LEWISTON – Office Manger Jane Heikkinen of Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District is encouraging residents to use native plants for the home landscape this season.

Native plants have evolved over the years in a particular region and adapted to the geography, hydrology, climate and other species of plants and animals inhabiting the region.

Non-native plants have been introduced into an ecosystem deliberately by man or accidentally, through the spreading of seed, by wildlife or inadvertent mixing of seeds. Weeds are plants that are growing in places where they are not wanted and tend to become invasive or uncontrolled in a managed landscape like a garden, yard or agricultural field. However, the weeds are desirable as wildlife forage.

Some people plant to provide shade for their home or yard, reduce the noise from the nearby street or road or create protection from the wind. Other folks might want to offer food and shelter for birds, butterflies or other desirable wildlife. Others will plant with the diversity in the color of the flowers, foliage, bark or seedpods in mind.

People also plant because of the value of food or medicine or the potential for additional income, to control roof or storm water runoff, stabilize a bank or prevent erosion in a heavily traveled area.

Heikkinen said, “Citizens can enjoy coming to the district for an annual native conservation plant sale. This year’s list is available at our Web site, www.androscogginswcd.net. Rain barrels and compost bins are also available o purchase.”

All orders must be received by May 31. For a copy to be mailed, call Heikkinen at 753-9400, ext. 400. The pick-up date will be June 23 in the parking lot of the USDA Service Center at 254 Goddard Road.