Indigenous wildlife, particularly birds, bees and butterflies need native plants for food and shelter, and in return they cross-pollinate them. The wild strawberry secretes its nectar in a thin layer over the flower and is avidly sought by bees; the ripe fruits feed birds. When penetrated by a hummingbird, a jewelweed bloom glides back and forth along the bird's bill, and at the end of each gentle stroke rams into the bird's forehead. In his book "Bumble Bee Economics", Bernd Heinrich (1979) reports observing a bumblebee that visited 800 jewelweed flowers in two hours. Monarch butterflies in migration will forage almost anywhere during their journey, fluttering from wild iris to violets.

To aid these natural acts you can plant native gardens in yards, on small terraces and even in window boxes.

For planting ideas consult the City of New York Parks and Recreation at NYC Parks and Recreation.

In New York City, The Gowanus Nursery Gowanus Nursery usually has a great supply of native perennials and woodland plants.

For day trips visit:

The Catskills Native Nursery in Kerhonkson NY
Catskill Native Nursery

Project Native in Housatonic, MA
Project Native

Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope, Pennsylvania
Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve

Feel free to send in your suggestions for using and finding natives.