Certify Your Habitat

What is NPI?

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NPI (Native Plant Initiative) is a community-driven organization dedicated to promoting the use and conservation of native plants in the Southeast Louisiana region. We offer resources, events, and support for individuals and professionals interested in native plant gardening and landscaping.

How Can I Get Involved with NPI?

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There are many ways to get involved! You can become a member, volunteer at events, attend our workshops and sales, or simply participate in our online community. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more.

How Do I Start Incorporating Native Plants Into My Garden?

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Start small! Identify areas in your yard where you can plant 1-3 native species, or replace struggling and/or invasive ornamental plants with natives. If you’re ready to go bigger, consider reducing lawn space and creating a native plant garden. For more tips, check out our Resources page.

Can I Request a Speaker or Workshop for my Organization?

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Yes! NPI offers educational workshops and presentations on a variety of topics related to native plants. Please Contact US to learn more and request a speaker. (idea: outreach page?)

maybe move this to Resources? we can create a FAQ there as well? Bird and Biodiversity Loss Numbers

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Types and Percentages of Land Ownership - in Louisiana where approximately 90% of state lands are privately owned. Conservation must be the job of the individual.Tallamy and Shropshire (2009) identified 14% of native plants (the keystones) support 90% of butterfly and moth species. The most important species of keystone plants for our region are Oak (Quercus) species supporting 897 caterpillar species in the US, Black cherry, (Prunus serotina), Aster (Symphotrichium) and goldenrod (Solidago) species are perennial keystone species. Insect Sepcialization: Jarrod Fowler has shown that 15% to 60% of North American native bee species are pollen specialists, eating only 40% of native plants.

Why Are Native Plants Important?

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Native plants are essential for supporting local ecosystems. They provide habitat and food for wildlife, help maintain soil health, and are better adapted to the local climate, reducing the need for excessive watering and chemical treatments.

Where Can I Buy Native Plants?

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Our Resources page provides a comprehensive and trusted list of local and online sources where you can purchase native plants. and seeds.

Do Native Plants Require Special Care?

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Native plants are generally low-maintenance since they’re adapted to the local environment. However, like all plants, they do require some care, especially during establishment. (Our Resources page provides guidance on caring for various native species. ---> maybe something to consider?)

Do Native Plants Require Special Care?

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Native plants are generally low-maintenance since they’re adapted to the local environment. However, like all plants, they do require some care, especially during establishment. Our Good Weed/Bad Weed Database provides guidance on caring for various native species.

How Do I know if a Weed is a Good Weed or a Bad Weed?

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The Good Weed/Bad Weed Database is an online resource designed to help you identify and manage plants in the Southeast Louisiana ecosystem. It provides information on species characteristics, habitat, and how to care for or eradicate them.

Where Can I Find More Resources for Native Plants?

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Our Resources page offers a wealth of information, including gardening guides, plant ID tools, and our Communication Toolkit to help you advocate for native plants in your community.

How do I sign up for the NPI Newsletter?

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Stay up to date with the latest news, events, and tips by subscribing to our newsletter. You can sign up here to receive regular updates directly in your inbox.

Certify Your Habitat

Ways to Get Involved

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Certify Your Habitat

Go Native at City Park and Rosa Keller Library

Be a Seed Collector

Be a Habitat Certifier

Ways to Get Involved

What is NPI?

How Can I Get Involved with NPI?

How Do I Start Incorporating Native Plants Into My Garden?

Can I Request a Speaker or Workshop for my Organization?

maybe move this to Resources? we can create a FAQ there as well? Bird and Biodiversity Loss Numbers

Why Are Native Plants Important?

Where Can I Buy Native Plants?

Do Native Plants Require Special Care?

Do Native Plants Require Special Care?

How Do I know if a Weed is a Good Weed or a Bad Weed?

Where Can I Find More Resources for Native Plants?

How do I sign up for the NPI Newsletter?

Navigation

Quick Links

Information