salvaging native plants on your own

Plants, moss, forest duff and top-soil, stumps and woody debris all can be salvaged for utilization in habitat restoration projects and education displays; and, in commercial and residential landscapes. Because salvaged plants are usually smaller than their expensive nursery-bought counterparts, they often out-grow plants that are installed as larger specimens.

Plant salvaging for native (and adapted) plant species is typically pursued in Western Washington during the rainy season (usually mid-October into early March). Salvaging is also usually, but not always, avoided during the warmer drier months of April through September because plants, especially evergreens, can't survive the shock of transplant while they re-establish sufficient roots to maintain transpiration - even when they are well cared for. 

If, however, you're savvy with water, sun and soil relationships as they relate to healthy plants, you might ignore this advice, either because the plants you hope to salvage would be lost to development, are unusual (prairie or other rare species), and/or because you have a shaded location where the salvaged materials will be held, and as important, watered properly until they are re-established in pots or in their new landscape setting.

        benefits of NATIVE plant salvaging

The boundaries of our properties rarely confine the water and chemicals that we might utilize to care for our landscapes. Using less of any of these often expensive, and sometimes toxic  inputs makes $en$e. Less water applied to urban landscapes means more water in streams for spawning salmon, and better water quality for endangered species like Orca whales in our Puget Sound.

Consider next your water bill and real need for expensive chemicals... When compared to traditional landscape and even many adapted plants, effectively established native plantings generally require few to no external water or chemical resources. That's because they have evolved with local climate extremes, including our pests and poor soils. To achieve maximum resource reduction, native plantings need to be grown in place, or have been appropriately placed and planted according to each plant's original habitat, while also acknowledging each plant's original habitat and needs for sun, soil and water. Imagine having more time and money in your overall budget from fewer expen$e$ for fertilizers, pesticides, and water, not to mention the people power and equipment required to apply them. As human population increases, water supplies WILL become more expensive, but also more restricted for luxury uses such as landscapes.

Need some exercise? Want to have fun with your family and community? Sweat equity and exposure to soil have both been found to enhance personal health, increasing muscle and cardio-vascular strength, enhancing mental and physical health, while allowing participants to interact with family and possibly new friends. Salvaging native plants brings people together where they learn about Nature, the origins of valued plants, and the wildlife around them, while creating lasting community bonds.

Salvaging native plants is not only the right thing to do, but is also an excellent education or a valuable PR tool. Organizations that host salvage events as a form of free community education gain social credits for maintaining and enhancing the environment. 

Ultimately, long term benefits from plant salvaging include protection, maintenance and enhancement of Pierce County’s overall quality of life. You too can participate in making your home landscape more healthy, aesthetic and attractive to desirable wildlife.  YOU can also participate in restoration projects where salvaged plants are used to create attractive community parks while providing valuable plant growth that clears urban air and storm waters - the same benefits you get at home. As important is the environment around us, which not only provides iconic wildlife and open space for play, but the healthy foundation for all life. Participate and know that you are a part of the solution. "Go Native" and salvage what is left of this diminishing resource in our midst.