Native Plant Conservation Campaign News: More communities are planting natives to take advantage of the ecosystem services they supply, such as water purification, water conservation, storm protection and pollinator habitat.
July 16, 2018
From South Carolina
Communities work to incorporate native plants
By Leslie Cantu The Journal Scene South Carolina
Jun 20, 2018
More communities and homeowners are beginning to think beyond mere prettiness for gardens as the awareness of the importance of native plants grows.
Native plants have evolved in the local climate, with the birds and insects of the local ecosystem, and therefore are capable of thriving in the hot, humid coastal South while standing up to being munched on by insects, said Jennifer Tyrrell, the bird-friendly coordinator at Audubon South Carolina.
She said the group is using two main ideas when promoting native plants: that they’re low-maintenance and climate resilient.
Summerville has been recognized as a “bird-friendly/climate-resilient” community. It’s one of five such communities recognized within the state.
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From North Dakota
Getting more from CRP lands
Exotic grasses introduced in the 60s helped with erosion, but didn’t do much for wildlife, pollinators
Renée Jean rjean@willistonherald.com
Jun 20, 2018
North Dakota ranchers are cooperating with the USDA Agricultural Research Service to find ways to replace large areas of exotic grasses with native plants that are more nutritious for livestock and also support pollinators and other wildlife.
Non native Smooth brome and Crested wheatgrass, planted by government and ranchers in the 1960s, have crowded out native plants and formed large dense monocultures which have limited value as wildlife habitat and offer lower quality forage for livestock.
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From Kansas
Friends of the Kaw receives grant to restore native trees and plants along river, reduce pollution
JUL 9, 2018 - 12:00AM
In Kansas, a Lawrence conservation group has received a nearly $80,000 grant to restore native plants and habitat along the Kansas river.
The group, Friends of the Kaw Riverkeeper, wants to remove non-native plants and replace them with native plants, whose deep root systems better protect against bank erosion and help filter pollutants out of stormwater before it reaches the river.
This project will also offer restoration and ecology curricula to students in the area.
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To find locally adapted natives to beautify your garden and help wildlife and the environment, go to your local botanic garden and/or native plant society for recommendations, care tips and often the opportunity to purchase local native plants.
For a list of NPCC Affiliate botanic gardens and native plant societies go to our Affiliates Page
