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The Governor's Invasive Species Council will hold a press event at Big Elk Creek State Park. We encourage everyone to plan an activity or event to celebrate PA Native Species Day in 2024. Possible activities include hosting a guided native species hike, holding a native species planting event, and invasive species pull, or holding a workshop or webinar. Please tell us about your event by completing this brief survey. If you would like more information, please email Kris Abell at krabell@pa.gov. ​

PA Native Species Day Partner Events
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In 2023, leaders from the state Departments of Agriculture, Transportation, Environmental Protection, and Conservation and Natural Resources; the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission; and the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association visited North Creek Nurseries in Landenburg, Chester County. 

They highlighted actions state agencies are taking to help counter the proliferation of invasive species and their increasing ecological, economic, and public health impacts in Pennsylvania. North Creek owner Steve Castorani gave a tour of the grounds of this 70 percent native plant grower and wholesaler.

Pennsylvania is home to diverse native plants, trees, insects, fish, birds, and mammals that originated thousands of years ago and thrive in mutual dependence. This native ecosystem provides us with natural resources that benefit our lives by enabling agricultural food production, recreation, fisheries, timber, and more.

As humans have increased worldwide commerce and travel, nonnative species have crisscrossed the world with us. When species are transported to areas outside their native range, they have no natural predators. They often invade, crowding out and threatening the survival of native species.