Why Plant Native?

If you’ve heard about the movement to plant more native species but wonder why is it important, the following resources will answer your questions!

From Homegrown National Park – “Establishing native species on your property allows for ecosystem processes that can’t be achieved with common lawn grass or ornamentals. If you want to rebuild and strengthen the natural habitat in your backyard, that plan has to include native plants. There are many, many important reasons to start restoring your property with native plants, so let’s start with the basics” Click here to read more

From the USDA website – “There are many benefits of landscaping and gardening with native plants including conserving water, protecting soil from erosion, and creating habitat and providing food for many different animals including birds, pollinators, and small mammals. Simply by growing native plants gardeners can bring enormous beauty to a community and joy to its residents. In addition, native plants are easy-to-grow and require minimal maintenance. Click here to read more

From Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones – “There are several practical reasons to plant at least a few natives. The practicality is personal–as in watering your yard less–and environmental, as in improving water quality and resources for native wildlife. Whether you live in the city or country, whatever the size of your property, you’ll also be doing your part to replace the vast amount of land lost to development or compromised by invasive nonnative plants.” Click here to read more

Resources to find native Michigan plants and trees:
MSU Extension Native Tree List
MSU Extension Native Shrubs List
MSU Extention Native Plants List

Recommended books:
Bringing Nature Home, Doug Tallamy
Nature’s Best Hope, Doug Tallamy
The Nature of Oaks, Doug Tallamy
The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden, Rick Darke & Doug Tallamy
Prairie Up, Benjamin Voight

Don’t forget to check out Homegrown National Park!