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Natural Area Preservation has inventoried over 1500 species of plants in and around the City, of which 24 are protected as threatened or endangered. Several parks such as Bird Hills and Furstenberg have over 300 native plant species in each park, making them important reserves of biological diversity. Despite the positive effects of preservation of these natural areas, many similar areas continue to be threatened by development and invasive species.
Source: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation |
What is a native species?
Native plant species are those that existed in our area prior to European settlement. Early botanists in our area documented the range of these species. Since the introduction of plants from Europe and Asia, many of the plants from our native woodlands, savannas, prairies, and wetlands have been replaced by them, due to the lack of pathogens and pests that would have normally controlled those plants in their native environment.
Why are native species best for the environment?
Native plants evolved in our area over thousands of years, adapting to the local climate and providing habitats for native wildlife. Many native flowers are insect pollinated, rather than wind pollinated, and so produce less air pollen. Native plants require little mowing and once established require less water, hold water on the landscape better with their deeper roots, and don't need pesticides or fertilizers.
How can I find out which species are native to this area?
Detailed lists of native plants for the Ann Arbor area are available from Natural Area Preservation. See Natural Area Preservation’s website for abridged lists, or to purchase brochures with lists of native plants ideal for landscaping.
Volunteering is also an excellent way to learn about our native ecosystems. Most public workdays offered by Natural Area Preservation also include an educational hike. Leaders of the workdays also have knowledge about native plants and are open to questions.
How do prescribed burns help protect native plants?
Our native Ann Arbor plant communities are part of a fire-dependent landscape. Most of the historically common fires in Midwestern prairies, wetlands and woodlands were intentionally set by Native Americans. Fire suppression has allowed many fire-intolerant, non-native plant species to out-compete the native, fire-adapted plants. As a result, our natural areas tend to become thickets of shrubs or weeds with very little diversity. Conducting prescribed burns can help re-establish natural processes and diversity in fire-dependent ecosystems.
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