ecosystems – Forever Wild preserves and natural areas – will best support biodiversity. Though
not required by the native biodiversity law, to the extent native plantings are used throughout
New York City, they can improve overall habitat quality and resiliency. Curbside plantings and
native plant gardens in landscaped areas can provide corridors for insects, birds, and other
animals.
Increasing the use of native plants outside of intact ecosystems is an important value, and this
guide aims to increase their prevalence in landscaped or non-natural settings. From a bird‟s eye
view, New York City is a mosaic of green spaces, and even intermittent assemblages of native
plant species can facilitate the movement of native pollinators and seed dispersers throughout
our diverse landscape. Remnant nature in New York City is an irreplaceable element of our
cultural heritage. Far from being merely of historic or archival interest, the increased use of
native plants in appropriate settings creates a landscape vital to both contemporary and future
New Yorkers.