How much of Pennsylvania soil do you think remains untouched by humans?
My graphic gives it away. Less than one percent. One. Percent.
Ninety-nine percent of the land in PA has been disturbed in some way. Farming. Forestry. Mining. Development. Towns. Highways. Invasive plants. Essentially, nothing is as it was 500 years ago. So many species have been lost. Those that remain now need our help for survival. The plants, the insects, the animals.
Providing habitat and food for natives in our little residential landscapes may seem like a drop in the bucket. But every bridge we create linking these remaining fragmented habitat islands together will help.
That doesn't just mean planting pretty flowers to attract butterflies and bees. It means planting natives at all levels...from ground covers to large trees. When choosing new plants for your landscape, consider natives first, before you ever head to the nursery.
Let me know if I can help you find a native for your landscape!