Native plants provide food and habitat for wildlife, support biodiverse ecosystems, and develop complex root networks that prevent erosion. CRWP and regional partners are participating in several native seed collection efforts across the Copper River watershed to help build up supplies of local seed available for regional restoration, education, and banking projects. Because seeds will be collected from the same climate in which they will be reseeded in, there is a greater likelihood of creating a self-sustaining native plant community. Additionally, using native seeds in restoration projects decreases the risk of introducing non-native or invasive species to the watershed. Native plant seed bank supplies will be used to revegetate areas where invasive species have been removed, as well as other disturbed areas/construction sites, including CRWP’s fish passage restoration projects.

Did you know May is Native Plant Month in Alaska?!

May is Alaska Native Plant Month! A celebration of Alaska’s 2,500-plus native plant species and their ecological, cultural, and economic importance.

The Alaska Native Plant Society (AKNPS) provides a calendar of events, including guided plant walks and workshops. CRWP developed the activity kit below for youth to learn more about native plants and their importance. Click on the activities below to download and print your own, or stop by the CRWP office through the end of May to pick up printed copies.

Through the native plant seed bank program, CRWP is engaging community members in native seed collection and gardening with native plants. If you are a teacher interested in educating your students on the importance of native species and how to support native populations, contact CRWP for more information.

If you’re interested in learning more about native plants in Cordova, stay tuned for our annual Cordova Native Plant Garden event in June. Contact cdvplants@copperriver.org for more information or check back here.

Come fall CRWP will be collecting native seed across the Copper River watershed. If you are interested in these events, please reach out to cdvplants@copperiver.org to get involved!