Preserving Our Native Plants

Native plants are an integral part of all healthy ecosystems. Each species contributes to a balanced system developed over millions of years, and interacts to keep the ecosystem functioning. Shrubs produce berries; birds feed on the berries; seeds from the berries are deposited by the birds, thus dispersing the shrubs. Plants drop their leaves, providing organic matter for the earthworms to eat; the earthworms churn up and aerate the soil, which improves plant growth. The intricacy of ecosystems - each with an enormous diversity of plants, animals, insects, bacteria, soil, air, and water - boggles the mind. There is no way to know beforehand how the loss of even one species will affect an ecosystem, and subsequently the many other species, including humans, that rely upon that ecosystem.

Scientists believe that the current global rate of plant extinction is unprecedented. But these native plants are not just disappearing from the tropical rain forests. They are also disappearing from our own backyards. Since the 1800s, the United States has lost close to 200 plant species. Today, 5,000 plant species are considered vulnerable to extinction, and more than 600 are on the federal threatened and endangered species list. These plants are disappearing because we are destroying their habitats. To protect plants, we must protect their habitats. Concern over the plight of native plants has brought together a variety of people and groups dedicated to preserving native North American plants and their habitats.

What Can You Do To Help?

Learn more about native plants, get involved, and spread the word!

• Encourage conservation of native plant habitats in your local community.
  
  
• Volunteer in parks, national forests, and other public lands to help protect native plants and their habitats.
  
  
• Get involved with a native plant group, botanical garden, or garden club.
  
  
• Never collect native plants from the wild--they might be rare or endangered species! Order from reputable nurseries that propagate from nursery-grown material.
  
  
• Talk to your local garden stores and ask them to stock native trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials.
  
  
• Get involved with a local school and share your knowledge and appreciation with tomorrow's leaders. Encourage schools to include plant conservation in their curricula.

Related topic: Benefits of Landscaping with Native Plants


Source:
U.S. National Park Service