LUNCHBOX Talk - Virtual

Virtual Lunchbox Talk: Form and Function: An Ecological Approach to Stormwater Using Native Plants with Chad Washburn, Vice President of Conservation, Naples Botanical Garden: Native plants have long played an important role in creating landscapes that are both beautiful and functional. We tend to think of their use in the upland spaces in our communities; however, their ecological role in cleaning stormwater and creating aquatic habitats should not be overlooked. Naples Botanical Garden incorporates native plantings into stormwater design across the site, from the Garden’s entry drive and parking areas to the connected natural marsh adjacent to the Garden. These stormwater areas have become a destination for members of the community who want to learn more and work to address our region’s issues with algal blooms. This program will share the benefits of incorporating native plants into your stormwater system, concepts of using plants to improve water quality, and provide some examples of plants you can include in your own pond edges, swales and other stormwater areas.