Rattlesnakes and sycamore trees were both visitors to the state capitol this week. The Pennsylvania Governor’s Invasive Species Council hosted an advocacy day in Harrisburg, promoting native species to visitors.
Pennsylvania boasts over 2,300 native plant species, and 466 native animals. Advocates at the event spoke on the threats of invasive species to agriculture and ecosystems, but also outlined ways to expand native flora.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) promoted their “Invasive Replace-ive” program. Pennsylvanians can trade an invasive plant for a native one at events that pop up across the state.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adam Dunn says there are lots of apps and tools people can use to learn about and identify native species. And, as summer landscaping projects come up, she says its easy to pick native plants.
“When I go to a local nursery or a local landscaping or flower shop, there’s more native. So, people are asking for them,” Dunn said. “I just encourage everybody when you plant, plant native.
DCNR itself is planting native in parks and projects.
Other departments across state government are tackling native species initiatives. The Department of Agriculture is heavily focused on combatting spotted lantern flies and a newer threat of the Phorid Fly.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission continues to plant native in habitats they govern.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission also spearheads efforts to protect and cultivate native aquatic species and habitats.