Issue link: https://townofcary.uberflip.com/i/791958
249 Native Plants, Soil Regeneration, Wildlife, and Pollinators Greening Cary extends to na ve plants, soil regenera on, and support of pollinators and wildlife. By incorpora ng na ve plants and reducing the presence of invasive plants in regional land- scaping, open space management, and development projects, Cary not only enhances the resiliency of local ecosystems but also creates biodiverse oases that elevate the quality of life for its human and wildlife residents. Na ve species are adapted to local condi ons, making them more resistant to environmental stressors and fluctua ons. These plants, well-suited to local weather and rainfall pa erns, reduce the need for irriga on and support, generally requiring less maintenance, fer liza on, and pest control, thus reducing the cost and effort associated with upkeep. Because they are adapted to local systems, North Carolina's Piedmont-na ve plants o en have deeper roots and are able to capture and store carbon below the soil, mi ga ng climate change. Na ve plants also have stormwater and erosion control benefits similar to trees. Flowers, grasses, pollen, seeds, and dormant and decaying materials from na ve plants support, enhance, and replenish biodiversity in Cary both above- and belowground by providing food, shelter, and habitat support. Similarly, Cary recognizes the indispensable role of pollinators, such as bees and bu erflies, in suppor ng local agriculture and maintaining healthy ecosystems. As pollina on is vital for the reproduc on of many plants, including crops, pollinators provide food web support as both humans and wildlife benefit from the produce of pollinated plants. They also contribute to gene c diversity via cross-pollina on, which makes plants more adaptable to changing environmental condi ons. Some pollina- tors even act as natural predators of insect pests, reducing the reliance on pes cide chemicals. The health of Cary's soil is paramount to the community's envi- ronmental and economic well-being and is the founda on for healthy ecosystems and the mi ga on of climate change. Healthy soils go beyond tradi onal environmental considera ons as they are reliant on organic content. Cary recognizes that op mally healthy soils, which contain an average of 3% to 6% of organic materials, have the poten al to solve many issues, including soil structure (water infiltra on and reten on, stormwater mi ga- on, erosion, compac on), biodiversity, nutri onal deficiencies, and carbon sequestra on. As infill and redevelopment con nue, protec ng soil, limi ng soil disturbance, and requiring soil rebuilding/remedia on will be needed to maintain heathy soils. Related Planning Efforts Many related planning efforts are underway that are acknowl- edged as part of this document. The Urban Forest Master Plan, Open Space Master Plan, and Stormwater Master Plan are policy documents that provide addi onal detailed strategies. The Sustainability and Climate Ac on Strategy is a community ac on-oriented approach to integra ng sustainable strategies that reduce emissions in our community. The Municipal Pathways Analysis is a municipality ac on-oriented approach to integra ng sustainable strategies that reduce emissions in municipal opera- ons. Many suppor ng studies, such as an Organics Study, and management plans, such as the White Oak Creek Management Plan, further advance this work. Volunteers maintaining the community garden at the Cary Senior Center. Cary offers hands-on experiences and unique facili es dedicated to growing vibrant gardens, healthy soil, and engaged communi es. Pollinator garden at South Cary Water Reclama on Facility. Cary is the 101st community in the na on that has earned the designa on of Cer fied Wildlife Habitat through the Na onal Wildlife Federa on. To achieve and maintain this honor we work with our ci zens, businesses, and organiza ons to cer fy their outdoor spaces as Cer fied Wildlife Habitats.