What is a native plant? Why plant native plants?
Generally speaking, a native plant is a plant, tree, or shrub that is indigenous to the region. Native plants support millions of beneficial insects and wildlife species, which too, are native to the area. Limiting non-native plants will help to limit non-native, non-beneficial insects and wildlife. Creating a native ecosystem benefits the food chain and food production.
ODNR Wildlife Habitat Initiative
There is now a brand new conservation program that will provide financial incentives for private landowners who would like to improve the wildlife habitat on their property, focusing on supporting habitat for grassland birds, pollinators, and other native wildlife. The Wildlife Habitat Initiative (WHI) is being led by the National Bobwhite and Grassland Initiative (NBGI), along with the support of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the ODNR Division of Wildlife (DOW).
The WHI brochure (linked here) provides a brief description of the program and a listing of the conservation practices that are being made available to the landowner. Conatct Matt Connor, the ODNR Wildlife Management Consultant for our area, (419) 607-7446 or [email protected].
Here are some of the important highlights of the WHI that a landowner would need to be aware of in order to consider moving forward:
The WHI brochure (linked here) provides a brief description of the program and a listing of the conservation practices that are being made available to the landowner. Conatct Matt Connor, the ODNR Wildlife Management Consultant for our area, (419) 607-7446 or [email protected].
Here are some of the important highlights of the WHI that a landowner would need to be aware of in order to consider moving forward:
- The minimum amount of acreage for a project is 5 acres! It would not necessarily need to be contiguous acres, however the accumulative acres on that property or farm tract would need to total a minimum of 5 acres.
- If Forest Stand Improvement is one of the conservation practices selected, a minimum of 75% “open canopy” is a requirement!
- Incentive payments (95% of the pre-established scenario rate) are paid to the landowner for completing a conservation practice(s).
- Contracts with landowners will be executed by the NBGI and will be 1-4 years in length.
Conservation Contractors
Here’s what sets us apart at Keeping It Native Land Management. KINLM.com
One-stop shop. We offer multiple disciplines integrated under one roof: from invasive plant species control to prescribed burns to wildlife and pollinator habitat restoration to forest stand improvement and more. We assist you in managing your project from the very first steps through completion and follow-up.
Trusted and knowledgeable provider. Our staff combine academic backgrounds in disciplines such as Environment and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Forestry Management, and Wetland Mitigation. Our team has practical field experience to take care of our customers’ land in ecologically sound ways. KINLM is also proud to be a certified Technical Service Provider (TSP) by the US Department of Agriculture. KINLM holds SDVOSB and HUBZone certifications from the US Small Business Administration and has been recognized with several community awards for our work.
Education and giving back. We consider every project an opportunity to educate the stewards of the land and improve the ecosystem for the greater good. We love to engage the community, from student groups to non-profit organizations on how everyone can play a part in keeping our natural environment thriving.
One-stop shop. We offer multiple disciplines integrated under one roof: from invasive plant species control to prescribed burns to wildlife and pollinator habitat restoration to forest stand improvement and more. We assist you in managing your project from the very first steps through completion and follow-up.
Trusted and knowledgeable provider. Our staff combine academic backgrounds in disciplines such as Environment and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Forestry Management, and Wetland Mitigation. Our team has practical field experience to take care of our customers’ land in ecologically sound ways. KINLM is also proud to be a certified Technical Service Provider (TSP) by the US Department of Agriculture. KINLM holds SDVOSB and HUBZone certifications from the US Small Business Administration and has been recognized with several community awards for our work.
Education and giving back. We consider every project an opportunity to educate the stewards of the land and improve the ecosystem for the greater good. We love to engage the community, from student groups to non-profit organizations on how everyone can play a part in keeping our natural environment thriving.
Milkweed Pod CollectionThe Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative milkweed pod collection is on pause this year, 2026. The Wood SWCD will NOT be collecting the pods; however, the district office does have cleaned Common Milkweed seed available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fall is a good time to plant the seed.
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Cleaned seed and planting instructions are available to pick- up at the Wood SWCD office.
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