Many of us live in the Pacific Northwest because it’s green almost year-round. Having a beautiful garden or even a group of planters on a deck or patio adds to curb appeal and boosts your mood. When planning your space, think native! Planting native plant species has a ton of benefits, including saving you money and being better for our wildlife. Not sure where to start? The Native Plant Salvage Foundation is here to help!
“Our tagline is ‘Providing hands-on education to protect and conserve water resources and habitat from the South Sound prairies to the shores of the Salish Sea,’” says Hilarie Hauptman, Native Plant Salvage Foundation board member. “Within that are activities that foster an appreciation for the use of native plants in our landscapes for both the benefits they provide as well as their inherent beauty.”
The Native Plant Salvage Project: Encouraging Environmentally Conscious Gardens Since 1994
It started all started with Washington State University’s Native Plant Salvage Project, which was funded in 1994 by the Department of Ecology with federal Clean Water Act Funds. When the funds ran out, WSU staff looked to local government contracts for specific services, like designing and installing demonstration landscapes at schools and other locations. They also worked with other regional nonprofits.
“But there was no funding for the base work of recruiting and managing the volunteers, who are the backbone of all the programmatic efforts,” explains Hilarie, “nor was there funding to support the needed infrastructure, as well as other activities that were core to the work. Noting the success of the Master Gardener program and its affiliate nonprofit arm, volunteer leadership and staff worked together to create a nonprofit in the same model as the Master Gardeners to fundraise and take in grant money.”
And so, the nonprofit Native Plant Salvage Foundation was founded in 2000 to continue the important work started by the Native Plant Salvage Project, which continues as a program of the WSU Thurston County Extension’s Water Resources/Habitat Program. “The name is an umbrella term for a host of hands-on, project-focused and field- or classroom-based educational activities aimed at protection and conservation of water resources and the adjacent habitat,” says Hilarie. “Following the creation of the Foundation, the Project’s activities continued, but with a blending of the two entities.”
The nonprofit allowed them to fundraise, including the creation of their bi-annual plant sales and by asking a nominal fee for some of their educational programming.
Why You Should Plant Native Plants
There are so many benefits to choosing native plants when planning your garden or greenspace. Whether you are a homeowner or a businessperson looking to add color and beauty to your area, native plants create a beautiful design without the cost and work of non-native species.
“Supporting native plants means cleaner air, purer water, healthier soil, and healthier habitats in a time when habitat loss and pollution are at record highs,” shares Hilarie. “Native wildlife, including insects, have adapted to the presence of native plants over hundreds, thousands and sometimes millions of years, and these plants provide vital food, shelter and water resources for the entire ecosystem.”
And for the gardener? Native plants have adapted to thrive in our climate, meaning you will save money with plants that do not die or need replacing annually and are low-cost to maintain. “Once established, native plants should not require supplemental irrigation, fertilizer, or pesticides,” adds Hilarie.
The Native Plant Salvage Foundation also recommends planting water-wise plants as companions to native plants. These plants will save you on that water bill and are also less maintenance. It can even increase property value!
All of this is part of their ethos of landscaping: naturescaping. “The definition we use comes from one of our founders and is: ‘Naturescaping is creating complex habitats using primarily native plants that are satisfying to both people and wildlife,’” shares Hilarie.
Their classes help teach you how to plant in layers that mimic forest habitats, which intercepts and slows rainwater – helping with soil retention, preventing pollution run-off and recharging groundwater supplies. “The layers also provide levels for different kinds of wildlife and are more aesthetically pleasing, offering more opportunities for all-season color, texture, and overall beauty,” adds Hilarie.
Thurston County Native Plant Classes, Sales and More
The Native Plant Salvage Foundation cultivates over 500 species and variants of native and water-wise plants. They specialize in hard-to-find and favorite species. For water-wise plants, they grow each species for 3-5 years before offering them to the public, to make sure they will thrive in the area.
You can purchase plants from the Native Plant Salvage Foundation at its bi-annual plant sales. Find the dates on the website. They also work with people on projects, including restoration, rain gardens, hedgerow planting, etc. And can help you source the plants you need at local nurseries or nonprofits outside of their two sales. They also sell merchandise, including “Native Plants Live Here” signs.
They have educational opportunities throughout the year, including free classes. Volunteers are always needed as well and have a wide range of duties including leading nature walks, helping at sales and events, salvaging native plants, planting projects and more.
To find out more about upcoming classes, plant sales and free educational material, visit the Native Plant Salvage Foundation website.
