Rutherford Weekly

Thursday, October 19-October 25, 2023 www.rutherfordweekly.com 828-248-1408 Rutherford Weekly - Page 19 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. 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 fl ora. 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." 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. About Audubon North Carolina: Audubon North Carolina is a state program of the National Audubon Society. Learn more at www. nc.audubon.org. The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. A nonprofi t conservation organization since 1905, Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Learn more at www.audubon. org. Article Provided By: Brittany Salmons. Will Stuart Photos. New State-wide Policies Help Ring in Native Plants Week 2023 Celebrate Native Plants Week by starting your own garden and learning more about the new state policies. Eastern Bluebird in Dogwood. Ruby-throated Hummingbird visiting a Trumpet-Creeper. Some native plants and some of the birds and wildlife they help feed: Tiger Swallowtail on a Green-headed Conefl ower. Big-Headed Aster (Symphyotrichum grandifl orum). Local Advertising for Local Businesses When it comes to marketing your business to local consumers, nobody does it better than Rutherford Weekly! • Print Ads • • Digital Advertising • • Special Sections • • Websites • 157 West Main St., Forest City 157 West Main St., Forest City 828-248-1408 828-248-1408 rutherfordweekly.com rutherfordweekly.com WEEKLY RUTHERFORD We Help Your Business Thrive SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE o n l i n e o n l i n e Visit Visit rutherfordweekly.com rutherfordweekly.com click on click on "subscribe to our weekly digital edition" "subscribe to our weekly digital edition" Online Subscription Online Subscription is FREE! is FREE! Be notifi ed via email Be notifi ed via email of new of new publications! publications! Online Version Same As The Printed Copy! RUTHERFORDWEEKLY.COM RUTHERFORDWEEKLY.COM

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