What You Need to Know About Native Plantings
Meadow Plantings
- Nearly 90% of all flowering plants rely on pollinators for reproduction including one third of the crops humans consume on a daily basis. In addition to the food we eat, pollinators are crucial in preserving biological diversity in the intricate ecosystems to which we belong.
- Pollinators consist mostly of bees, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, bats, and birds. They travel from flower to flower, drinking nectar and eating pollen while, in the process, spreading pollen grains to other receptive flower parts. This often-unnoticed interaction plays a vital role in plant reproduction.
- Due to compounding factors including habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, disease, and invasive species, pollinator populations are in trouble. While it may seem insignificant, small choices each person can make will help lead to a positive change. By providing habitat, big or small, anyone can come to the aid of these essential creatures.
- Native plant diversity provides the food and shelter pollinators need to thrive. This habitat can be created by large meadow plantings or small gardens, any bit helps. Here are several ways you can help our pollinators:
- Plant Native Plants: Native plants are needed for pollinator reproduction. Some pollinator species will only reproduce on specific native plants, these are called ‘host plants.’
- Incorporate Diversity: Plant a variety of species to ensure something is in bloom all parts of the year and produce flowers in various shapes, colors, and sizes. Include native trees and shrubs too, many of these species will be amongst the first to bloom in the spring.
- Reduce Pesticide Use: Try to tolerate feeding damage on plants. Limit your use and only use pesticides when absolutely necessary.
- Leave the Leaves: Many pollinators burrow under fallen leaves to overwinter or will do so in hollow plant stems. Retaining this vegetation residue until spring will provide habitat during an important time.
- Dead Wood is Good: Some pollinators are cavity nesting and will only nest in dead woody material, whether standing or on the ground. If possible, keep some dead wood close by.
- Manage Invasive Plants: Most native pollinators are specialists and will not use invasive plants for feeding or nesting. Reducing these invasive plant populations will allow more space for native plants to grow.
To learn more about pollinator conservation and how to implement your own habitat improvements, see the links below or simply contact the Warren County Conservation District.
Riparian Buffers (Streamside Tree Plantings)
- There are over 86,000 miles of streams in Pennsylvania, each of which are essential to recharge groundwater, filter pollutants, provide habitat for aquatic life, and act as a source of drinking water for communities. Over time, certain land use practices have led to the degradation of streams because of pollution from agricultural runoff, acid mine drainage, and stormwater runoff. Due to this fact, many agencies and organizations have prioritized the importance of clean water and have begun to take action.
- Riparian forest buffers contain native trees and shrubs that are planted along a stream or body of water. These plantings will help:
- Stabilize Streambanks: Roots from native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants work together to hold soil in place. The various depths to which these roots grow act as an anchor to reduce the impacts of water currents on streambanks.
- Reduce Water Pollution: Riparian buffers act as a filter, absorbing and capturing pollutants carried by runoff water before they enter the stream.
- Control Erosion: Vegetation along streambanks promote water infiltration into the soil and reduces the amount of water being rushed downstream. As water speeds slow, sediment particles make their way out of the water column, preventing them from being carried further downstream.
- Improve Water Quality: By reducing the amount of pollutants and sediment in the water, streams can maintain cleaner drinking water and healthier ecosystems.
- Increase Wildlife Habitat: Native trees and shrubs along streams provide habitat to a suit of wildlife from mammals and birds to insects and amphibians. The shade from trees maintain cool water temperatures and provide leaf litter that makes its way into the stream to support aquatic life.
If a stream is currently bordered by native vegetation and trees, it is important to protect these sensitive areas by:
- Retaining trees and shrubs along streambanks
- Minimizing fertilizer and pesticide use near waterways
- Using fencing to limit livestock’s access to streams
- Removing invasive plants and replacing them with native species
- Using rain barrels or other methods to capture rainwater to prevent excessive runoff
- To learn more about riparian forest buffers and how to protect and improve water quality in streams, see the links below or simply contact the Warren County Conservation District.
Other Websites
