Little Bluestem
Butterfly Milkweed
Why Native Plants Matter
Native plants are the foundation of healthy ecosystems. They have evolved over thousands of years with our local soils, climate and wildlife, providing food and habitat for birds, butterflies and pollinators that non-native plants simply can't replace. In the Piedmont region, native prairie species such as black-eyed Susan (rudbeckia hirta), little bluestem (schizachyrium scoparium) and butterfly milkweed (asclepias tuberosa) help support hundreds of insect and bird species while enriching soil and conserving water.
When we restore or reintroduce these native plants, whether in a backyard garden or a large prairie restoration area, we strengthen the connections between people and the natural world.
Here are a few ways you can help celebrate Native Plant Week:
Turn Your Yard Into a Pollinator Pitstop with the Butterfly Highway
According to the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, pollinators continue to make global headlines as native bees and migrating species such as monarch butterflies decline. Habitat loss from development is the primary cause of population decline, followed by pesticide and fungicide use as well as parasites and diseases. Native plants are one of our most valuable resources in our fight to preserve pollinator habitats.
Over the next few weeks, Stowe will be planting native seed trials with the support of the Butterfly Highway along our new sidewalk running just beyond our front entrance. These seed trials will give us a good idea of ideal times to plant native and turn the land next to our sidewalks into a Pollinator Pitstop filled with native plants.
You can turn your yard or garden into a Pollinator Pitstop, too! The Butterfly Highway project is here to help. Butterfly Highway is a statewide conservation restoration initiative that aims to restore native pollinator habitats to areas impacted by urbanization, land use change and agriculture across North Carolina. From backyard Pollinator Pitstops to large-scale roadside habitat restoration, the project is creating a network of native flowering plants to support butterflies, bees, birds and other pollen and nectar dependent wildlife.
Plant Native This Fall
As our Garden Curator Karen mentioned in her blog post a few weeks back, fall is considered the ideal season for planting native species. Cooler temperatures and seasonal rainfall create the perfect conditions for root growth. During this time, plants can focus their energy below ground, establishing strong, healthy roots before winter. By spring, they're well-prepared to thrive through summer's heat and dry spells.
Planting natives in fall also means less watering, less stress on young plants and a head start on next year's growth, making it a sustainable and rewarding time to garden.
Our Horticulture staff planting this fall
Join Us for the Native Plant Sale at Innovation Barn
To celebrate Native Plant Week, join us at the Native Plant Sale at Innovation Barn on Friday, October 25, where local growers, conservation organizations and native plant experts will share resources and offer a wide variety of regionally adapted plants for sale. It's the perfect opportunity to learn how to select and care for plants that support pollinators, conserve water and beautify your landscape while helping to restore local biodiversity.
Whether you're starting your first pollinator patch or expanding a native meadow, this event is a wonderful way to make a meaningful impact right at home.
Learn More and Get Involved
Want to learn more about native plants and how to create wildlife-friendly habitats in your community? Explore these outstanding North Carolina resources:
- North Carolina Native Plant Society — Native plant guides, events, and regional chapters
- Audubon North Carolina — Bird-friendly habitat and native plant programs
- North Carolina Wildlife Federation — Native plant initiatives and habitat certification programs
At Daniel Stowe Conservancy, our commitment to native plant conservation extends beyond our gardens. Through our Native Plant Nursery and Seed Bank, we are cultivating the genetic diversity of local Piedmont prairie species, ensuring that the next generation of restoration and rewilding projects have access to resilient, locally adapted plants. These efforts reflect our mission to restore habitats, protect watersheds and inspire a deeper appreciation for North Carolina's native landscapes. We hope you'll join us on this mission to preserve this land by celebrating and championing native plants in your daily life.
