High Plains Environmental Center

You can use native plants however it works for you. Remember that container gardens still have pollinator benefits just like those pristine meadows you see!

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum)
At this angle you can really appreciate how deep this flower goes. Imagine a pollinator sticking their proboscus waaay out to collect nectar from the base of this flower. These flowers are only about 0.5" at their widest point, and 0.75" deep.

Days since staff were on the ground: 0

Our newest bee hotel! Or Bee B&B, if you prefer.

3-5th grade Career Fair! Inspiring the next generation of stewards.

Want a beautiful, native spring flower? Try Thermopsis divaricarpa (Golden Banner)! #nativeplants

Rock garden in Loveland, CO

Our native plant demonstration gardens also act as a living seed bank. We prioritize genetic diversity and local ecotypes to increase the survivability of the species for generations to come.

Pelicans fly above Houts Reservoir in Loveland, CO thanks to healthy water and abundant fish population.

We were the first NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat in Colorado. Learn how you can certify your community: certifiedwildlifehabitat.nwf.org?gad_source=1...

Grasses once dominated Colorado's prairie landscape. The deep roots of native grasses work to stabilize and aerate soils.

Our native plant landscapes prioritize density, biodiversity, and varied bloom times.

The mountains over Houts Reservoir. Loveland, CO

Wetlands comprise less than 3% of Colorado, but over 90% of all wildlife will rely on wetlands at some point in their life cycle.

The bioswale garden at our center filters excess nutrients out of stormwater and provides habitat for amphibians.

Colorado's state flower, the Columbine, is beneficial to hummingbirds and pollen gathering bees. Not to mention stunning.

#nativeplants

Fritillary butterfly

You did not lie. Those are some nice mushrooms.

Please note that when you hear the term "native plant," you should ask yourself where that person is posting from. Native to my area may not be native to yours. In our case we are coming to you from Loveland, Colorado! Home of the Rocky Mtn and Prairie native plants.

Aquilegia eleganula bloom!
#nativeplants

Why plant natives?

Native plants co-evolved alongside your local flora and fauna for eons. They represent the best traits for surviving in your unique climate. They need less water, fertilizer, or care, while supporting pollinators and wildlife.

Choosing natives is trusting nature's expertise.

"The old wives' tale is that a robin is the first sign of spring, but American Robins are an adaptable lot. Some migrate and others don't. They do seem to disappear in winter, but they may just be flocking to nearby wooded areas where they're protected." (Marion Guthrie for jccwmg.org)

Escobaria vivipara (formerly classed as Coryphantha vivipara). Also known as Spinystar or Beehive cactus. It has a hardy frost tolerance and can survive a wide range of habitats across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, making it one of only 4 cacti species in the Canada!

#nativeplants #botany

We found our bee hotel torn apart! As we rushed to put the tubes back into the frame we got to see that fascinating handiwork of the leafcutter bee. We were amazed by the labor of love that these bee parents put into protecting their young.

Castilleja linariifolia (Narrow Leaved Paintbrush) is a semi-parasitic plant, like many other paintbrush species. They tap into the roots of surrounding plants for water and nutrients. We grow and sell Castilleji linariifolia in the same pot as Artemisia frigida, which functions as a host.

Native plants 🌱 = Food for caterpillars 🐛
Caterpillars 🐛 = Food for birds 🐦
Butterflies/moths 🦋 = Pollinators; Food for birds, bats, lizards, rodents, insects
Birds 🐦 = Food for larger predators; pollinators; seed dispersal

Native Plant of the Week

If you love an underdog (or cat I guess), this one is for you!

Antennaria neglecta or Field Pussytoes. The Latin word "neglecta" means "neglected" or "overlooked." It gets its common name from the adorable roundness of its blooms that resemble a cat's paw pads.

Wanna see something *really* cool?

Let me introduce you to Synchlora aerata (wavy-lined emerald moth). This unassuming brown inchworm covers itself in flower petals to hide from predators.