Prior Lake Spring Lake Watershed District
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Go Native!

Posted by PLSLWD Staff - May 16, 2013 - News

Native plants and raingardens are like peanut butter and jelly…they go together! The combination of the two helps clean water naturally since native plants generally have deep rooted systems that anchor soil and act as filters, while raingardens collect dirty water from streets and rooftops.

Including native plants in your raingarden can have many benefits. Not only are native plants best adapted to our local climate, but they are much heartier than non-natives because their roots are generally long and can find their own water. With these long roots, natives also decrease soil compaction and filter out pollutants.

Below is a picture that demonstrates the root systems of a few native plants:

Roots of Native Prairie Plants via Conservation Research Institute and Heidi Natura

Roots of Native Prairie Plants via Conservation Research Institute and Heidi Natura

If you compare the roots from common lawn turf, Kentucky Blue Grass (non-native; first plant on the far left), to the Lead Plant (native; the second plant from the left), the difference between non-native root systems to natives is quite surprising!

Native plants are also more valuable than non-natives because of their unique relationship with other local organisms. Nectar, pollen, and seeds for bees, butterflies, birds and other wildlife are just a few ways natives are kind to critters. In addition to providing local food sources, native plants also provide critical habitat for our beautiful and diverse native butterflies, insects, and birds.

A Monarch Butterfly enjoys Butterfly Weed, a native plant.

A Monarch Butterfly enjoys Butterfly Weed, a native plant.

 

For more information on raingardens and native plants, visit the Blue Thumb website. If you are thinking about going native, check out the Blue Thumb’s Plant Selector Tool; it’s a great resource to help choose the best native plants based on the soil type and sun exposure for your project.

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Prior Lake – Spring Lake Watershed District

The District covers about 42 square miles in Scott County, MN. Water in the PLSLWD flows mainly from the southwest to the northeast through Spring, Upper Prior and Lower Prior Lakes, and then north through the Prior Lake Outlet Channel to the Minnesota River near Valley Fair amusement park.
Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment

Prior Lake - Spring Lake Watershed District
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372

Phone: (952) 447-4166
Email: info@plslwd.org

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