Natural Communities - Native Plant Knowhow Q&A Blog

Conservation Reserve Program, CP-42 Pollinator Habitat, CRP, Native Seed, pollinator, Pollinator Seed - March 18, 2019

The Conservation Reserve Program (CPR) Can Be A Great Boost For Pollinators

One of the great problems that this generation and tomorrow’s young ones have to face is the deterioration of natural habitat and the loss of the benefits it can provide. Why is that? Creation, innovation, and change often can have benefits, but can also have unintentional consequences. While some changes are ok, others are not. The thing is, as people become more adept in using technology and collaborative science, they tend to focus on one sole reason for making improvements – money. When the bottom line is the sole reason for an “improvement”, nature and many other beneficial things quickly...

An Alternate to the Urban Norm - How Native Plants Can Save the Planet

Native plants hit on all environmental fronts and they are one of the most inexpensive things you can do today to make a positive change in your own backyard.

Frost Seeding for Native Seed Applications

When it comes to planting native seed, most people in Illinois and the Midwest think of spring and summer. This is when the seed of annual vegetables and flowers and grass is planted in gardens, landscape beds and lawns. Native plant seed, however, can be, and in most cases should be, planted in late fall through late winter, a technique called “frost seeding.” Planting at this time of year is typically the best of the year to plant native seed as it mimics and takes advantage of a natural process. If you missed this fall/winter window and you are seeding...

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September 24, 2018

Considerations of Larger-Scale Restoration Design - Native Seed

When beginning a new project, several things should be considered as you determine the scope: wildlife and vegetation enhancement, soil stabilization, instream habitat improvements, floodwater storage, nutrient, and chemical capture, and, last but not least, budget. Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list because we cannot guess every land manager’s objectives, but it does give you a glimpse into considerations for larger scale restorations. For this article, let’s focus on one consideration, vegetation. Vegetation seems to be easy on its face value, right? But it is a bit more complicated than simply restoring to native vegetation. You could also say...

Sowing Natures Seeds

Nature is resiliant, we just need to cultivate the seeds and it will spring back. Just as we have increased protections for air, water, and habitat we have seen wildlife rebound native landscaping is beginning to make a real positive impact. In the photo is the state endangered black crowned night heron living it up in downtown Chicago. These were increasingly rare, but we protected and restored habitat and those conservation seeds are showing great results. The same goes with native plants restoring our planet. Putting in those few plants in your landscape works, just watch nature leap to life...