Stewardshops

Stewardshops are a novel learning experience designed to involve participants in stewardship and ecological restoration at a practical level.

Since about ⅓ of the Sourland region is privately owned, backyard stewardship is essential to support the ecosystem. We work to encourage private landowners to engage in backyard stewardship – planting native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants to help support the Sourland forest’s plants and animals – many threatened and endangered.

One of the educational tools we provide is an informal gathering on a member’s property to answer participants’ questions, and share our group’s experiences of what has worked – and what hasn’t – on our own property to help the landowner achieve his or her goals.

Stewardship means caring for something like our natural resources.

It’s important for humans to care for the meadows, wetland and forest because it takes care of us in so many ways. In addition to providing clean water and air – and sequestering carbon, the forest provides important habitat for migrating birds, amphibians and other animals that perform important ecosystem services like insect control.

Resources

Learn more about sowing native seeds.

Learn more below on how to sow native seeds. Thank you for your support of the Sourlands!

Dense Blazing Star

**(Liatris spicata)**

Photo Courtesy of Pinelands Nursery. Thank you Pinelands Nursery for the planting information, learn more by visiting their website here.

Did you receive our fall mailing? Learn more about the seeds sent out.

Wetland Indicator Status: FAC
Zone: 3-9
Species Type: Native
Growth Habit: Forb
Classification: Perennial
Plant Height: 4‘
Spread: 2′
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom Period: July-September
Bloom Color: Purple
Pollinator Value: High
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Deer Resistance: Yes

Winter Sowing

Sweet-Scented Joe Pye

**(Eupatorium purpureum)**

Thank you Pinelands Nursery for the planting information, learn more by visiting their website here.

Did you receive our spring mailing? Learn more about the seeds sent out.

Wetland Indicator Status: FAC
Zone: 3-9
Species Type: Native
Growth Habit: Forb
Classification: Perennial
Plant Height: 7‘
Spread: 3-4′
Growth Rate: Rapid
Bloom Period: July-September
Bloom Color: Pink
Pollinator Value: High
Drought Tolerance: Moderate
Deer Resistance: High

Wild Bergamot

**(Monarda fistulosa)**

Thank you Pinelands Nursery for the planting information, learn more by visiting their website here.

Did you receive our spring mailing? Learn more about the seeds sent out.

Wetland Indicator Status: UPL
Zone: 3-8
Species Type: Native
Growth Habit: Forb
Classification: Perennial
Plant Height: 2-3′
Spread: 3′
Growth Rate: Medium
Bloom Period: July-September
Bloom Color: Lavender
Pollinator Value: High
Drought Tolerance: Moderate
Deer Resistance: High