Native Plant Initiative

Wildlands Conservancy is dedicated to educating and promoting the environmental benefits of native plants.  Our Native Plant Initiative programs include the Native Plant Marketplace, Community Gateway Gardens, and Green Roofs.

Why Plant Native?
Simply stated, Pennsylvania 's native plants are plant species that lived and thrived in this area before it was colonized by Europeans in the 1600s. Since that time, human activity has introduced many non-native plants from all over the world. These “exotic” plants have settled in with varying degrees of success. Some, such as purple loosestrife, privet, and burning bush, have been too successful and are now considered “exotic invasive” plants. These plants displace nativespecies, disrupt native-plant communities, and provide insufficient food and habitat for wildlife.

Native plants are important for storm water management, erosion control, air and water quality, landscape aesthetics, recreational opportunities, food and habitat for wildlife, and maintaining the biodiversity that keeps our ecosystem healthy. When properly sited, n ative plants require less maintenance than many exotics because they are already adapted to the local climate, topography, and soil conditions. When established, they are also better equipped to handle stressful situations, such as periods of excessive rain or drought. Native plants are the natural food source for butterflies and hummingbirds, and many are resistant to browsing by deer and other pests.

For information about our spring and summer native plant sales, visit The Native Plant Marketplace.

We, at the Conservancy, welcome the opportunity to work with individuals, organizations, and municipalities on projects involving native plants. Together we can benefit the environment, communities, and individual gardens!

For more information, please contact Fran at (610) 965-4397, ext. 45.