Native Plants for County Properties

By Adrian Willing and Ashley Studholme

Native plants are crucial to preserving what remains of our region’s indigenous biodiversity and ecological heritage. Without native plants, our region becomes an ecological desert for the pollinating insects that are essential to our survival. 

VA native plants are essential to provide food for pollinators that pollinate over one-third of Virginia’s fruit and vegetable crops. Plants native to Northern VA create healthy, attractive communities, high-quality wildlife habitat, and are foundational to the health and well-being of our ecosystems.

Prince William County community organizations have asked the County to require 100% Virginia native plants to be used for new county projects. The proposal is simple and commonsensible. It proposes that the county plant 100% natives in new plantings on county property. Emphasis on the new purchases only - this isn’t about what has already been done, it’s about smart decisions moving forward.

On June 3, Governor Northam signed an executive directive that commits Virginia agencies to new steps that help reduce the amount of pollution that flows into the Chesapeake Bay. One step calls for the replacement of managed turf, including lawns, with native grasses and shrubs or native tree canopy.

Now Prince William has the exciting opportunity to follow suit and lead by example. It’s not a question of money; native plants are not more expensive. However, county officials have said they are only willing to commit to 50% natives with the possibility of exploring 75%.

Considering the benefits of planting native plants and the ecological costs of planting nonnative, invasive species… it’s a no-brainer!   The benefits of embracing VA native plants in PWC are significant, and it’s an opportunity for the county to lead by example. Requiring native plants for all county projects is a low-risk, high-reward decision. (Read more about the importance of native plants here)

Photo credit: Randy Streufert