2002-10-24_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Bring Back The Natives Before the arrival of European settlers in the United States, native plants grew in areas with species of similar soil, moisture, and weather conditions. These ecosystems were home to abundant wildlife, birds, and butterflies. Most of these ecosystems have been degraded, demolished, and, as population. increased, transformed into areas of industry, urban development, and agriculture. Today, agricultural and garden plants from all over the world dominate the landscape while less than one percent of land is home to native plants. What is a native plant? They have adapted to the geography, hydrology, and climate of their particular region- Native plants occur in communities that have evolved together with other plants. As a result, a population of native plants provides habitat for a variety of native wildlife species such as songbirds and butterflies. What are the advantages of landscaping with native plants? Native plants provide a beautiful, hardy, drought resistant, low maintenance lawn while benefiting the environment. Native plants, once established, save time and money by Gaillardia eliminating or significantly reducing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, water, and lawn maintenance equipment. Native plants do not require fertilizer. Large amounts of fertilizers are applied to lawns in the U.S. Excess phosphorus and nitrogen run off into lakes and rivers causing algae growth. This depletes oxygen in our waters, harms aquatic life, and interferes with recreational uses. Native plants require fewer pesticides than lawns. Nationally, over 70 million pounds of pesticides are applied to lawns each year- Pesticides run off lawns and can contaminate the water of lakes, streams, and wetlands. People and pets in contact with chemically treated lawns can be exposed to pesticides. Native plants require less water than lawns. The modern lawn requires significant amounts of water to survive. In urban areas, lawn irrigation uses as much as 30 percent of the water consumption on the East Coast and up to 60 percent on the West Coast. The deep root systems of many native Midwestern plants increase the soil's capacity to store water. Native plants can significantly reduce water runoff and, consequently, flooding. Native plants help reduce air pollution. Natural landscapes do not require mowing. Gas powered garden tools emit five percent of the nation's air pollution. Forty million lawnmowers consume 200 million gallons of gasoline per year. One gas-powered lawnmower emits 11 times the air pollution of a new car for each hour of operation. Excessive carbon from the burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming. Native plants remove carbon from the air. Native plants provide shelter and food for wildlife. Native plants attract a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife by providing diverse habitats and food sources. Closely mowed lawns are of little use to most wildlife. Native plants promote biodiversity and stewardship. In the U.S., approximately 20 million acres of lawn are cultivated, covering more land than any single crop. Native plants are a part of our natural heritage and do not threaten to take over natural communities. Natural landscaping is an opportunity to re-establish diverse native plants, thereby inviting the birds and butterflies back home. Native plants save money. A study by Applied Ecological Services (Brodhead, WI) of larger properties estimates that over a 20 year period, the cumulative cost of maintaining a prairie or a wetland totals $3,000 per acre versus $20,000 per acre for non-native turf grasses. Information provided by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources For more information on native plants and how to design a native plant garden or incorporate them into your existing garden, please visit: www.dnr.state.mn.us/gardens/native plants FACETS Summer 2002 '';~~' Grey-headed Coneftower