Why Go Native?

Moss phlox and wild geranium, two native plants, at the River Garden

 Native plants occur naturally within a region without human interference. There are also “keystone” plants, such as white oak and goldenrod, which are native plants that have the greatest positive impact on the ecosystem. Native plants play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife, including pollinators like butterflies and bees, other insects, birds, and mammals.

Non-native plants come from other regions of the world, brought and cultivated by humans. Some non-native plant species can also be invasive, meaning that they grow aggressively, and taking nutrients and space from native plants.

 The current ecosystem in the US tends to be largely non-native plants, due to urban spread and the desire for manicured lawns, which has reduced both biodiversity and the amount of land supporting the naturally occurring ecosystems. These non-native plants do not contribute to the native ecosystems and often prevent the native species that can support the ecosystems from growing.

Native plants are better choices for planting not only because of their environmental benefits to the ecosystem, but also because they are easier to take care of than non-native species. Natives plants require less water, less harmful fertilizer, can help prevent erosion, and are better suited to the local soil - all of which makes them less costly. They are better at storing excess carbon, providing food and shelter for insects and animals, and are often incredibly beautiful. We encourage you to visit Waterfront Park, where the Friends have established native plantings in Willow Point, along McKellar Cove and near the 9-11 Memorial. If you would like to learn about the natives planted in the park, view the Friends Meadow section of the website. For more information on native plants, please visit these resources, which were used to research this article.

For more information, please visit these resources used to research this article.

• Why Native Plants Matter (Audubon Society)

• 5 Reasons Native Plants Help You Save Money and the Planet (American Society of Landscape Architects)

• Why Native (National Wildlife Federation)

Author Helen Kupershlak is a senior at Dobbs Ferry High School and an intern for Friends of the Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park