Each spring, our annual native plant sale provides the Lake Hopatcong Community with an opportunity to purchase New Jersey native plants for gardening that's good for our lake and the environment.
Native plants occur naturally in a region in which they evolved and are easier on the environment because they are adapted to the local landscape and generally require less water, less fertilizer, and little maintenance after they are established.
Native plants play an integral part in the world's ecosystem and are important for the healthy populations of birds, native bees, butterflies, bats, and many mammals. They provide significant support for many pollinators, such as the Monarch Butterfly, whose populations are under stress. Pollinators play a crucial role in the production of fruits and vegetables, as well as the health of plant and wildlife communities.
Natives can even improve water quality. With deeper root systems than grass, native plants more effectively hold soil in place and help filter out pollution from stormwater runoff. allowing heavy rainwater to be absorbed into soils rather than overflowing into storm drainage systems, protecting our waterways, and reducing flooding
By choosing native plants in your yard, you are not only helping wildlife, you are creating a healthier place for yourself, your family, and your community. You are also making choices that are beneficial to the health of Lake Hopatcong, its watershed, and even the planet. And, they're beautiful!