The Power of Plants

The Power of Plants. Impacts in Our Region and Downstream. , A Home Along the Creek for People, Plants and Animals , Greenways are a refuge for nature, important corridors for wildlife, and a place where native plants can thrive. The roots of native plants along the edge of Maline Creek sink deep into the soil and help hold it in place. This strengthens the creek bank and reduces erosion which helps keep the water clear so natural vegetation can thrive and support the food chain for small organisms and fish. Plants along the creek also provide shade that keeps the water cooler so aquatic plants and animals can enjoy a healthier habitat. The plants also contribute organic matter that animals in the water use for food and energy., When It Rains, It Fills , The low garden you see nearby is a rain garden. When it rains, rain gardens fill up like a pond - but only temporarily. Rain gardens filled with native plants provide three major benefits. First, rain gardens allow water running off from parking lots, streets and rooftops to slowly soak back into the ground while filtering out pollutants. Second, native plants provide shelter and food for birds, insects and mammals. Because native plants are adapted to the local environment, they require less watering and do not need fertilizers and pesticides that cause water pollution. Lastly, root systems of native plants grow very deep to find water during summer months. Those roots help keep soil in place and prevent erosion year-round., Praise for Prairies , Prairies are large open areas of grassland. Prairies of North America once covered more than 200 million acres including much of the St. Louis region. Less than 1% of prairie habitat remains today, but you can see restored prairie in Bella Fontaine County Park! Look on the west side of Highway 367 in an area that used to be a ball field. Prairie grasses have evolved to survive the harsh climates where they grow. Bitter winters, long hot summers, strong winds, fires and grazing both challenge and ensure a prairie's ability to survive and thrive. The roots of prairie plants go deep into the ground and allow them to absorb water in times of drought. The leaves and stems of some plants have hairy surfaces to deflect sun and wind, and others can be waxy or leather-like to shield from water loss. In order to survive fires that help keep woody plants in check and control invasive weeds, many new prairie plant buds appear at or below ground level