Native plants, especially trees and woody shrubs, are the best way to reduce storm water runoff and therefore improve water quality. That is why reducing lawn to make room for these plants as well as perennials is so important. So why does our organization suggest using native plants?
That question is answered best by watching Natures’ Best Hope, a presentation by Dr. Doug Tallamy available on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY4aV5hqkxY. We recommend this for adults and older children; some young children might enjoy the images of insects. Make it a movie night for the family.
Dr. Tallamy’s book by the same name is highly recommended. The Virginia Native Plant Society has this to say about his book by the same name:
“Tallamy’s explanations of the specialized relationships among plants, insects, and animals are fascinating stories, but also foundational building blocks for understanding the natural world we live in, whether we live in the city, the country, or anywhere between.”
If you watch the presentation you may enter a drawing to win a native plant. The presentation itself lasts for about an hour and that is all you need to watch to enter the drawing. The remainder of the video (Q&A and other things) is optional.
Two native plant species, spicebush (Lindera bezoin) and ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) , have been donated by Reedy Creek Environmental, a local native plant nursery. These plants are local ecotype and have been propagated from seed collected in James River Park under a strict permit.
After watching the presentation, e-mail reedycreekcoalition@gmail.com to enter the drawing. Please indicate the species you prefer in the subject line. Drawing will be on February 14th because we love native plants!
Reedy Creek Coalition 