Conservation leaders urge protection of native plants at Pennsylvania Capitol event

Environmental advocates, educators, and students assembled at the Pennsylvania State Capitol to emphasize the importance of native plants in preserving the state's ecosystems. The event was organized by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and aimed to highlight how native species support wildlife, maintain healthy watersheds and forests, and contribute to climate change mitigation.

Speakers at the event included DCNR staff members Kalene Faircloth and Kelly Sitch, urban forestry expert Suzzanne Hartley, student Justin Weaver from Cedar Cliff High School, PJill Zdunczyk from a native plant society, and Madelyn Good, sustainability coordinator for the City of Harrisburg.

State Forester Seth Cassell addressed attendees on the significance of individual actions: "Native plants are essential to the state's ecological health, wildlife, and even public well-being," said Cassell. "These seemingly small actions - planting natives, removing invasives - can have a big impact in maintaining our ecosystems and protecting the resources we rely on."

The gathering drew attention to ongoing efforts in Pennsylvania to educate communities about ecological resilience through local plant choices. Participants advocated for increased awareness around invasive species management as part of broader conservation strategies.