Last year, our Step to It program took a big leap in promoting local biodiversity by distributing hundreds of baby trees and shrubs to Fraser Valley community members for free during several events. We recently checked in with some of the participants to see how their new plants are faring—and the results are in!

What Did We Give Away?

We gave away three native plants perfectly suited for the Fraser Valley: red flowering currants, Douglas firs, and vine maples.

The red flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) is a vibrant shrub known for its fragrant pink-to-red flowers and its ability to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. This plant blooms early in the spring, making it a particularly important food source for the Rufous Hummingbird.

The Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a well-loved staple of our Pacific Northwest landscape. They provide essential habitat and shelter for wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and insects, while their deep root system helps prevent soil erosion and supports water retention.

The vine maple (Acer circinatum) is sure to add a pop of colour in any garden in the fall, with its leaves turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Its thick foliage provides excellent cover for small wildlife and it serves as an important food source for many pollinators.

What Did People Choose?

Red flowering currants were the most popular to give away at every event. Many were pleasantly surprised to discover that native plants can be both beautiful and functional, adding visual appeal while supporting local wildlife. The second most popular choice was the vine maple. The Douglas fir trees required more space than your average home garden could provide, so it was the least chosen plant.

Twelve people who received these plants chose to respond to our survey. Over 80% let us know that their little plugs were growing and thriving, which is a great statistic! Native plants are adapted to our local environment and, when planted in the right conditions, work together with the natural factors in the area to create healthy habitats.

On the right, you can see how happy we were to have this adorable baby vine maple ready to go to its new home! Check out those bright, warm colours on its leaves.

Respondents Share Their Experiences

We asked respondents to share how having their plant has personally impacted them. A common theme was feeling a sense of joy from taking care of their plants and seeing their hard work pay off. Nurturing native plants can deepen our appreciation for the local environment and help us feel more connected to life all around us.

“It brings me joy. It was vulnerable and I didn’t know if it would survive. We had a tough winter. Many of my well-established plants suffered. Some managed to pull through but others did not. I am pleased to say that my vine maple is thriving.”- Laura

“I love watching it grow… I want bees and other creatures to thrive in my back yard.”- Janice

In addition, people reported that receiving the plants made them more aware of native species.

“I think most people are unaware of the wide variety of native plants! Most nurseries only carry 3-5 species, and some/all may be cultivars. But there are dozens and dozens of flowers, shrubs, trees, ferns, succulents, etc.” – Katie

Indeed, many of the plants we offer are unavailable at retail gardening centers. We believe it’s crucial for the health of our ecosystem to prioritize the distribution of native species. As we’ve seen already, introducing more native plants to your garden does not have to come at the cost of beauty or variety.

Adding native species also doesn’t mean you have to remove all your existing plants and start from scratch. It can be as simple as incorporating just one native plant, making it an accessible step for anyone to take! Our participants showed us that we can make a real difference when we all come together to take action.

You Can Make a Difference

We’re excited to continue collaborating with Fraser Valley community members to populate our beautiful habitat with more native plants. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, we encourage you to take part in Step to It projects to help improve the health and wellbeing of people, plants, animals, and fungi, across the Fraser Valley. Check out our newsletters and get information delivered straight to your inbox!

If reading this has piqued your curiosity about native plants, feel free to browse through our Native Plant Gardening page. We offer many practical tips and tricks for helping native plants thrive.

Finally, we want to here from you! Have you added native plants to your garden or backyard? Email us and share your story!

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