HARRISBURG — Environmental educators, non-profit leaders and students gathered at the Pennsylvania state capitol recently to raise awareness about the critical role native plants play in protesting the Commonwealth’s ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and building more resilient communities.

Hosted by the Department of Conservation and Nature Resources, the event spotlighted how native plants — those naturally occurring in the region — are essential to the health of the Commonwealth’s wildlife, watersheds, forests and even the fight against climate change.

“Native plants are essential to the state’s ecological health, widllife and even public well-being,” said state forester Seth Cassell. “These seemingly small actions — plating natives, removing invasives — can have a big impact in maintining our ecosystems and protecting the resources we rely on.”

NATIVE PLANTS:

FOUNDATION OF PA’S ENVIRONMENT

Native plants are specially adapted to Pennsylvania’s climate, soils and seasonal patterns. Unlike non-native or invasive species, they require fewer fertilizers and pesticides, provide essential habitat for 480 species of birds and mammals and support pollinators that drive food production.

“When native plants are lost, our ecosystems suffer,” said Kelly Sitch, a forest biologist with DCNR. “Wildlife loses habitat, erosion increases, pollinators decline and our ability to manage stormwater, flooding and climate impacts is weakened.”

DCNR and partners are working statewide to promote native planting through education, urban forestry and habitat restoration. To dat,e the agency and its partners have planted thousands of acres of native trees and shrubs along rivers and streams, creating natural buffers that reduce erosion, slow stormwater and protect water quality.

A GROWING MOVEMENT TO RECLAIM AND

RESTORE PA LANDSCAPES

Speakers at the event included DCNR tree equity specialist Kalaia Tripeaux, Pennsylvania Native Plant Society board member Jill Zdunczyk and sustainability coordinator for the City of Harrisburg Madelyn Good. Together, they emphasized that individuals, municipalities and businesses all have a role to play.

“Whether you’re tending a backyard garden, teaching a classroom or greening a balcony, native plants have a place in your life,” said Zdunczyk. “When we plant native, we rotect pollinators, support our watersheds and strengthen the ecosystems that sustain us all.”

Good pointed to Harrisburg’s commitment to sustainability, including using native vegetation in parks and gren infrastructure projects to reduce stormwater runoff and improve public spaces.

“Cities can be leaders in sustainability, and Harrisburg is setting the example,” said Good.