Why Plant Natives?
Lower maintenance
· Native plants are adapted to local conditions and save time, money and resources
Healthier environment
· Reduced fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides
- Lawns and other manicured landscaping require huge amounts of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides which can be harmful to humans, pets and all other organisms
- These chemicals then run off into waterways causing massive algae growth, pollution and reduced oxygen for aquatic organisms
· Reduced air pollution
- Native plants sequester carbon dioxide from the air
- Less use of gas guzzling lawn mowers
· Water conservation
- Native plants are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and once established and placed in the appropriate site do not require excess watering
· Erosion control
- Native plants are specially adapted to streambanks and other habitats surrounding waterways, reducing erosion, preventing runoff and flooding
Critical for wildlife
· Food
- Nectar and pollen for hummingbirds, butterflies, native bees and other beneficial insects/pollinators
- Seed and fruit for birds
- Forage, seeds, nuts and fruit for many other animals
· Shelter
- Important protection for birds, insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians
· Nesting/host
- Nesting sites for native birds, bees, etc.
- Larval host plants for butterflies and moths
Preserve and promote biodiversity
· Loss of wild spaces has hugely reduced native plant populations and thus populations of the organisms that rely on them and the organisms that rely on those organisms and so on…
· Planting natives in our landscapes can help preserve and promote biodiversity, maintain pollinator populations and sustain food webs
Beauty
· Native landscapes are gorgeous and better yet, they belong here!