Park City to Host Event Promoting Utah Native Plants and Biodiversity.
PARK CITY, Utah — Save Our Canyons, in collaboration with Park City Gardens, is set to host an event focused on the importance of Utah’s native plants. The event, titled Boost Biodiversity: Native Plants, will take place on Sunday, August 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Park City Gardens.
The event will feature live music, informative presentations by local nonprofits, and a sale of native plants. Spencer Shaver, executive director of Save Our Canyons, shared that the organization’s experts will discuss Utah’s native plants, including those specific to the Wasatch mountains. Attendees will also learn more about Save Our Canyons and its mission.
In addition to Save Our Canyons, other organizations will be present at the event. Representatives from Swaner Nature Preserve, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, and the Park City Community Foundation will host tables to engage with attendees. According to an Instagram post from Save Our Canyons, proceeds from the native plant sale will benefit the nonprofit, which is dedicated to preserving Utah’s canyons.
The Importance of Native Plants for Biodiversity
“Native plants are essential for restoring Utah’s biodiversity, particularly in the Wasatch mountains,” said Shaver. He emphasized that native plants play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems. According to The Nature Conservancy, using native plants in gardening can provide vital habitats and energy sources for local insects, birds, and pollinators.
Shaver noted that native plants and local wildlife are interdependent, with animals relying on these plants for survival. The U.S. Forest Service adds that native plants, being well-adapted to the local climate, require less water and maintenance compared to non-native species.
Landscaping with native plants also helps conserve local ecosystems. Non-native plants can become invasive, outcompeting native species and leading to reduced biodiversity. This can harm both native plants and the animals that depend on them.
Discover Utah’s Native Plants
“Join us at this Sunday’s event to explore and purchase native plants that you can incorporate into your own landscaping, contributing to the preservation of Utah’s plant biodiversity,” Shaver encouraged.
For those unable to attend the event, Utah State University’s Extension offers suggestions for landscaping with native plants. Species such as buckwheat, pinyon pine, Utah holly, and globemallows are well-suited to Utah’s climate.
Before beginning any landscaping project, it is recommended to research which native plants are best suited to your area. The Utah Native Plant Society’s website provides a list of native plants suitable for Salt Lake County.
This event not only offers a chance to support local biodiversity but also provides valuable resources for those interested in creating sustainable, eco-friendly landscapes.