Each morning, the sun rises, giving us an illusion of the natural world and its wonders. The real dilemma lies in the fact that nothing has remained truly natural. The biological composition of living things has adapted to the environment over time, but man-made alterations have never replaced the benefits of the natural world.
Non-native plants have crowded our meadows and forests, which is preferable to barren land. However, the problem that arises from planting these is the high maintenance demands of the landscape. After European settlement, which was marked by trade and exchange, native species became obscured by non-native ones, not only in terms of culture but also in agriculture, which was traditionally based on geographical location. This disruption of nature came with a cost, often paid by society through the cultivation of accessible and affordable plants. Through scientific inquiry, it can be concluded that the cultivation of non-native plants is not very successful in providing a recovery scheme for restoration.
The ideal resolution lies in the integration of native plants. “What difference does it make? In the end, a plant is a plant!” This question frequently arises and must be addressed from an ecological perspective. According to The National Audubon Society, “Native plants are those that occur naturally in a region in which they evolved” (“Why Native Plants Matter”). Native plants work in harmony with social and environmental factors that support natural life. Wildlife also benefits more from native plants compared to non-native plants. Entomologist Doug Tallamy has illustrated this significant difference by highlighting that a native oak tree can host 450 caterpillars, whereas a non-native ginkgo tree hosts far fewer. Additionally, native plants reduce soil erosion and require less fertilizer and water.
In Evansville, the cultivation of a native plant, the New England Aster, has proven beneficial for the natural habitat. Its vibrant lavender flowers attract moths and butterflies seeking nectar. The co-evolution of native plants with wildlife maintains nature’s harmony, requiring little human intervention for maintenance. This plant produces more star-shaped ray flowers, adding a natural allure that appeals to human visual appreciation. The barren lands replaced by native plants can restore nature’s charm.
Nature operates in a synchronous and interconnected manner. Planting a native species is a collective act of preserving ecology, wildlife, and human life. It starts with awareness and taking an interest in the environment by investigating native plants through resources like the American Horticultural Society. Engaging in environmentally friendly initiatives like the ECO Club at the University of Evansville and supporting Change-Lab courses such as Restoration Ecology are just a few of the many ways to contribute to preserving the natural world for a better future.