This week is National Wildflower Week. Why do wildflowers matter? Wildflowers and native plants help conserve water, reduce mowing costs, provide habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife and protect the soil from erosion. In addition, native plants can require fewer resources to maintain than plants that aren’t native to a region. But many wildflowers nationally are in danger from habitat loss, invasive species and other factors.
The folks at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center put together some ways you can observe National Wildflower Week including:
Do some research: You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home. Get on the Internet and look at wildflowers native to your area, region and state. Identify which wildflowers grow in your backyard or neighborhood. The Native Plant Information Network is a good place to start.
Volunteer: Many nature centers and gardens rely on volunteer work to keep their grounds looking good. Donate your time to keep native plants growing healthy.
Donate: If you can’t give time, you might be able to give money. Even small amounts can help nature centers, gardens and parks with maintenance and other costs.
Take a local hike: Even a short hike can open your eyes to the wide world of wildflowers. Find a field or garden with a large wildflower population and take a slow walk through. Take a field guide or a wildflower mobile app to identify the plants you see.
Visit a botanical garden or wildflower center: Find a garden, park, or nature center, spend an afternoon looking around and see if a guided tour is offered.
For more ways to get involved with wildflowers this week and beyond, download 20 Ways To Observe National Wildflower Week (pdf)
