What is a native plant?
Native plants evolved in this landscape; in short, they belong here. Their life cycles are ecologically linked with indigenous animals and pollinators, and they are adapted to local soil and climate conditions.
Why grow with native plants?
Native plants regenerate soil, sequester carbon, feed pollinators and wildlife, restore ecosystems, and more. They are an integral part of the web of life around us. Interacting with native plants is a way to build a close, reciprocal relationship with nature.
Where are the plants grown?
We currently grow plants in Amherst, Wisconsin, on the ancestral unceded territory of the Omaeqnomenew-ahkew (Menominee) First Nation. It is important to acknowledge this because native peoples are integrally entwined with the land and the plants that grow upon it. Native people and plants are relatives, and we hope that our work complements and respects them both.
How are the plants grown?
All plants are grown from locally and regionally sourced seed in an unheated greenhouse. We do not use fertilizers or pesticides.
What is the purpose of Generation Native Plants?
Generation Native Plants exists to make sustainably-grown native plants locally accessible. Our mission is to promote widespread use of native species.
“Who” is Generation Native Plants?
Generation Native Plants was started by me, Nichole Good. I first grew native plants as an intern at Midewin National Tallgrass prairie, where I played a small role in an 18,000+ acre grassland restoration project and fell in love with prairie plants. I studied and worked in ecosystem restoration while earning my B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. In graduate school, I focused on soil science and earned my M.S. degree from Cal Poly Humboldt (f.k.a. Humboldt State University). Since 2015, I have worked at a small environmental consulting firm managing soil and groundwater remediation projects. I am a certified Professional Soil Scientist in Wisconsin, and a key organizer for a local land trust.
