DURHAM, N.C - Leaves are changing, autumn scents are in the air, and migrating birds are making their way south. Fall is upon us and so is the seventh annual North Carolina Native Plants Week, taking place Oct. 16-22. Help us spread the word by using this social media toolkit. 

We’re celebrating by encouraging everyone to choose native plants for your own yard or garden, and by highlighting exciting new state policies that require the use of native plants at state parks, historic sites, and roadways. The policies come after years of advocacy by Audubon members and other supporters, including Senator Bill Rabon, and help put the spotlight on the importance of native plants for birds and all kinds of wildlife.  

“It’s a simple equation: more native plants mean more of the bird and pollinator species that depend on them,” Interim Executive Director Curtis Smalling said. “We’re excited to see the state take this commonsense step to promote North Carolina’s amazing native flora. We’re also encouraging everyone to choose native plants for your own yard or garden and to let your favorite garden and plant supplier know you are looking for native plants.” 

If you haven’t already, send a note to your lawmaker thanking them for supporting the policy. By letting our lawmakers know that we see and appreciate their actions, we’re reinforcing just how many of their constituents' care about birds. 

Native plants are important because they provide food for birds and other wildlife that adapted to depend on them. Insects hosted by native plants are particularly important because most bird species require insects to feed their young. Fewer native plants mean fewer insects, which in turn means fewer bird babies growing to adulthood. In North Carolina alone, over 3,900 native plant species support birds and pollinators year-round. 

You can help by growing your own native plants garden, and fall is the best time to start. Plants require less water this time of year, but they also still have enough time to establish before colder winter weather.  

Media Contact: Brittany Salmons, brittany.salmons@audubon.org 

About Audubon North Carolina 

Audubon North Carolina, a state program of the National Audubon Society, has offices in Durham, Boone, Corolla, and Wilmington. Learn more at www.nc.audubon.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.