Native Species Research Paper

1335 Words3 Pages

Pennsylvania is home to many native species, from wildflowers to owls and scarlet maples to redbellied turtles. Native species are defined as those that have lived in the Pennsylvania region since before the advent of European settlement. Unfortunately, nonnative species often invade an area, forcing out native plants and animals. With a knowledge of native plants, gardeners can plant these inherently adapted plants in the landscape, which in turn creates habitat for native species (http://traveltips.usatoday.com/native-plants-animals-pennsylvania-61120.html). “Prairie” is a French word for meadow, which was used by early explorers to describe any open, grassy area. The forests experienced by early explorers was extremely dark and enormous, …show more content…

Normally associated with Midwestern prairies, its occurrence in Pennsylvania is unique because it is outside of its normal range. These bright purple flowers clustering on 4 to 6 foot stalks create a spectacular show during peak bloom time in late July and early August (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/jennings/). The late bloom time is common for prairie plants, which prefer the hot and dry weather. Wildflowers and grasses support a vast array of butterflies and moths, as well as insects that serve as food for amphibians, birds, and small mammals, in turn, are food for a special prairie resident, the massasauga rattlesnake. The Jennings Prairie is one of the few places in the state where this snake is found. Due to the loss of its wet meadow habitat, the massasauga is endangered in Pennsylvania and is strictly protected. Like all rattlesnakes, the massasauga is venomous and may bite if surprised or threatened. So for your own safety please stay on the trails Jennings staff asks …show more content…

But the fundamental condition here is the disturbance of the habitat that upsets the balance. This is not true “invasiveness” (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/jennings/). To prevent introduction of invasive species Jennings created landscapes of Native plants that provide native wildlife with the habitat and food they need to thrive. They also help to protect watersheds and maintain an area’s unique heritage. Pennsylvania’s native plants evolved here, in the right conditions. They thrive with little maintenance and minimal watering and fertilizer requirements. The pollinators and wildlife they attract help maintain a healthy ecosystem. A native plant is generally defined as having existed in the state before Europeans arrived. More than 2,100 native plant species make up the botanical diversity of Pennsylvania. While new plants are moving into Pennsylvania, native plants are being lost to habitat destruction, invasive, and introduced pests and

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