why native...and why local?

We at Native Ideals believe that the question of "why native" must be taken a step further, and include the question "why local." Whether your project includes hundreds of acres or just your backyard, its important to take a minute and think about the benefits that native, locally sourced seed provides.

WHY NATIVE:
This list could go on forever...so we listed our favorites:
- reduced use of petroleum products
- lower water use (60% of water use in the West is for lawns!)
- increased plant survival
- reduced water contamination from fertilizers and pesticides
- enhanced wildlife habitat (for birds, bugs and everybody else)
- unique to your location
- they are beautiful!

WHY LOCAL:
One point that we left out of the list above is that native plants are adapted to the environmental conditions underwhich they evolved. while a species may be able to adapt to a wide variety of conditions throughout its range, individuals grown in conditions that are wetter, dryer, etc. may not produce seed that is the most suitable for projects in our area. Locally adapted, native plants increase your chance at succeeding in your native restoration or landscaping project. All of our seed plots have been established with seed that has been collected locally and responsibly from wild native plant populations. Native Ideals also works to ensure that a representative sample of the genetic material of our native species is retained and passed on to your project, through adherence to strict seed collection standards.

LINKS:
Native Seed Network – http://www.nativeseednetwork.org/
Montana Plant Life – http://montana.plant-life.org/
Montana Native Plant Society – http://www.mtnativeplants.org
USDA Plants Database – http://plants.usda.gov/
Native Plant Network – http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org/
Native Plant Information Network – http://www.wildflower.org/explore/
FEIS Forb Index – http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/index.html