Native insects and plants have co-evolved. When you plant a non-native tree or other plant, it disrupts the ecosystem by competing with native vegetation and degrading the natural habitat. By planting native, it provides shelter, nectar, pollen, and food for a wide variety of birds, insects, and other wildlife. It is important to provide a diversity of native vegetation as different plants provide different things for different species. For example, honey bees get nectar and pollen from wildflowers like the desert globemallow, while the endangered monarch butterfly are dependent on milkweeds as food for their caterpillars. Plants such as the sacred datura are dependent upon the hawkmoth for pollination.

Native plants are drought-tolerant as well, so they are low-maintenance and support the local ecosystem!

One of our land stewardship projects at Arcosanti is to increase the biodiversity on site. Small pockets of native pollinator gardens have been established on site, currently outside West Housing and in the Keystone. Currently, blue flax, desert lupine, California poppy, and Mexican gold poppy can be seen blooming in the Keystone. More wildflowers will pop up as the season continues. Funding for seeds was provided by both the Agua Fria Solar Project and the Native Plant Society Prescott Chapter. We are seeking funds to plant more sites, specifically around the amphitheater and along the tour path, with native vegetation such as the beautiful desert willow, fairy duster, and penstemon.

Please dedicate your gift in honor of “Native Plants” when you make your donation

The Cosanti Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our Federal Tax ID Number is 86-0208931. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information about donations and giving to The Cosanti Foundation, please contact Ivan Fritz, Chief Operating Officer.