Native plants have evolved with local wildlife and are built to support them. Just one plant can feed dozens of insects, which then feed birds, frogs, and other critters. Photo by Carol Markham

You might think I’m a little crazy, but even with 68 acres full of milkweed, goldenrod, and joe-pye weed, I couldn’t bring myself to mow over one tiny milkweed by the mailbox. My husband laughed as I swerved the mower around it.

We mow less these days, so why not let it grow? One more milkweed couldn’t hurt.

Then one day, I checked the mail – and there it was: a monarch caterpillar munching away on that one plant. I checked all the others across our fields and gardens – nothing. Just that one.

It was a perfect reminder that even one native plant matters!

Native plants have evolved with local wildlife and are built to support them. Just one plant can feed dozens of insects, which then feed birds, frogs, and other critters. They’re tough, too – they’re well adapted to local weather, and they need less water, fertilizer, and care than many garden plants. Their deep roots also help reduce runoff and protect our water.

In a world where wild places are shrinking, even small patches of native plants create stepping stones for pollinators and wildlife. Whether it’s a big yard or a single pot on a porch, planting just one native species helps build a healthier, more connected ecosystem.

You don’t have to plant a meadow. Just start with one. And what better time than now!

The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy has two native plant sales coming up in August!

Our fifth annual Native Plant Sale will take place on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chautauqua Marina in Mayville. Royal Fern Nursery, Amanda’s Garden, Westfield Nursery, Nature Finds Me, and Turnbull Nursery will be on-site selling native trees, shrubs, and flowering perennials.

And we are also offering an online native plant sale for those who like to shop – sofa style!

My Home Park and Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy are teaming up to boost yards and protect nature with native plants this fall! For every 4 plants sold, 1 is donated to support local restoration work in Chautauqua County.

https://www.myhomepark.com/cwc-native-plant-sale

Please join us in celebrating one of the best times to plant natives!

Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to preserve and enhance the quality, scenic beauty, and ecological health of the Chautauqua region’s lands and waters for our community. For more information, visit chautauquawatershed.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.