NATIVE PLANTS

Native plants have evolved over thousands of years to specifically survive in our local habitats and thrive in the local soils and unique water, light, temperature, and growing conditions of the region. Using them in your landscaping can stabilize soil, reduce erosion, filter runoff, absorb nutrients that contribute to harmful algal blooms, and provide food and shelter for native wildlife and pollinators.

Why use native plants?

Using natives in your landscaping can not only save you money by reducing the need for fertilizers and watering, native plants can also help protect our environment!

Native plants typically have deeper roots that increase soil stability and soak up more rainwater than non-native species. They act as natural filters that can clean pollutants such as excess nutrients from stormwater before it enters our waterways and contributes to algal blooms. Other useful functions of native plants include:

Reducing erosion
Reducing runoff during heavy rains
Filtering and cleaning both water and air
Protecting wetlands
Providing food and shelter for native wildlife
And many more!

Can planting natives reduce flooding?

If you have a low-lying area that collects water when it rains, you have the perfect spot for a rain garden! In addition to filtering pollution and managing rain water, these gardens can also provide food and shelter for butterflies, songbirds, and other wildlife. If you are interested in learning more about rain gardens, you can visit the Toledo-Lucas County Rain Garden Initiative's website.