ARCHIVED MARSB NEWSLETTER SERIES
Publish Date: June 23, 2026
Habitat connectivity is critical for the protection of biodiversity within the Mid-Atlantic Region. When critical habitat is fragmented, biodiversity suffers. Studies show that native plant restoration serves as an important tool not only in conservation — but also, in water quality improvement, building climate change resilience, and fostering healthy communities.
Which is why MARSB is thrilled to launch our Mid-Atlantic Regional Online Marketplace (ROMP)!
ROMP is a hub for connecting supply and demand throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
If your business, organization, or agency provides products or services in support of local native plant materials, Or – if you are in the market for local NPM and want your need for native species to be known, then this is the place for you!.
Please read on to learn more about ROMP and how this tool can support your important native plant efforts.
— Your MARSB Team
What is ROMP?
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Online Marketplace, or ROMP, is a hub for connecting supply and demand throughout the mid-Atlantic— between stakeholders with a likeminded understanding of the critical importance of locally sourced native plant materials (NPM).
Features and Tools
Forge Impactful Connections:
On ROMP, search and filter listings to find the local connections that help you meet your goals and highlight species lists based on your inventory. If you are a supplier, browse the demand of end-users and reach out to connect. If you are a consumer of NPM products/services, browse what your local suppliers have to offer, and start a conversation.
Supply and Demand:
Understanding the state of demand for native plant materials is critical for suppliers to take on the risk of bringing new products to market. On ROMP, NPM consumers can express demand for native species and product types, including those which are not already available on the market. By aggregating end-users, we can broaden the scope of the mid-Atlantic NPM supply chain.
Demand Snapshot
The reported demand for native species comes together on the Demand Snapshot dashboard. Here, stakeholders can view the Species Summary, where MARSB has aggregated the frequency of demand for native species across the ecoregions of the mid-Atlantic. This information, updated frequently, is reflective of the real self-reported demand of NPM stakeholders.
How Do I Join ROMP?
Joining ROMP is easy and free for all users. Simply visit the ROMP home page, create a profile, and add your organization or business to the growing directory of mid-Atlantic native plant material stakeholders.
For ROMP questions: akousch@marsb.org
MARSB PROGRAM UPDATES
Seed Collection
Fragaria virginiana
In early June, we were able to collect wild strawberries from the patch documented in our Youtube video. They can be tough to see hidden under the leaves – you really need to get on their level to discover what’s underneath.
Watch out! It’s always worth a second look when you’re reaching for seed, especially something as low-growing and desirable as strawberry. You just might end up with a fistful of poison ivy.
While these berries are destined to be pulped for a seed increase plot rather than for a pie, I always feel like a foraging chipmunk whenever I’m collecting them. Clearly, someone else has been enjoying the fruits of their labor though!