Native plants have many key roles in the environment and one of the most important is as a resource to insects.

 

Native insects have co-evolved with just a few plant species and they seek out those particular plants. An insect might look to a plant as food source (nearly 40 percent of all living things are plant- eating insects!), a host for an insect nursery, or simply a familiar place on which to hunt, hide, or traverse. Large numbers of generalist insects are also attracted to natives.

 

A healthy and diverse native insect population is key to bird habitat because most birds (including your winter seed-eaters) will feed their young on insects almost exclusively. Without a good source of insects on your property the likelihood of nesting birds sticking around is slim.

 

Plant native plants and become an active participant in Pennsylvania's amazing ecosystems.

 

The schedule of native plant sales is available online.

 

For more information, visit the Audubon At Home Program website, sponsored by Audubon Pennsylvania, or contact Steve Saffier, Audubon At Home Coordinator, by sending email to: ssaffier@audubon.org.