What is a native plant?

A native species is--broadly speaking--one that naturally occurs in the local ecosystem. The edges of this definition can get blurry, as ecosystems change over time, so at the NPS we use a capacious definition, including species that can be considered regionally native and may not have been present on site without human introduction. Given the NPS's history of disturbance, we are most focused on introducing species that will thrive under current conditions, rather than attempting to restore a historical state.

There are also questions of provenance to consider: many species with broad distributions will vary substantially among populations, and possess local adaptions suited to conditions like day-length, temperature, and soil quality.

Why plant native flowers, shrubs, and trees?

Since native plants have evolved in specific geographic areas, they are better adapted to local climate and require less maintenance than non-native flowers. Native plants are also crucial to support the pollinators humans depend on for many beloved crops, including strawberries.

Native plants are the foundation for a robust local ecosystem, creating the necessary conditions for healthy soil microbiota and animal populations. These improvements accumulate over time, making room for more sensitive plants, or predatory insects.

If invasive species grow so well, why remove them?

An invasive species, by definition, is one that thrives. However, the success of these species limits the biodiversity and ecological resilience of the ecosystems they pervade. While invasive species may have marginal ecological value, they generally offer little to the local ecology, while dramatically inhibiting diversity and depleting soil.

Are rewilding, wildscaping, permaculture, and eco-gardening all the same thing ?

Many of these terms have multiple meanings that change depending on the person using it and the context. At Highland Park Native Plant Sanctuary, volunteers act as stewards to promote repopulation of native plants. In order to do this, volunteers remove invasive plants, plant new native flowers, and spread native seeds.

Is pollinator gardening the same thing as native plant gardening?

No. While a pollinator garden can be filled with many native plants, it can also include non-native flowers. Non-native species are not necessarily invasive, and can provide valuable forage for local insects in the form of nectar and pollen. However, many native pollinators rely on native plants to complete their life cycle.

What is succession?

No natural area is static. Succession in ecology refers to the dynamic change of species within a specific geographical area. Seeds are spread by birds and other wildlife, new populations grow and shrink, and over thousands of years even soil composition changes. Plants in particular change local soil and light conditions, laying the groundwork for their own succession by a new plant community. A common example in our part of the world is the transition of a field to a forest: as woody species begin developing a taller and taller canopy, sun-loving grasses and perennials are pushed out.

Invasive species often throw a wrench in the dynamics of succession, outcompeting native trees and shrubs, and shading out native herbs.

Why do you hand weed instead of just spraying weed killer?

Hand weeding is the least harmful approach to ridding a garden of invasive plants. Herbicides contain chemicals that kill pollinators which are integral to the survival and health of native plant populations.

Particularly given the NPS's proximity to the Raritan River, we choose to limit chemical inputs to modest application of deer repelling oils.

Are all native plants edible? Can I forage here?

No. And no.

Some native plants are edible (in a few cases even palatable!), and very few plants in our area--native or otherwise--present any substantial danger without consuming copious quantities. However, the NPS has a long history of pollution and we cannot recommend ingestion of anything growing there. We also more generally ask that visitors limit collecting any material from the gardens without consulting our volunteers.

How can I get started establishing a native plant garden?

Email us, or come find Andy at the NPS! We always have seeds and plants to share, and our volunteers are happy to discuss what might work for your property. 

You can also visit the NJ Native Plant Society's website for resources and information on local native plant nurseries.

What is a snag?

Standing dead trees, known as snags, are essential habitats for wildlife, providing shelter and food long after they stop growing. Pollinators including certain butterflies and moths overwinter in snags. 

A newly dead tree, referred to as a hard snag, still retains its bark and sturdy core, including sapwood and heartwood. This durability makes it an attractive site for woodpeckers, who chisel through the bark to access insects beneath. Over time, their relentless excavation creates nesting holes.

Interestingly, woodpeckers rarely reuse the same hole, meaning each season brings new opportunities for other species. These abandoned cavities become safe havens for secondary nesters such as bluebirds, tree swallows, chickadees, nuthatches, owls, and house wrens. Even larger animals like raccoons, squirrels, porcupines, and martens may move in, benefiting from the woodpeckers' handiwork.

As the years pass, the tree’s heartwood softens, weakened by fungi and decay. At this stage, a soft snag forms, often missing limbs and sometimes even its top. Eventually, the snag collapses, continuing its ecological role on the forest floor. Once fallen, it enriches the soil, provides shelter for ground-dwelling creatures, and supports the growth of new plants.

If you’re considering removing a dead or dying tree from your yard, think about leaving a 10-foot section of the trunk standing. You might be surprised by the wildlife that takes up residence in this natural habitat.

—Adapted from sources including the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife