No Mow May, or Maybe NotThe “No Mow May” initiative started in the UK with the goal of supporting pollinators. During this virtual panel presentation, we explored "No Mow May" in the context of Central Pennsylvania, discussed other issues that go hand-in-hand with pollinator conservation, and learned about additional strategies we can use to support pollinators year round. Watch the recording here.
Our speakers included: Kristy Gallo, Xerces Society Ambassador; Cathryn Pugh, PNPS President and Penn State Extension; and Michael Skvarla, Penn State Department of Entomology. The Dirty Dozen vs the Birdy Dozen
As you work on your landscaping, please remember the Dirty Dozen, a list of twelve invasive plants frequently found at nurseries and landscape retailers that should be avoided. The Dirty Dozen
Better yet, considering adding some of the Birdy Dozen to your gardens to attract birds. The Birdy Dozen Check more information on Invasive Plants and recommendations for alternatives on our Plant Information and Landscaping page. |
In Bloom:Salix Discolor - Pussy Willow
Yes, there is a native pussy willow! Those fuzzy little catkins are one of the first harbingers of spring. Blooming in early to mid-March, the pussy willow (Salix discolor) provides early season nectar for pollinators. A week of warm weather in March will have little white buds showing along the branches. Pussy willow is dioecious, meaning there are male and female plants. The male plants have larger, showier catkins that develop yellow pollen as the catkins mature. You will be surprised at the number of bees and native pollinators that flock to the bush. It is also a larval host for Mourning Cloak and Viceroy butterflies. Some birds, such as hummingbirds, actually use the “fuzz” to line their nests. Pussy willows are easy to propagate - a cutting, placed in damp soil, or even water, will root easily. Pussy willow works well in rain gardens or damp areas in your yard as it grows deep taproots that up a lot of water, but is tolerant of a wide variety of conditions. The bush should be cut back heavily every few years to encourage lots of vigorous new growth. Article courtesy of Diane Albright. Upcoming Events - Mark your calendars
May 3, 10:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Central Pa Native Plant Festival. Plant vendors, presentations, live band, food trucks.
Click here for details Check our Complete Calendar for all upcoming events. If your event isn't listed, let us know and we can add them to our Calendar - email [email protected].
Why Natives?
Because native plants are adapted to the growing conditions where you live, they are often easier to grow, and less susceptible to challenging conditions than non-native plants. Many Non-native plants are also invasive, and threaten out our native plant species.
Read More.... What is a Native?A native plant is one that occurs naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, or habitat without direct or indirect human intervention. We consider the flora present at the time Europeans arrived in North America as the species native to the eastern United States. Native plants include all kinds of plants from mosses and ferns to wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.
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Membership Dues and Donations
PNPS is committed to supporting programs and events advocating for the use of native plants. Money obtained from memberships and donations go to the following:
We accept donations and membership payments online and by check. Thank you for your support! Membership dues online - please click the Become a Member button to pay through Paypal or with a credit card. Membership by check - Click here for instructions
Donations online - please click the Donate button to pay through Paypal or credit card. For other options, click here. PNPS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. If you would like to learn more please email [email protected] Contact Us:For general inquires, email us at [email protected] Our mailing address is P.O. Box 807, Boalsburg PA 16827
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Volunteer - Your help is needed!There are always opportunities to help, regardless of your level of expertise. Click the button to see what volunteer opportunities area available.
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Facebook Page: Find information on events and interesting articles on our Facebook page.
Facebook Forum: Join our Facebook forum to share photos, events and opportunities related to natives plants and our mission. Our group is closed and you must submit a request to join. We do this to help us keep out spam and maintain this group as a respectful forum for people interested in native plants. You must submit a request and answer 2 simple questions to join, even if you are added by a current member.
We are over 14,000 members strong and growing! |
