Native plants are those that naturally grow in a region from which they evolved. They are the ecological basis upon which life depends. Without them (and the insects that co-evolved with them), local birds and animal life could not survive. 

   

Unfortunately, most landscaping plants at nurseries today are not native (or indigenous) to the land for which the plant is intended to grow. These plants not only sever the food web, but also become invasive pests, out-competing with native species and unfortunately, degrading habitats.

   

Homeowners and local policy makers can encourage the native birds and animal life of their area by selecting native plants when making landscaping decisions. The National Audubon Society offers a handy database .... HERE .... to discover what native plants belong in your area and which types of birds they'll attract. Just enter your zip code.

   

Restoring native plant habitats is vital to preserving biodiversity. Each patch of native habitat becomes a part of a collective effort to nurture and sustain the larger living landscape for birds and animals.

    

Native plants help to conserve water, energy, time and money, keep local streams and rivers healthy, increase regional biodiversity, and invite native species back home.

  

| CLICK to watch "Why Native Plants?" (4:09min) - also linked above