Speaker Series: How to Use Long Island Native Plants to Protect Wildlife

Friends of the Bay continues its 2019 Speaker Series with a presentation on “How to Use Long Island Native Plants to Protect Wildlife,” on Tuesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at Friends of the Bay (111 South Street, Oyster Bay). Mr. Schmidt will explain what plants are native to Long Island and why they are important for the health of the water and soils. He will then discuss how plants create habitat, the importance of Host Plants, why planting non-native species drives up issues for our wildlife, especially birds, and share photographs to inspire how your home could look utilizing native species.  This event is free and open to the public.
 
Rusty Schmidt is a landscape ecologist employed by Nelson Pope and Voorhis in Melville, NY and is an Adjunct Professor with the Horticulture Department at Farmingdale State College. Mr. Schmidt designs and constructs alternative methods for managing stormwater runoff. He has created hundreds of designs for habitat restorations, raingardens, and pollinator gardens.  Mr. Schmidt is also the president of the Long Island Native Plant Initiative (LINPI).  He is a co-author for three books, two on plant selections for stormwater management and a homeowner guide to raingardens.