"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

"Unfortunately, most of the landscaping plants available in nurseries are alien species from other countries. These exotic plants not only sever the food web, but many have become invasive pests, out-competing native species and degrading habitat in remaining natural areas.  

"Landscaping choices have meaningful effects on the populations of birds and the insects they need to survive. The bottom line is this—homeowners, landscapers, and local policy makers can benefit birds and other wildlife by simply selecting native plants when making their landscaping decisions." 

--National Audubon Society

 "By conserving native plants in the wild and using them in designed spaces, we protect and enhance the integrity, resilience, diversity, and beauty of our planet." 

--Native Plant Trust 

OUR MISSION: 

(1) Provide information -- and engage in public education and advocacy -- about the ecological importance of native flora. 

(2) Increase public awareness of the varieties (genus and species) of native plants via this website, workshops, participation in public events, and  collaboration with local naturalists, environmentalists and garden clubs.

(3) Promote the protection, maintenance and propagation of native plants in private and public open spaces on Staten Island, irrespective of the size of the sites.

We are registered as a not-for-profit corporation with the New York Department of State.

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