Stewardship & Maintenance

STEWARDSHIP & MAINTENANCE

A successful restoration project doesn’t end once the plants are in the ground. What really makes the difference is the care that comes after. Maintenance should start right away and is most important during the early years, while the native plants are getting established.

Effective stewardship demands expertise, as management strategies must be tailored to the specific conditions of the project site. Most project areas initially require addressing a small number of highly aggressive invasive species. Once these priority threats are brought under control, attention can shift to managing a secondary tier of less aggressive weeds. As beneficial native species become more established, they help suppress many invasive plants, though some inevitably persist. For this reason, ongoing stewardship remains essential even when a natural area is thriving. While maintenance needs may decline over time, they will never be entirely eliminated.

Stewardship Methods

We use a variety of stewardship tools and strategies including:
WEEDING
SEED COLLECTION
SELECTIVE MOWING
MECHANICAL REMOVAL
HERBICIDE APPLICATION
PRESCRIBED BURNS

Break From Traditional Landscaping

Using native plants offers clear advantages over traditional landscaping approaches that rely heavily on non-native species and manicured lawns. In contrast to traditional landscaping, which prioritizes appearance and uniformity, native plant landscaping emphasizes ecological function, sustainability, and long-term efficiency while still offering strong visual appeal.

Ecological Advantages

Stronger ecosystem support: Native plants have evolved alongside local wildlife, making them far more effective at supporting pollinators, birds, and other beneficial organisms than most ornamental species.
Increased biodiversity: Traditional landscaping often reduces habitat diversity, while native plantings promote healthier, more balanced ecosystems.
Reduced environmental impact: Native landscapes typically require fewer chemical inputs, which lowers pollution and protects nearby soil and water resources.

Water and Resource Efficiency

Lower water demand: Native plants are adapted to local rainfall and climate conditions, unlike traditional lawns and ornamentals that often require frequent irrigation.
Improved stormwater management: Deep root systems help absorb rainfall, reduce runoff, and limit erosion more effectively than shallow-rooted turf grass.

Maintenance and Cost Benefits

Reduced maintenance: Native plants generally need less mowing, fertilizing, and pest control than traditional landscaping elements.
Long-term cost savings: Lower water use and reduced reliance on fertilizers and pesticides translate into ongoing financial savings.

Resilience and Sustainability

Greater climate resilience: Native plants tolerate local temperature extremes, droughts, and seasonal changes better than many non-native species.
Long-term sustainability: Traditional landscaping often depends on continuous inputs to maintain appearance, whereas native landscapes function more independently over time.

Aesthetic and Cultural Value

Authentic regional character: Native plants create landscapes that reflect the natural identity of the area rather than a uniform, artificial look.
Seasonal interest: Native plantings often provide changing textures, colors, and blooms throughout the year.