GRI Celebrates Native Plant Month!

April is Ohio Native Plant Month – Please join the Green Ribbon Initiative (GRI) in celebrating Ohio Native Plant Month!

As a result of the diligent work of Ohio Native Plant Month, a non-profit organization, April is now known as Ohio Native Plant Month.  You can learn more about their efforts and vision by visiting their website at: https://www.ohionativeplantmonth.org/

There are many ways to honor and celebrate our native plants throughout the Oak Openings Region in Northwest Ohio. See the list below for local programs and resources from GRI partners!

Why are native plants so important?
Native plants are a critical food source for native wildlife. They are more beneficial than non-native plants because the native wildlife and plants have had thousands of years to adapt to one another, whereas most native wildlife could not hope to evolve quickly enough to eat exotic non-native plants. Read more about the importance of Ohio Native Plants, HERE.

Did you know that nearly one-third of all Ohio’s endangered plant species are found within the Oak Openings Region?
These rare plant species serve as food sources and provide support for many rare animals, including birds and butterflies.

Did you know that the crop grown in the highest abundance in the U.S. is not corn, wheat, or soybeans?
It’s actually turf grass! While not a particularly harmful invasive species, turf grass requires massive amounts of water to maintain and provides no food or shelter for native wildlife. Replacing just small portions of Ohio lawn areas with native Oak Openings lakeplain prairie and forest species would go a long way in re-establishing the foundation for a healthy ecosystem.

Do you want to help make a difference?
We encourage you to learn through existing resources available to you through GRI partners, please see the full list of resources at the bottom of this page.

Oak Openings Native Plant Resources:

There are many resources for learning about Ohio Native Plants available to you at little to no cost, please see our list below:

Wild Ones Oak Openings Region –

• Wild Ones Oak Openings Region Newsletter April – Native Plant Month Feature
  • Readers can request three complimentary issues of the chapter newsletter by emailing:
    wildonesoakopeningsregion@gmail.com

• Native Plant Purchasing List
  • https://wildonesoakopenings.org/native-plant-sources-2022/

• Guide to Native Plants for Your Yard
  • https://wildonesoakopenings.org/choosing-native-plants-for-your-yard/

Ohio Department of Natural Resources –

• Ohio Wildflower Identification Guide
  • https://ohiodnr.gov/static/documents/wildlife/backyard-wildlife/Pub_5494_Spring%20Wildflowers%20of%20Ohio%20Field%20Guide.pdf

Lucas Soil & Water Conservation District–

• Native Plant Sale
  • https://www.lucasswcd.org/nativeplantsale.html
    

Green Ribbon Initiative –

• 2023 Blue Week Photo Contest
  • While you’re out enjoying Oak Openings wildflowers this spring, be sure to take a few photos to enter in the 2023 GRI Blue Week Photo Contest!
  • Full contest details: https://www.oakopenings.org/photo-contest/

Questions? Contact: Brittani Furlong at brittani.furlong@tnc.org