To increase awareness of the importance of
using native plant species in the Erie Community.
Our mission is to educate Erie County residents of the importance of using native plant species. Native plant species are the basis for supporting a healthy native ecosystem in our community. Native plants provide food, homes and shelter for native insect, bird and mammal populations. Native plant species are specifically adapted to our environment, and use less water and fertilizer than exotic species, saving the consumer time, money and frustration. A good example of the need to support a native species through the use of native plants is the bee. European Honeybee populations have been declining due to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). It is estimated that 30% to 50% of America’s European Honeybee hives perished last winter due to a variety of factors including Varroa mites, nosema and starvation. By using native plant species, residents would encourage native bee species to thrive. If one out of every three bites of food is attributed to bees pollinating our food crops, native bee species will need to be increased substantially to compensate for the decline of the European bee. Considering that Agriculture is one of Erie County’s largest industries, the time for Go Native Erie! is now!
Native plants give our community a sense of place. They have a distinctive look, and remind us of home. Native plant species are the basis of a healthy environment. I recently spoke about native plants to a group at the Blasco Memorial Library, and was encouraged by the interest and questions about the plants I brought with me. The community is receptive to a locally-based program like Go Native Erie!.
Our mission can be accomplished by combining three steps. First, offering educational classes, lectures and workshops to the residents of Erie County; second, by providing printed materials highlighting the importance of using native plants to homeowners, landscapers, and residential and commercial building site developers. And last,
by creating an awareness campaign with the support of local greenhouses and nurseries to display signage that designates plants as a “Go Native Erie!” plant.
1 Dan Charles interview, April 2, 2013 National Public Radio
2 University of California, Davis