iConserve PA Encourages Gardeners to 'Bring Home the Natives'

Homeowners Encouraged to Use Native Plant Species

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the arrival of
planting season, the commonwealth is encouraging homeowners sprucing up their
gardens to consider native species for their beauty, reduced maintenance when
planted in the right spot, and the habitat they provide to birds and animals.

"Buying native plants to help with your landscaping projects--whether it's a
small backyard, large lot or municipal park--can help Pennsylvania save the
species that call the state home," Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources acting Secretary John Quigley said. "The iConserve Pennsylvania Web
site, www.iConservePA.org, offers a wealth of information about native plants,
choosing what works best for your site conditions, and native plant sales
throughout the state."

Launched in 2008, the iConserve Pennsylvania initiative encourages
Pennsylvanians to make everyday efforts to conserve natural resources and
share their stories to inspire others. This spring, iConserve Pennsylvania
added a section to its Web site called "Bring Home the Natives" to help
citizens understand the value of native plants.

Because Pennsylvania's native plants are meant to grow here, they thrive with
less maintenance, thereby reducing the need to water and fertilize them. They
also serve as pollinators, attract wildlife, and reduce other unwanted
species. A native plant is one that occurred within the state before
settlement by Europeans. More than 2,100 native plant species make up the
botanical diversity of Pennsylvania.

The "Bring Home the Natives" focus on the Web site offers best bets to choose
for four different types of landscape conditions - sunny/dry; shady/dry;
sunny/moist; and shady/moist. The site features a searchable database of
plants, publications for downloading, and suggestions on where to buy native
plants. If you can't find the information you're looking for, you can submit
a specific question about native plants to be answered online by a botanist.

"Citizens also can snap some digital photos of the natives in their garden and
post them to us to be registered to win nearly $400 worth of garden tools from
Ames True Temper, a Pennsylvania-based company and an iConserve partner,"
Quigley said. "The prize pack includes a wheelbarrow filled with loppers,
pruners, shears, hand trowels, a hose, hose reel, and a whole lot more - 18
items in all."

DCNR is planting native gardens at six state parks this year as a way to
educate visitors about the use and beauty of native plants. Templates of those
gardens will we posted on the Web site in May so citizens can duplicate the
gardens in their own backyards. The parks are Chapman, Codorus, Gifford
Pinchot, Ohiopyle and Tyler state parks, and Jacobsburg Environmental
Education Center.

Web site visitors to www.iConservePA.org also can subscribe to a free monthly
electronic newsletter that will include fun facts and green tips. Also
featured are simple commitments, next steps and lifestyle change ideas that
can help anyone become familiar with conservation, grow their interest, and
take action.
CONTACT: Christina Novak
(717) 772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Christina Novak of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources, +1-717-772-9101