» Login

Protecting the Mississippi River will require active people from across the entire River region. River Citizens are committed residents who enjoy the blessings of the River and pledge to help protect it.

Use this site to record your actions, share you favorite River memories, comment on River news, post photos and connect with other River Citizens. The 1 Mississippi River Citizens program is generously sponsored by the McKnight Foundation and Aveda Corporation.

Sponsored by
McKnight Foundation
Images

A random River Citizen image

Home » River Citizen Forums » Volunteering »

native plants

For many years I have appreciated wildlife.  I have learned that native plants provide important habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.  I have planted trees such as dogwoods, shrubs such as viburnums and wax myrtle, and many perennials, among them blue sage, echinacea, and native grasses.  I also have left most of my property untouched, allowing natural areas to remain.

Comments

Re: Native Plants

Submitted by bbell on Wed, 2010-02-10 13:29.

I'm jealous of your garden! Using native plants in our yards can have a direct impact on the health of the Mississippi River. Because native plants are adapted to the soil and climate of a particular area, they need less fertilizer and water. By decreasing our ferilizer use, we also decrease one of the most common pollutants in the River. 

Thank you for writing about your garden and native plants!