Why Plant Natives?

Lilly R. installing the stones for the native plant garden
Learn why this local Girl Scout donated her time and resources to help create Wright Library's native pollinator garden (PDF)
Author Doug Tallamy with his book "Nature's Best Hope." A bird is on the cover.
Vick Mickunas interview with Doug Tallamy, author of "Nature's Best Hope" (WYSO, 2021)
ALIVE Podcast with Cristina Redko text over gray background with white silhouette of person with arms outstretched.
This podcast, hosted by Cristina Redko, explores our contributions to regenerate life on Earth.

 

Close-up view of the plant Rattlesnake Master.

Seven great reasons to plant natives.

 

  1. Native plants help you use less fertilizers. Lawn fertilizer runoff causes excess algae growth, depletes oxygen in our waters, harms aquatic life, and can spoil human recreational use.
  2. Native plants help you use less pesticides. Lawns in the US are treated with 70 million pounds of pesticides each year.
  3. Native plants help you use less water. They have significantly deeper root structures than modern lawns which increase the soil's capacity to store water.
  4. Native plants help you keep the air around you cleaner. Natural landscapes do not require mowing or very much maintenance. Gas-powered garden tools emit 5% of the nation’s air pollution.
  5. Native plants provide shelter and food for wildlife and support pollinators. Monoculture lawns provide little to no support to the local food web.
  6. Native plants promote biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage. Landscaping with native plants is an opportunity to reestablish natural diversity and support birds and butterflies who get little benefit from non-native species and acers of lawn.
  7. Native plants have been shown to save money by reducing maintenance costs.

Adapted from a list by the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District.

Black Eyed Susan flower with yellow petals and a brown center.

GET STARTED!
Find resources you need to plant native

 

Local Organizations

Volunteer or seek an informed speaker for your next program


Learning & EducationButterfly lands on a red flower

Helpful guides on the benefits of native plants in your community.


Identify Native Plantschrysalis on a leaf

Find what plants will work for you.


Find Native Seeds, Plants, and LandscapingMonarch butterfly on a yellow flower

Resources on where to purchase local plants and ecology services.


Certify your yard - field of flowers

Certification Programs

Validate your efforts by joining a network of people with the same goals.