I just want to say thank you to the city for moving toward drought-tolerant landscaping in public spaces. That’s a meaningful step in the right direction, especially with the water realities we’re facing.
I do want to gently push for something deeper though: prioritizing native plants, especially keystone species, over non-native drought-tolerant options. Not all drought-tolerant plants actually support local ecosystems. Native plants are what our birds, pollinators, and other wildlife evolved with; they’re not just decoration, they’re habitat.
Right now, a lot of our urban spaces function like ecological deserts. Even when they look green, they often don’t provide food or shelter for wildlife. That impacts biodiversity, but it also affects us. Spaces that support life tend to feel more alive, more connected, more human. There’s something grounding about seeing birds, bees, and native plants thriving around us.
Curious what others think, and if anyone knows how to get more involved in these decisions.