"A plant that is a part of the balance of nature that has developed over hundreds or thousands of years in a particular region or ecosystem. 

"The word native should always be used with a geographic qualifier (that is, native to New England, for example). Only plants found in this country before European settlement are considered to be native to the United States."  --U.S. Department of Agriculture

 "Native plants are the cornerstone of Earth’s ecosystems and the base of the food chain that leads to our dinner tables. They evolved in and define particular locations, where they provide the habitats—food and shelter—that specific insects, birds, mammals, and other animals need. Together, native plants and animals form a web of mutually beneficial interactions that is greater than the sum of its parts: an ecosystem."

--Native Plant Trust, Framingham, Massachusetts
 

 "Providing wildflower-rich habitat is the most significant action you can take to support pollinators. Adult bees, butterflies, and other pollinators require nectar as their primary food source, and female bees collect pollen as food for their offspring. 

"Native plants, which are adapted to local soils and climates, are usually the best sources of nectar and pollen for native pollinators. Incorporating native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees into any landscape promotes local biological diversity and provides shelter and food for a diversity of wildlife. Most natives require minimal irrigation, flourish without fertilizers, and are unlikely to become weedy." 

--Xerses Society for Invertebrate Conservation 

OUR MISSION: 

* Provide information -- and engage in public education and advocacy -- about the ecological importance of native flora found in back yards, fields and forests. 

* Increase public awareness of the variety of native plant species via this website, our Facebook group, walking tours, public workshops, and collaboration with local naturalists, environmentalists and like-minded nonprofits.

* Promote the protection, maintenance and propagation of native plants in private and public open spaces on Staten Island.

We are a membership organization,  registered as a not-for-profit corporation with the Internal Revenue Service and the New York Department of State.

Our Society is an Affiliate of the  Native Plant Conservation Campaign.