Pennsylvania Native Species Day

The Governor's Invasive Species Council will hold a press event at Big Elk Creek State Park. We encourage everyone to plan an activity or event to celebrate Pennsylvania's Native Species Day in 2024.

Possible Activities

• A guided hike
• A native species planting event
• An invasive species pull
• A workshop/webinar

Please tell us about your event by completing this brief survey. 

Pennsylvania is home to many diverse native plants, trees, insects, fish, birds, and mammals. Native species originated thousands of years ago and now depend on each other to thrive. This ecosystem gives us natural resources that support agriculture, recreation, fishing, and timber. Most importantly, natural resources benefit our lives.

As humans have traded and traveled more, non-native species have spread with us. Species transported to areas outside their native range lack natural predators. Non-native species often become invasive and threaten the survival of native species.

To educate the public, the council created Pennsylvania Native Species Day. It celebrates the state's diverse native species. It also aims to raise awareness of their importance. People must protect our native species from invasive species.

In 2023, several state agency leaders visited North Creek Nurseries in Landenberg, Chester County, including: 

• Department of Agriculture
• Department of Transportation
• Environmental Protection
• Conservation and Natural Resources
• Game and Fish and Boat Commissions
• Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association

They noted state agencies' actions to combat invasive species in Pennsylvania. These species harm the ecology, economy, and public health.

North Creek owner Steve Castorani gave a tour of the grounds, which operate as a 70 percent native plant grower and wholesaler.

Full recap