturity, finding creative ways to coexist with local wildlife, and emphasizing sustainability. “We really like to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” Destiny said, noting that the NPC accepts donated pots, making sure to clean them between each use.
Shop now at the Fall Native Plant Sale
The Fall Native Plant Sale runs through 2 p.m. on Friday, October 10, and continues Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Stop by to find your next native plant and support the students who make this work possible.
The event is free and open to the public. The greenhouse is located on the east side of campus near East Reserve Street. The closest parking lot is Orange 2. Directions and maps are available online at www.clark.edu/maps.
About the Native Plant Center
The Native Plant Center (NPC) is dedicated to educating the community about the environmental benefits of native plant species. The NPC grows native plants for use in home gardens and restoration projects that are designated by the Department of Natural Resources and the National Forest Service. Learn more on the Native Plant Center's website.
Connect with NPC on social media, via email, or in person at the Native Plant Center greenhouse (SCI 100).
Photos: Clark College/Malena Goerl
Story by Malena Goerl, Staff Writer, Communications & Marketing