Benefits of Native Plants
Native Plants have deeper roots than turf and nonnative plants. Native plants provide more absorption of nutrients through their roots and therefore, less nutrients enter the lake.
Conserve Water:
Because native plants are adapted to local environmental conditions, they require considerably less water, saving time, money, and a most valuable natural resource, water.
Low Maintenance:
Native plants once established, generally require little maintenance. They do not require fertilizers as they are already adapted to the environment. Since Native Plants have been present in our ecosystem for thousands of years, they have evolved to be tolerant of our climate, soil, conditions, and pests/diseases. They will therefore require the least amount of maintenance.
Beauty:
Many native plants offer beautiful showy flowers, produce abundant colorful fruits and seeds, and brilliant seasonal changes in colors from the pale, thin greens of early spring, to the vibrant yellows and reds of autumn.
Wildlife:
Native plants are important to birds for a variety of reasons. These plants are important hosts for certain insects such as butterflies and moth caterpillars, making the insects rich in protein for birds to consume. Nesting birds will ultimately feed these sources of protein to their chicks. Birds are also a pathway for seed dispersal, spreading natives throughout their range. Native plants that produce large and colorful fruits will attract birds to consume them.
Helping the Climate:
Landscaping with native plants can combat climate change. Native plants, especially long-living trees like oaks and maples, are effective at storing the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.
Funding for this project was provided in part by the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission through a Watershed Management Board Grant