Many of the following websites have or will generate native plant lists.
- Plant Native: PlantNative is dedicated to moving native plants and naturescaping into mainstream landscaping practices.
- Wild Ones: Wild Ones strives to become a widely recognized voice for native plants and the sustainable landscaping movement, promoting increased use of native plantings that create living landscapes through grassroots efforts by example, education, marketing, and personalized support. Wild Ones has several local chapters: see Columbus, Ohio chapter
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: The mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes.
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Go Native- ODNR's mission statement is to ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.
- Midwest Native Plant Society: A non-profit organization of amateur and professional naturalists, botanists, teachers, researchers, gardeners, birders, photographers and others who share a deep appreciate for our native flora and fauna.
See more native plant resources in documents below. You can also review our Native Plant "Yes" List of plant purchases that will be approved for reimbursement through Community Backyards.
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Mission Statement: To ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.
- Ohio Invasive Plants Council: The Ohio Invasive Plants Council is a coalition of agencies, organizations, and individuals throughout Ohio concerned about the introduction, spread, and control of invasive, non-native plants in Ohio's natural habitats
- Midwest Invasive Plants Network: Mission Statement: Our mission is to reduce the impact of invasive plant species in the Midwest.
We refer to the Ohio Invasive Plants Council (OIPC), the Ohio Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), and the Midwest Invasive Plants Council (MIPC) for plants not eligible for reimbursement. For a comprehensive reference list or more information, please contact us directly or you can view our non-native, Invasive Species, Do-Not-Plant list for plant purchases that will not be reimbursed.
Homeowners, renters, and building managers can reduce stormwater runoff and promote infiltration by installing a rain barrel. Rain barrels collect and store water that runs off your roof and would normally be directed to the street and closest storm drain inlet.
Not sure how to install a rain barrel? Watch this installation
tutorial video from the makers of the EarthMinded RainStation or contact
Rain Brothers, LLC., a local one-stop shop for everything rainwater.
Mosquitoes need standing water to breed and can breed in as little as 7 to 10 days. Rain barrels not properly installed or with open lids, can provide the perfect environment for them. Recommendations for reducing breeding sites include eliminating or emptying artificial water collection containers described as prime breeding spots for the mosquito species.
Be sure that you are not breeding mosquitos in your rain barrel by following these suggestions:
- Install rain barrels with a professional rain barrel diverter kit, which will keep the openings between the lid and the barrel sealed and keep your rain barrel from overflowing.
- Empty barrels on a regular basis after and/or before a rainfall to control mosquito breeding cycles.
- Use Mosquito larvicide tablets such as Mosquito Dunks ® inside barrels as needed to assure the control of breeding and development.
- Clean all gutters and downspouts. Leaves, twigs, seeds, and other organic matter will create a water dam in which mosquito larvae can grow.
- Perform regular inspections of your system to make sure that there are no cracks or leaks, and that all fittings and seals around the valves are intact.
By taking these precautions, your properly protected rain barrels can actually help prevent unwanted mosquito breeding by eliminating the standing water which results from a heavy rainfall.
Have a mosquito problem? Request service from Franklin County Public Health by calling (614) 525-BITE (leave a message) or
complete an online request.