native plants

Charlotte residents can now register their yards as natural habitats to protect pollinator gardens from code violations and support the city's climate goals. The registry, approved by city council, allows residents to exempt intentionally planted gardens from potential citations, addressing declining insect populations due to urbanization. Over 161 residents have already applied, highlighting community interest in creating native plant habitats.

A Mercer County group co-founded by Andrew Plunkett promotes native plant gardening by offering a platform for plant/seed swaps, gardening tips, and a seed bank at the Hopewell Public Library. The group, now with 3,900 members, collaborates with organizations like Hopewell Valley Gardens for Wildlife to highlight the ecological benefits of native plants over non-native species.

Oakland teenagers spent days removing ivy along Glen Echo Creek as part of a restoration project that has reintroduced native plants and wildlife to a section of the urban stream.