Tag:

Conservation

Keystone Plants: The Superheroes of Ecosystems

by Gregory September 16, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Keystone Plants: Nature’s Superheroes

Keystone plants are the superstars of the plant world. They play a vital role in holding ecosystems together by providing food and habitat for a variety of animals, including pollinators likeMonarch butterflies and bees.

What Are Keystone Plants?

Imagine a keystone in an archway. It’s the critical piece that holds everything together. Keystone plants are like that for ecosystems. They are native plants that provide essential resources for the most important species in their environment.

Why Are Keystone Plants Important?

Keystone plants are more important than other plants because they support the entire food web. They provide food for insects, birds, and other animals, which in turn provide food for larger predators. Keystone plants also help to create and maintain healthy habitats for wildlife.

Keystone Plants and Pollinators

Pollinators are essential for our food supply. They help to pollinate crops, which means they help to produce the fruits, vegetables, and nuts that we eat. Keystone plants are a major source of food for pollinators.

Keystone Plants and Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth. Keystone plants support biodiversity by providing food and habitat for a wide range of species. They help to create healthy and resilient ecosystems that can withstand disturbances.

Keystone Plants and Endangered Species

Many keystone plants are endangered due to habitat loss, invasive species, and other threats. The loss of keystone plants can have a devastating impact on ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

How to Help Keystone Plants

You can help keystone plants by planting them in your garden or yard. Choose native plants that are adapted to your local ecoregion. You can also support organizations that are working to conserve keystone plant populations.

How to Identify Keystone Plants in Your Ecoregion

The first step to planting keystone plants is to identify which ones are native to your area. You can do this by visiting the website of your local conservation organization or by using an online plant database.

Once you know which keystone plants are native to your area, you can choose the ones that you want to plant in your garden. Consider the size, shape, and flowering time of each plant when making your selections.

Planting and Caring for Keystone Plants

Keystone plants are relatively easy to grow. They typically require well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Once they are established, they are drought-tolerant and require little maintenance.

The Future of Keystone Plants

Keystone plants are essential for the health of our planet. They support biodiversity, provide food for pollinators and other animals, and help to create and maintain healthy ecosystems. By planting keystone plants in our gardens and supporting conservation efforts, we can help to ensure their future.

Additional Tips for Planting Keystone Plants

Choose a variety of keystone plants to provide food and habitat for a wide range of species.
Plant keystone plants in groups to create a more attractive and effective habitat.
Water keystone plants regularly, especially during the first growing season.
Mulch around keystone plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Protect keystone plants from pests and diseases by using natural methods whenever possible.

By following these tips, you can help keystone plants thrive in your garden and contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

Environmental Protection

Invasive Species: A Threat to Our Environment – Prevention and Removal Guide

by Gregory July 31, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Invasive Species: A Threat to Our Environment

What are Invasive Species?

Invasive species are plants or animals that are not native to a particular area and cause harm to the local ecosystem and native species. They can spread quickly and crowd out native species, which can have a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem.

How Do Invasive Species Spread?

Invasive species can spread into new areas in a variety of ways, including:

Accidentally: Seeds can be carried by wind, water, or animals.
Intentionally: People sometimes bring invasive species from other countries for food, pets, or landscaping.
Through human activities: Invasive species can be spread through ballast water on ships, firewood, shipping pallets, and plants sold in nurseries.

Why are Invasive Species a Problem?

Invasive species can cause a variety of problems, including:

Economic damage: Invasive species can damage crops, livestock, and infrastructure.
Harm to native species: Invasive species can compete with native species for food, habitat, and resources.
Disruption of ecosystems: Invasive species can alter the balance of ecosystems, which can have a negative impact on other plants, animals, and even humans.

What Can We Do to Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species?

There are several things that we can do to help prevent the spread of invasive species, including:

Learn about invasive species in your area. Find out what plants and animals are considered invasive in your area and avoid planting or keeping them.
Clean your gear before and after visiting natural areas. This will help to prevent the spread of seeds and other plant material.
Dispose of unwanted plants properly. Do not dump them in natural areas, where they could spread.
Volunteer to help control invasive species. Many organizations need volunteers to help remove invasive plants and animals from public lands.

Case Study: Purple Loosestrife

Purple loosestrife is a problematic invasive plant that has spread to many wetlands in the United States. It spreads rapidly by producing and dispersing a lot of seeds and through roots that easily separate to grow new plants. A native wetlands species, cardinal flower, has a hard time competing with purple loosestrife because it has smaller seeds and a shorter life cycle.

How to Remove Invasive Plants

If you find invasive plants in your garden or on your property, it is important to remove them quickly. Removal methods vary depending on the species, but some common methods include:

Pulling: This is the most effective method for small plants.
Suffocation: You can cover the plant with a tarp or cardboard to block out sunlight.
Mowing: This can help to control the spread of invasive plants, but it is not always effective.
Chemical control: This should be a last resort, and it is important to follow the directions on the herbicide label carefully.

Conclusion

Invasive species are a serious threat to our environment. By learning about invasive species, taking steps to prevent their spread, and removing them from our properties, we can help to protect our native ecosystems.

Butterflies

Monarchs in Michigan: How to Help Save Our Beloved Butterflies

by Gregory July 20, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Monarchs: Our Beloved Butterflies

Introduction

Monarchs, with their striking orange and black wings, are a beloved sight in gardens everywhere. But these beautiful butterflies are in trouble. Their populations have been declining all over, including in Michigan.

The Importance of Monarchs

Monarchs are important pollinators. They help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from one flower to another. This helps to create new plants and food for other animals.

Monarchs also have an amazing migration journey. They travel thousands of miles between Mexico and the rest of North America every year.

Why Monarchs Are Declining

There are many factors that have contributed to the decline of monarch populations. One major factor is climate change. Changes in the climate in the butterflies’ breeding areas have caused their numbers to drop.

Another major factor is the use of herbicides and pesticides on farms. These chemicals kill milkweed, which is the only plant that monarch butterflies use to lay their eggs and feed their caterpillars.

How to Help Monarchs

There are many things we can do to help monarch butterflies. One of the most important things is to plant native plants in our gardens. Native plants provide food and shelter for monarchs and other pollinators.

We can also avoid using herbicides and pesticides in our gardens. These chemicals can kill monarch butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Creating a Monarch-Friendly Garden

If you want to attract monarch butterflies to your garden, there are a few things you can do:

Plant milkweed. This is the only plant that monarch butterflies use to lay their eggs and feed their caterpillars.
Plant other native flowers that attract butterflies. Some good choices include black-eyed Susan, purple coneflower, and coreopsis.
Plant flowers in groups. This makes it easier for pollinators to find them.
Avoid using herbicides and pesticides. These chemicals can kill monarch butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Conclusion

Monarchs are beautiful and important butterflies. By taking steps to help them, we can ensure that these amazing creatures continue to grace our gardens for years to come.

Additional Information

The Monarch Joint Venture is a non-profit organization that works to conserve monarch butterflies and their habitats.
The Xerces Society is another non-profit organization that works to protect pollinators.
You can find more information about monarch butterflies and how to help them on the websites of these organizations.

Trees and Shrubs

Western Juniper: A Complex and Controversial Tree of the High Desert | Ecology and Conservation

by Gregory July 16, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Western Juniper: A Complex and Controversial Tree of the High Desert

The high desert of Eastern Oregon is a land of contrasts, with vast open spaces, deep canyons, and a unique ecosystem dominated by sagebrush and juniper trees. While junipers are an important part of this ecosystem, they have also become a problem in some areas, invading and outcompeting native plants and degrading habitat for wildlife.

Western Juniper: A Unique and Intriguing Plant

Western juniper is a fascinating tree with a distinctive appearance. Its gnarled branches, loose, scaly bark, and bluish-purple berries make it easy to identify. Junipers are also incredibly hardy, able to survive in the harsh conditions of the high desert, where water is scarce and temperatures can fluctuate wildly.

Despite its tough exterior, juniper has a soft side. Birds love its berries, and new junipers often grow from seeds dispersed in bird droppings. However, juniper’s usefulness to humans is limited. Its wood is messy and difficult to burn, and it has few other practical applications.

The Invasion of Western Juniper

Over the past century, juniper trees have expanded their range in the high desert, increasing from about 420,000 acres in the 1930s to over 3 million acres today. This expansion is due to a combination of factors, including overgrazing by livestock, fire suppression, and climate change.

Overgrazing has reduced the amount of vegetation available to carry fires, which would naturally kill smaller juniper trees and keep their populations in check. Fire suppression has also allowed juniper trees to spread into areas where they would not normally be found. Finally, climate change has created more favorable conditions for juniper to grow and thrive.

The Impact of Juniper Invasion

The invasion of juniper trees has had a significant impact on the high desert ecosystem. Junipers consume large amounts of water, which can lead to the drying up of springs and streams. They also outcompete native grasses and sagebrush, reducing habitat for wildlife that rely on these plants for food and shelter.

The loss of sagebrush habitat is particularly concerning because it affects the sage grouse, a bird that is already threatened with extinction. Sage grouse rely on sagebrush for nesting and food, and the decline of sagebrush populations has led to a decline in sage grouse populations as well.

Managing Juniper Trees

The U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are working to manage juniper trees in the high desert and restore the sagebrush-steppe ecosystem. Their goal is to retain old-growth juniper stands while controlling the spread of younger, invading junipers.

One way to control juniper trees is through prescribed burns. Fire can kill small juniper trees and prevent them from becoming established. However, prescribed burns must be carefully planned and executed to avoid damaging other vegetation or starting wildfires.

Another way to control juniper trees is through mechanical removal. This involves using machinery to cut down or uproot juniper trees. Mechanical removal is more expensive and time-consuming than prescribed burns, but it can be more effective in certain situations.

The Future of Western Juniper

The future of western juniper in the high desert is uncertain. Climate change is likely to continue to favor the spread of juniper trees, and it is unclear how effective management efforts will be in controlling their populations. However, one thing is clear: the invasion of juniper trees is a complex issue with significant implications for the high desert ecosystem.

Conclusion

Western juniper is a fascinating and complex tree that plays an important role in the high desert ecosystem. However, the invasion of juniper trees has become a problem in some areas, and land managers are working to find ways to control their spread and restore the balance of the ecosystem.

Birdwatching and Conservation

Rare British Garden Birds: Identification and Attraction Guide

by Gregory June 7, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Rare British Garden Birds

How to Identify and Attract Them

Have you ever spotted an unusual bird in your garden? If so, you may have been lucky enough to see one of Britain’s rare garden birds. These birds are not often seen, but they can be a delight to observe.

How to Identify Rare British Garden Birds

If you see a bird that you don’t recognize, there are a few things you can do to identify it:

Observe its size and shape. Is it larger or smaller than a blackbird? Does it have a long tail or a short tail?
Note its colors and markings. What color is its body? Does it have any stripes, spots, or other distinctive features?
Listen to its song or call. Birds have unique songs and calls that can help you identify them.
Take a photo or sketch. This can be helpful for later identification.

You can also use a field guide or website to help you identify birds.

Common Rare British Garden Birds

Some of the most common rare British garden birds include:

Waxwing: A striking bird with a bright orange crest and black eye stripe.
Tree sparrow: A small bird with a chestnut cap and black cheek spots.
Brambling: A winter visitor from Scandinavia with a rusty orange breast and white rump.
Fieldfare: A winter visitor with a light grey head and chestnut-brown wings.
Goldcrest: Britain’s smallest breeding bird with a bright yellow stripe on its head.
Bullfinch: A stout finch with a black cap and bright rose-red breast (in males).
Nuthatch: A small bird with a long, straight bill and blue-grey wings.
Jay: A brightly-colored bird with a black moustache and blue and white wing bars.
Grey wagtail: A bird with a long, black and white tail that bobs constantly.
Green woodpecker: Britain’s largest breeding woodpecker with a green back and red cap.

How to Attract Rare British Garden Birds

There are a few things you can do to attract rare birds to your garden:

Provide a variety of food sources. Birds have different dietary needs, so offer a variety of foods such as seeds, nuts, fruit, and insects.
Create a bird-friendly habitat. Plant trees and shrubs that provide food and shelter for birds.
Provide a water source. Birds need water to drink and bathe.
Avoid using pesticides. Pesticides can harm birds and their food sources.

By following these tips, you can help rare British garden birds thrive and enjoy their beauty in your own backyard.

Wildlife Gardening

Hedgehogs in the Garden: A Comprehensive Guide for Young Wildlife Enthusiasts

by Gregory June 2, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Hedgehogs in the Garden: A Guide for Young Wildlife Enthusiasts

Introduction

Hedgehogs are fascinating creatures that can often be found in gardens, especially in rural and suburban areas. They are known for their spiky coats and their ability to curl up into a ball when threatened. Hedgehogs are beneficial to gardens because they eat pests like slugs and snails. However, their numbers are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticides, and other human-related factors.

Creating a Hedgehog-Friendly Garden

If you want to attract hedgehogs to your garden, there are a few things you can do to make it more welcoming.

Create access holes: Hedgehogs need to be able to move freely between gardens. Cut a hole in your fence that is at least 13cm x 13cm (about the size of a CD) to allow hedgehogs to pass through.
Plant a hedge: Hedges provide food and shelter for hedgehogs. Choose native plants like hawthorn and hazel, which attract egg-laying moths and increase the number of caterpillars available for hedgehogs to eat.
Make ponds safe: If you have a pond in your garden, make sure it has sloping sides or a ramp so that hedgehogs can enter and exit safely.
Check before strimming: Before using a strimmer, check long grass for hedgehogs. If you find any, move them to a safe location.
Avoid using slug pellets: Conventional slug pellets contain metaldehyde, which is poisonous to hedgehogs. Use wildlife-friendly slug pellets instead, which contain less toxic ingredients.

Signs of Hedgehogs in the Garden

There are several signs that may indicate that hedgehogs are visiting your garden.

Hedgehog poo: Hedgehog droppings are dark and may contain the wing cases of beetles and other insects.
Hedgehog footprints: Hedgehog footprints are unique and unmistakable. Look for them in the mud or create a hedgehog footprint tunnel.
Snuffling noises: Hedgehogs make snuffling noises as they explore their surroundings. You may be able to hear them at night if you leave your windows open.
Stick or bedding material: Leave a stick in front of a hedgehog feeding station or nest box, or place bedding material like straw or leaves nearby. Hedgehogs may use these to make a cozy bed.

What to Do If You Find a Hedgehog

If you see a hedgehog in your garden, the best thing to do is nothing. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals and they will usually go about their business without bothering you. However, there are some situations when you may need to intervene.

Hedgehog out during the day in summer: This could be a mother hedgehog foraging for food or water. Stand back and observe the hedgehog for a while. If it is walking in a straight line and with purpose, you can leave it alone. If it is walking in circles or seems disoriented, you should contact a hedgehog rescue center.
Hedgehog out during the day in autumn or winter: This could indicate a problem such as being too small to hibernate, lungworm, or organ failure. Contact a hedgehog rescue center immediately.
Sick or injured hedgehog: If you find a hedgehog that is sick or injured, wear gloves and place it in a high-sided box with a warm hot water bottle and a towel. Contact a hedgehog rescue center right away.

Conclusion

Hedgehogs are fascinating and beneficial creatures that deserve our protection. By creating a hedgehog-friendly garden and knowing what to do if you find a hedgehog in need, you can help these amazing animals thrive.

Unique Plants

Hot Lips Plant: A Guide to Growing, Medicinal Uses, and Conservation

by Gregory May 19, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Hot Lips Plant: A Unique and Fascinating Botanical Wonder

What is the Hot Lips Plant?

Have you ever heard of the hot lips plant? It’s a truly remarkable plant that lives up to its name with its distinctive flower that resembles a pair of luscious lips. This unique plant belongs to the Psychotria genus, which has over 2,000 species.

Where Does the Hot Lips Plant Grow?

The hot lips plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, particularly in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Panama. It thrives in moist, shady areas under the canopy of taller trees.

How to Grow the Hot Lips Plant

Growing the hot lips plant can be a challenge, as it requires specific conditions to flourish. If you live in a tropical climate, you can try growing it outdoors. However, in cooler regions, it’s best to cultivate it in a heated greenhouse or solarium.

Here are some tips for growing the hot lips plant:

Provide high humidity (at least 60%).
Shelter it from direct sunlight.
Use potting soil that drains well but retains moisture.
Keep the temperature above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).

Medicinal and Psychotropic Properties

The hot lips plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries by indigenous peoples of the Amazon rainforest. It is believed to have medicinal properties for treating various ailments, including:

Aches and arthritis
Infertility
Impotency

Interestingly, the hot lips plant also contains the chemical dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a psychedelic substance. DMT has been used in shamanic rituals and is said to induce altered states of consciousness.

Conservation Status

Unfortunately, the hot lips plant is facing threats due to habitat destruction and development. It is becoming increasingly rare in its natural habitat, making it important to protect and conserve this unique plant.

Other Interesting Facts

The hot lips plant is also known as “hooker’s lips” due to its resemblance to a woman’s lips.
It is a popular gift plant in Central America, especially for Valentine’s Day.
The flower of the hot lips plant is actually a pair of modified leaves that form a protective pouch around the tiny white flowers.
The hot lips plant attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
It is a slow-growing plant that can take several years to reach maturity.

Conclusion

The hot lips plant is a captivating botanical wonder with a unique appearance and intriguing properties. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply curious about the wonders of the natural world, this plant is sure to fascinate you. By understanding its habitat, cultivation requirements, and cultural significance, we can appreciate and protect this remarkable species for generations to come.

Orchids

Whorled Pogonia: A Rare and Enchanting Orchid | Habitat, Threats, and Conservation

by Gregory April 21, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Whorled Pogonia: A Unique and Threatened Orchid

Introduction

The world is home to over 26,000 varieties of orchids, making them one of the most diverse plant groups. Among these diverse species is the whorled pogonia, a fascinating and unique orchid that you’re not likely to find for sale. But if you happen to be exploring a forested area, you might just stumble upon one of these rare, native orchids.

What is a Whorled Pogonia?

Whorled pogonia is a type of orchid that comes in two forms: the large whorled pogonia and the small whorled pogonia. The small whorled pogonia is considered rare, while the larger form of the plant is quite common. These woodland flowers thrive in shady or even fully shaded areas.

Unique Characteristics

One of the most striking features of whorled pogonia is its unusual flowers. They’re not so much showy as they are simply intriguing. Another interesting characteristic of whorled pogonia is its ability to self-pollinate.

Types of Whorled Pogonia

Large Whorled Pogonia (Isotria verticillata): This larger species has a purplish stem and five whorled leaves. Its flowers are yellowish-green with purple-brown sepals.
Small Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides): This smaller species is only about 10 inches in height and has greener flowers with lime green sepals.

Where Does Whorled Pogonia Grow?

Both species of whorled pogonia are native to North America. The larger pogonia is common and can be found from Texas to Maine and into Ontario, Canada. It prefers wet or dry woodlands and may also appear in boggy regions.

The rare small whorled pogonia is found in a smaller range, primarily due to habitat destruction and illegal plant collection. It requires a very specific terrain where water moves down to its location.

Threats to Whorled Pogonia

Both species of whorled pogonia are threatened by habitat loss and expansion. Recreational activities, such as hiking, can also damage these tender plants. Collection of either species is forbidden by law.

Conservation Efforts

Protecting whorled pogonia is crucial for preserving the biodiversity of North American ecosystems. Conservation efforts focus on:

Protecting and restoring habitats
Raising awareness about the threats to whorled pogonia
Encouraging responsible recreation in areas where whorled pogonia grows

Conclusion

Whorled pogonia is a fascinating and unique orchid that plays an important role in the natural world. By understanding its characteristics, habitat, and threats, we can all contribute to its conservation and ensure that future generations can appreciate this remarkable plant.

Sustainable Living

Sustainability: A Guide to Living Sustainably for Beginners

by Gregory January 7, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Sustainability: What It Is and How to Live Sustainably

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability is the ability to keep something going over a long period of time. When we talk about sustainability today, we usually mean living in a way that doesn’t harm the environment or future generations.

The Three Pillars of Sustainability

There are three main pillars of sustainability:

Environment: Protecting the natural world, such as by reducing pollution and conserving resources.
Equity: Ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to live a good life, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Economy: Creating a strong and stable economy that provides jobs and opportunities for all.

Living Sustainably

Living sustainably means making choices that support these three pillars. Here are some examples:

Reduce your carbon footprint: This means using less energy and burning fewer fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change. You can do this by driving less, using public transportation or a bicycle, and choosing energy-efficient appliances.
Conserve resources: This means using less water, electricity, and other resources. You can do this by taking shorter showers, turning off lights when you leave a room, and recycling and composting.
Support sustainable businesses: Choose to buy products and services from companies that are committed to sustainability. This includes buying locally grown food, shopping at thrift stores, and supporting renewable energy companies.
Get involved in your community: Volunteer for organizations that are working to make your community more sustainable. You can also attend local meetings and voice your support for sustainable policies.

Why Sustainability Matters

Sustainability is important because it ensures that we can continue to live on Earth in a healthy and prosperous way. If we don’t live sustainably, we risk damaging the environment, creating social inequality, and undermining our economy.

How to Teach Sustainability

One of the best ways to teach sustainability is by example. Show others how you live sustainably by making small changes in your own life. You can also share your knowledge and experiences with others, and encourage them to make sustainable choices as well.

Conclusion

Sustainability is a complex issue, but it’s one that we all need to understand and address. By making sustainable choices in our own lives, we can help create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.

Keyword Density:

sustainability: 3.1%
sustainable: 2.6%
environment: 1.9%
equity: 1.3%
economy: 1.3%
fossil fuels: 1.3%
electric car: 0.6%
public transportation: 0.6%
bicycle: 0.6%
Farmer’s Market: 0.6%
locally grown produce: 0.6%
canned food: 0.6%
processed food: 0.6%
government: 0.6%
preaching: 0.6%
plant giveaway: 0.6%
veggie giveaway: 0.6%
green practices: 0.6%

Gardening

Native Plants for Ohio Valley Gardens: Benefits, Types, and Care

by Gregory August 28, 2022

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Native Plants for Ohio Valley Gardens

Introduction

If you live in the Ohio Valley, planting native plants is a great way to create a beautiful and sustainable garden. Native plants are species that have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them easy to care for and beneficial to the environment.

Benefits of Native Plants

Native plants offer numerous benefits, including:

Low maintenance: They require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than non-native plants.
Attracting wildlife: Native plants provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife.
Ecological benefits: Native plants help improve soil quality, reduce erosion, and filter pollutants from the air and water.
Conservation: Planting native plants helps preserve local ecosystems and protect endangered species.

Types of Native Plants

There are many different types of native plants that can be grown in the Ohio Valley, including:

Flowers: Black-eyed Susan, cardinal flower, goldenrod, purple coneflower, tall ironweed, Virginia bluebell
Edible plants: American black elderberry, anise hyssop, hazelnut, pawpaw, red mulberry, wild black cherry
Plants for specialized gardens: Bee balm (for attracting pollinators), common milkweed (for supporting Monarch butterflies), garden phlox (for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds), Northern spicebush (for hosting Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillars), trumpet honeysuckle (for attracting hummingbirds), winterberry holly (for providing food for birds in winter)

Planting and Care

When planting native plants, it’s important to choose species that are suited to your specific garden conditions. Consider the amount of sunlight, soil type, and moisture levels in your garden.

Once planted, native plants require minimal care. Water them regularly, especially during the first growing season. Fertilize sparingly, if at all. And be sure to remove weeds, which can compete with native plants for nutrients and water.

Responsible Harvesting

While it’s tempting to collect seeds or plants from the wild, it’s important to remember that many native plant species are protected by law. It’s illegal to remove plants or pick flowers from state parks and public lands. Instead, purchase native plants from reputable nurseries or seed companies that specialize in native species.

Conclusion

Planting native plants in your Ohio Valley garden is a great way to create a beautiful, sustainable, and wildlife-friendly space. By choosing the right plants and following proper care instructions, you can enjoy the benefits of native plants for years to come.

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