WHY NATIVE PLANTS?

Protecting clean, abundant water throughout the Brodhead watershed reaches beyond the depths of our rivers, streams, and creeks. The quality of our water relies on a healthy watershed – one that functions naturally to filter pollutants, regulate water flow, and sustain diverse and thriving ecosystems.

You may not live near a stream or creek, but that doesn’t mean what you do in your backyard fails to make a difference. IT DOES! 

By planting native species, you:

1. SUPPORT YOU LOCAL POLLINATORS AND WILDLIFE – Native plants provide essential food and shelter for local wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and pollinators like bees and moths. Many pollinators rely on specific native plants for survival.
2. IMPROVE WATER QUALITY BY REDUCING RUNOFF – Native plants have deep root systems that absorb rainwater, reduce runoff, and filter pollutants before they reach our streams and groundwater. They also help prevent erosion, stabilizing riverbanks and slopes.
3. REQUIRE LESS MAINTENANCE – Once established, native plants need less water, fertilizer, and pesticides compared to non-native species. They are naturally adapted to local soil, climate, and rainfall, making them more resilient and drought-tolerant.
4. RESTORE NATURAL HABITATS – Planting natives helps restore ecosystems that have been degraded by development, invasive species, and/or pollution. They contribute to biodiversity by supporting a wide range of wild things, from fungi and microbes to mammals and insects.
5. REDUCE THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES – Invasive, non-native plants can outcompete and displace native species, reducing biodiversity. Choosing native plants helps maintain a balanced, healthy ecosystem.
6. ENHANCE THE BEAUTY OF YOUR BACKYARD – Native plants provide color, texture, and interest throughout the seasons with flowers, berries, and foliage changes. They create a natural landscape that blends harmoniously with the surrounding environment.
7. SAVE MONEY AND RESOURCES – Less need for watering, fertilizers, and pesticides means lower costs for homeowners and municipalities. Native landscapes require less mowing and upkeep, reducing fuel and labor expenses.
8. STRENGTHEN CLIMATE RESILIENCE – Native plants are better adapted to withstand local weather extremes, including droughts and floods. Their deep roots store carbon in the soil, helping mitigate climate change.

By choosing native plants, you’re creating healthier landscapes, conserving water, protecting wildlife, and enhancing the natural beauty of our community—all while reducing your environmental impact and contributing to climate resiliency.

PROTECT OUR WATER. SUPPORT NATURE. PLANT NATIVE.