Backyard Conservancies – Go Native

Our annual meeting in January 2024 challenged us to consider how we can expand our stewardship of Pheasant Branch Conservancy beyond the borders and into our own backyards. Conservation lands are fragmented, surrounded by human-dominated landscapes that limit wildlife movement between protected areas. Activities adjacent to protected areas can have significant impacts on the plants and animals of conservation concern. Protecting and enhancing Pheasant Branch Conservancy requires us to also adopt a conservation ethic at home–beginning with native landscaping.

Late winter is a great time to begin planning a native garden addition or expansion. Native plants are adapted to local conditions, requiring less fertilizer and watering than introduced ornamentals. Pollinators will thank you too, as they have evolved with native flowering plants and are co-dependent. And, as we know from our experiences in PBC, native plants have a full spectrum of color and bloom times with four-season appeal to challenge any ornamental. After establishing a native plant garden or adding native plants to your landscape, you’ll have a new appreciation when you start to recognize your plants out in the Conservancy!

Dane County’s Plant Dane Program is one of the best ways to Go Native. The program offers orders of native seedlings available to Dane County residents at a discounted price. They have helpful guides for finding the best options for your sun and soil conditions and planting tips.  

Are you an apartment or condo dweller, without an opportunity to influence landscaping at your residence? Many municipalities allow residents to adopt a street median or traffic circle, or to manage a flower bed in a city park. These are great places to cultivate native plants, improving resilience and supporting native food webs. Dane County has a program for free native plants for school and community projects and your municipality may have funding available for these projects as well. Reach out to your municipality if you want to adopt-a-garden or contact the Friends if you want help taking the next steps!