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Something Native by Patti Estheimer When you think native, do you picture an island adventure or a cruise to the Caribbean? Certainly nothing wrong with that; but when we say “native” we are talking about the plants that grew here, in our community, in our state, before European settlement. In Pennsylvania
there are over 2100 species of native plants that include trees, shrubs
and vines: flowers, ferns and club mosses; grasses,
sedges, and rushes. Loss of native plant communities is not limited
to tropical rainforests. Unfortunately, our own native plant species
are being lost to habitat destruction, invasive plants, and introduced
pests and plant diseases. By the year 2000, 5 percent
of our native plants had been eliminated and 25 percent were seriously
threatened. “Who cares?” you ask. We all should because
native plants provide food and shelter, not only for wildlife, but for
people as well. They are an important part of a healthy ecosystem and
enhance our community by beautifying landscapes in and around our
neighborhoods. Since native plants are adapted to growing
condition in this area, they can help to reduce landscape maintenance
costs by using less fertilizer and water than exotic varieties require.
Your efforts in helping to preserve and promote native plants in our
community can be as simple as planting a tree, flower or shrub in your
yard. Check
out the Environmental Advisory Council’s extensive list of native
plants, trees, shrubs and groundcovers for our community, including
plant descriptions, where to plant them for the best results and a
listing of nurseries that carry native plants. Click Here for The Native Plants Listing Earth Day is April 22nd and Arbor Day is April 26th. Do something NATIVE! Check out the other links to learn more about native plants and how they benefit us all.
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This website is edited by the Township Manager, staff and volunteers serving the community and published to the web independently by West Hanover Township. The website has been created and is maintained for the enjoyment and use by residents of West Hanover Township having internet access and others interested in the community. Statements of facts and opinions expressed on the website by authors other than Township staff and officers are the responsibilities of the authors only and do not necessarily represent those of officers and staff of West Hanover Township. All articles and information pieces, unless otherwise noted, have been written and edited by Township staff. Publication of advertising on this site does not imply endorsement of products advertised or statements contained in such advertising by West Hanover Township. |
