Rediscovering Native Perennials as Alternatives to Invasives
By Donald Partelow
The Public Libraries of Dutchess County created a variety of programs and events to celebrate Earth Day. Rediscovering Native Perennials as Alternatives to Invasives was one such program provided by the Pawling Library. This online program took place on Tuesday, April 19, from 7-8 pm. Our presenter was Master Gardener Cathy Lane from Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County. She was assisted by CCEDC Community Horticulture Resource Educator Joyce deVries Tomaselli. “Invasive plant species have escaped cultivation and thrived in wooded natural areas, outcompeting native species. They are among the top causes of biodiversity loss across the globe,” said Cathy Lane at the start of the program. During her PowerPoint presentation she informed the audience of the many native perennials that can be used to replace harmful invasives which not only provide beauty but also benefit pollinators. Each participant received the New York State Native and Invasive plant list, and some recommended resources that included Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Douglas W. Tallamy. One participant who enjoyed the program so much wrote to us, “These gardening programs offer a lot of valuable advice that goes beyond the immediate scope of the scheduled topic. In short, they are invaluable.” We thank all our environmentally concerned citizens for attending, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County for showing us the importance of our native perennials.
The Public Libraries of Dutchess County created a variety of programs and events to celebrate Earth Day. Rediscovering Native Perennials as Alternatives to Invasives was one such program provided by the Pawling Library. This online program took place on Tuesday, April 19, from 7-8 pm. Our presenter was Master Gardener Cathy Lane from Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County. She was assisted by CCEDC Community Horticulture Resource Educator Joyce deVries Tomaselli. “Invasive plant species have escaped cultivation and thrived in wooded natural areas, outcompeting native species. They are among the top causes of biodiversity loss across the globe,” said Cathy Lane at the start of the program. During her PowerPoint presentation she informed the audience of the many native perennials that can be used to replace harmful invasives which not only provide beauty but also benefit pollinators. Each participant received the New York State Native and Invasive plant list, and some recommended resources that included Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Douglas W. Tallamy. One participant who enjoyed the program so much wrote to us, “These gardening programs offer a lot of valuable advice that goes beyond the immediate scope of the scheduled topic. In short, they are invaluable.” We thank all our environmentally concerned citizens for attending, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County for showing us the importance of our native perennials.
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