Native Plants
Consider planting native plants this year! They offer numerous benefits, including improved infiltration, natural pest resistance, and reduced water needs. Native plants' deep root systems act as nature's filtration system, trapping and absorbing pollutants before they reach our water sources. This natural process significantly reduces the harmful chemicals that can contaminate our streams, rivers, and lakes. This is because unlike non-native counterparts, native plants thrive without the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. By eliminating these harmful substances from our gardening practices, we prevent them from leaching into our waterways during heavy rains, preserving our freshwater ecosystem! To learn more about native plants and how to protect our shared water resources, visit www.respectourwaters.org/yard-plantings