North American Native Plant Society

Wild areas are important, preserve and protect those near you!

We’re not all lucky enough to live near a wilderness area, but preserving small places can be significant too. Every yard or parkland provides a stepping stone for wildlife to move between larger areas as well as adding to the overall total. 

In 2009, NANPS adopted a small wooded park in Markham, Ontario.  Part of a ravine, the slope and tableland were becoming over-run with exotic invasive species:  garlic mustard, english ivy, periwinkle and goutweed.  Underneath the weeds, however, an array of native species needed help.

Led by NANPS Director, Greg Hagan,  volunteers began meeting weekly during the 2009 growing season to remove the invasives -- initially targeting garlic mustard before it could release more seed.  The Town of Markham, Ontario assisted too...dropping off a load of wood chips to help smother weeds in areas where no native flora survived and offering an annual stipend to defray expenses.

There is a long road yet to travel to restore Charlie Clifford Park, but with a little help from our friends, there is hope.  If you’re near Markham, Ontario please visit the Restorations Area calendar to see when the next activity is scheduled. 

Check out other restoration locations below...and This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it us details about restoration activities near you to add to the list.

You CAN make a difference!

Many local governments offer support to individuals and groups wishing to adopt a local area.  Even if no such program exists, few will object to an offer to pull weeds and clean up trash.  It is essential, however, to make contact before undertaking any projects...particularly if the land you’re attempting to preserve is privately owned.  

Large or small...all restoration projects are welcome to join NANPS list of  activities. 
Individuals can accomplish a great deal...but can do so much more with a little help. 

Removing Invasives

Exotic species have been around for hundreds of years.  Sometimes termed “naturalized” flora, these plants at the very least take up space that could be occupied by more useful species...and at worst actually secrete phtyochemcials that discourage other plants from growing.  Removing the most aggressive of these invaders is usually the first priority in restoring an area...especially before they set seed.  Generally it is best to work from an edge, removing weeds thoroughly section by section.  Be careful to avoid tracking seeds from weedy areas into more pristine areas.  Inexperienced volunteers should be introduced to only one or two weed species at a time to minimize the risk of accidentally removing native species.

Restoring

Work with the area!  Start by taking an inventory of the species that already exist.  Adding plants should be approached with caution.  Source plants as locally as possible...preferably those grown from seeds collected within the area undergoing restoration.  When dealing with rare species, check with Provincial or State agencies to align your efforts with existing species recovery plans.  Keep accurate records of everything you plant, including sources and GPS coordinates where appropriate.  Consult your local native plant society for advice specific to your region. 

Featured Restorations

These areas are in need of your help.  If you can spare an hour or two, please join other volunteers at a site near you.   NANPS does not vette sites or organized efforts listed on this site.  It is your responsibility to ensure that any necessary approvals have been obtained and that work is carried out in a safe and responsible manner.  In many cases, you must bring your own tools and yard waste bags, so be sure to bring the basics on your first trip or make inquiries in advance.

To add your project to the following list, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Wakefield, Massachusetts

Woodland northwest of Boston, MA. This property, adjacent to a City reservoir, is protected by the local government.  Unauthorized access is prohibited, however dirt bikers have been seen riding and spreading weed seeds through the forest.  While still hosting a diverse range of native species, the site is beginning to be over-run by invasive species.  A local resident has begun pulling the more obvious weeds:  garlic mustard and dog strangling vine, but needs help to identify and eradicate more pernicious species invaders. 

Meet Sundays  1 pm May-September in the woods off Sylvan Avenue.  Wakefield MA

Charlie Clifford Memorial Park in Markham, Ontario

Charlie Clifford Memorial Park.  A secluded ravine park adopted by NANPS under the guidance of NANPS Director, Greg Hagan.  The park is filled with an array of native species and, unfortunately, a number of invasive species.   Volunteers meet weekly during the growing season.  Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details.

Meet Sundays 10 am - 1 pm April-October.

Special Restoration Date:  Saturday May 15, 2010

Shining Tree Woods in Norfolk County, Ontario

High Park in Toronto, Ontario 

High Park embraces a rare remnant of Black Oak savanna in the heart of west Toronto.  Incorporating a range of public areas, a small zoo, and formal gardens; High Park also finds space for a large and growing natural area.  The Volunteer Stewardship Committee of High Park is dedicated to conserving the rare native species found here.  Volunteers are engaged in everything from seed collection and plant propagation to weed eradication.  The Committee meets every Sunday with a variety of fun, interesting, and important activities scheduled year round.

E.T. Seton Park in Toronto, Ontario

Behind the Ontario Science Centre (Eglinton Avenue at Don Mills Road) a small lake/wetland area was created for flood control purposes following Hurricane Hazel.  Scout troops planted a pine forest and the area continued to naturalize over th past several decades...but dog strangling vine, garlic mustard and buckthorn have moved in.  Volunteer Restoration Coordinator, Doug Wilson, is spearheading  efforts to control the invasive plants and add more native species to the forest understorey.  If you'd like to help, please contact Doug at 416 759-3771.