Farm and Forest: How native plants support backyard wildlife

The article explains that trees and a diverse mix of native plants support many local wildlife species, and it notes a free workshop on April 13 at the Vinton County Community Building with registration required by April 8.

Trees and other plants provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife. The piece references Bee Tree Trails at Canter's Cave 4-H Camp and notes that species from small caterpillars to white-tailed deer depend on specific trees. It also emphasizes that a broader mix of plant types beyond trees supports different wildlife groups. The column highlights native plants as especially important due to long-standing ecological relationships. Main points: - Trees such as white oak and bitternut hickory support many native insects and larger animals. - A diverse mix of native grasses, shrubs, trees and flowers benefits different wildlife at different times. - Native plants often have close relationships with local species; for example, zebra swallowtail caterpillars feed only on native pawpaw trees. - Native plants can be harder to find, sometimes more costly, and are often less showy than common non-native garden flowers. - The article suggests replacing one non-native landscape flower each year with a native variety as a gradual approach to increasing native habitat. - A free workshop is scheduled for April 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Vinton County Community Building, and the article states registration is required by April 8 with contact details listed. Summary: The article frames trees and a variety of native plants as key contributors to local wildlife abundance and notes practical trade-offs such as availability and appearance of native species. A free workshop on April 13 will cover habitat assessments, pollinator-tree relationships, and native alternatives; registration is required by April 8 and contact information was provided.