November marked one of the most ambitious planting efforts Blair Woods has seen in years. Thanks to TreeFolks’ Ready, Set, Plant event, a dedicated group of volunteers planted over 750 native plants in just five hours. This added an incredible diversity of new trees and shrubs to a once-lackluster section of the property. Combined with the dozens of workday volunteer hours working to remove trash and ligustrum throughout the month, the landscape is poised for a powerful wave of regrowth in the coming seasons. The energy of the event, paired with steady volunteer turnout and ongoing restoration work around the Blair House, made November a month defined by momentum, collaboration, and a clear investment in the future of Blair Woods. We were able to plant 29 species of native trees, including Mexican Buckeye, American Elm, Live Oak, and Eve’s Necklace.
But why is planting native plants important? Native plants are crucial pieces of a bird’s habitat, providing them with much-needed food, nest-building material, and shelter. These plants have co-evolved with local birds, insects, and other animals, and these complex relationships are the foundation of an incredible web of ecological connections. When exotic plant species enter a region, it can prove disastrous for local wildlife. When introduced to a new environment, exotic plant species can become invasive, outcompeting native species and pushing them out of their habitat. Many insects, a massive food source for birds, cannot forage on exotic plant species.
For example, according to Audubon Texas, one native oak tree can support up to 500 species of local caterpillars, whereas an exotic, Asian tree can only support five. Planting even just one local tree can be incredibly impactful, especially when considering that it can take thousands of caterpillars for birds to rear a single clutch. While setting out bird feeders provides a great food source to birds in your area, a recent study by the Ecological Society of America found that, in terms of serving native species, planting and protecting native plants was far more effective. The importance of native plants truly cannot be understated, and we’re beyond glad to have taken a step in the right direction.
If you’d like to contribute to protecting native plants, take a look at our robust gardening resources page.
