Spadefoot Ecosystem Solutions Encourages Residents to Consider Climate-Resilient Native Landscapes

As weather patterns across the Northeast continue to become more unpredictable, Spadefoot Ecosystem Solutions, an ecological restoration company, is encouraging Long Island homeowners to rethink their landscapes by selecting native plants.Our natives evolved to withstand both prolonged dry periods and temporary flooding. Their deep roots are able to draw water in drought and quickly store water in a downpour.

"Many landscapes are designed for stable weather patterns. On Long Island, that is not how our weather works. As we see more weather extremes, generic landscaping is increasingly ill-suited to our climate," said Frank Piccininni, President and CEO of Spadefoot Ecosystem Solutions. "By planting native species, plants that evolved here and can tolerate both drought and periods of heavy rainfall, homeowners can create landscapes that are more resilient, require less maintenance, and continue to function even as our climate changes."

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Residents are asked to incorporate climate-resilient native plants into their landscapes to help gardens adapt to increasingly extreme weather conditions. Native species that naturally tolerate fluctuations between drought and floods are better equipped to survive these changing conditions while providing important ecological benefits, including improved stormwater management, healthier soils, and habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

Spadefoot recommends the following native plants for areas that may experience both drought and flooding:

Native Trees

• Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)
• Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
• American Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Native Flowers

• Bee Balm (Monarda)
• Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis)
• Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Native Grasses

• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
• Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)
• Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

In addition to surviving challenging weather conditions, these native plants help improve water infiltration, stabilize soils, and support biodiversity while also needing less watering and maintenance once established, saving homeowners money and time.

About Spadefoot Ecosystem Solutions

Spadefoot Ecosystem Solutions is an ecological restoration and land management company dedicated to restoring the natural function of landscapes. The company specializes in stormwater infiltration, water quality improvement, invasive species management, and the establishment of resilient native plant communities. Using principles rooted in soil science, hydrology, and field ecology, Spadefoot designs and implements sustainable systems that restore ecosystem function, improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and create landscapes that become more resilient over time.

By focusing on long-term ecological performance rather than traditional landscaping, Spadefoot helps property owners protect natural resources, increase property value, and build landscapes that thrive without reliance on chemical inputs. For more information, visit www.spadefoot.eco.