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Plant native plants to help nature

Goldfinch on a native sunflower
American goldfinch on native sunflower.

Native plants support the entire food web by providing food for insects, birds, bats, small mammals and other wildlife. This is particularly important now that scientists are documenting global declines in insect populations. Used in a rain garden, native plants help minimize flooding and filter out pollutants. The variety of colors, shapes and sizes adds beauty to any property. Get started with the resources below.

Planting basics

Person planting native plant.
Get started today. Photo Credit: Urban Ecology Center

Buy native plants

Upcoming Local Plant Sales

Native Landscaping Webinars

Garden Tour Videos

Philadelphia vireo feeding on American elderberry.
Clusters of fruits on American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) attract many bird species in late summer, such as this Philadelphia vireo.

Take a garden tour with DNR conservation biologist Amy Staffen as she showcases her native plants and provides a few tips and tricks for maximizing your yard for Wisconsin wildlife.

Ecosystem restoration

For broader-scale projects, please see the resources below to help with your project.

Dig deeper

Interested in more help with creating habitat for animals? Try these other resources.

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