Restore Native Plants is an innovative nonprofit team focused on restoring the region’s native plant and animal species – many of which have become threatened and endangered.

In doing so, we aspire to bring the environment back to its original, self-sustaining state, allowing the ecosystem to thrive for generations to come

Red Headed Woodpecker

The National Audubon Society has recognized the red-headed woodpecker as a species of particular concern since 1982, and the bird is considered rare in the Northeastern U.S.

American Bobcat

Bobcats – endangered in NJ in 1991 – are constantly threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, changes in land use, barriers to free movement between suitable habitats and automobile collisions.

Scarlet Beebalm

A critical source of food for migrating and threatened hummingbirds, scarlet beebalm is listed as endangered in the NJ highlands.

Monarch Butterfly and Milkweed

Monarchs are an endangered species. Humans' food security depends on the ecological services that monarchs and other pollinators provide.

Since 1900, in New Jersey, 12 species are extinct and 339 species are endangered or threatened. For example, the only known occurrence in the world of the endangered Hammond’s yellow spring beauty, as well as over one-half of the world’s populations of swamp pink, occur in New Jersey. Human interference – pollution, land development, and the introduction of competing for foreign species – is entirely responsible for this decimation. Often, the public agencies established to protect these precious resources are unable to do their jobs in the face of deep budget cuts and political pressures.

The good news? We can actually do something about it.

Our goal is to ensure our beautiful landscapes and lush ecosystems are around for all future generations to experience and enjoy. We’re achieving this by working with volunteers, the public sector, and private industry alike to reintroduce native plant species to our local communities and give native wildlife the healthy, nourishing habits they need to thrive.

Image hover effect image

01.

GET EDUCATED

Image hover effect image

02.

CLEAN
UP

Image hover effect image

03.

RESTORE

Image hover effect image

04.

BRING IT HOME

What we've done so far:

0

BAGS OF TRASH REMOVED

RAMAPO STATE
FOREST CLEANUP

Restore Native Plants hosts up to 2 park cleanups per year, dedicated to providing a safe and clean environment for wildlife and park patrons alike.
Restore Native Plants at Rampo State Forest Cleanup
0

Acres Saved + Protected

Flowers, tress and habitat
Habitat loss is the primary cause for the decrease in biodiversity and the loss of free services nature provides. We purchase and preserve ecologically intact land to help meet the growing need for open space. With 1,213 people per square mile, New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the U.S. Going forward, open spaces will be the most cost-effective and efficient means to provide vital functions, such as improving water quality, protecting wildlife habitats and carbon dioxide sequestration.
0

Monarch Butterflies Raised and Released

MONARCH BUTTERFLY SANCTUARY

The Monarch Butterfly population has declined 90 percent since the mid 1990s. In human population terms, that’s the same as losing every living person in the U.S. except for those in Florida and Ohio. This critical pollinator’s mortality rate is a sign of a collapsing ecosystem.
Monarch Butterfly

Out in the Wild:

0

THREATENED ANIMALS OBSERVED + REPORTED

Our team frequently explores the local park system looking for animal species listed as endangered, threatened and of special concern. To date, we have found 25 species, including neotropical migrants, hawks, eagles, and amphibians.
0

RARE + THREATENED SPECIES PLANTED

Our team frequently explores the local park system looking for rare plants. In addition, we have planted threatened and endangered species on the properties we manage including rare milkweed species critical to the survival of the Monarch Butterfly.

THE WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON

Please accept our thanks for your thoughtful gift. We are moved by your generosity.

Your gesture serves as a reminder of the kindness of the American people, and we are grateful for your support of our shared vision for our Nation’s future.

Thank you, again, for your gift. We wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama signature
Symbol from letter of Presidential acknowledgement from President Trump

THE WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON

August 30, 2017

Dr. Benjamin M. Burton

Oakland, New Jersey

Dear Dr. Burton,

Thank you for sharing your views on energy and environmental policy.

My Administration is strongly committed to environmental protection, including keeping our air and water clean and being good stewards of our environment. This requires all of us to do our part, and I want to thank you for your commitment to preserving our environment for future generations.

As we continue to protect our environment, we must also ensure that American workers have greater opportunities to provide for their families. That is why my Administration is also committed to protecting American workers and American companies from unnecessary regulatory burdens. Going forward, regulations must balance our stewardship of the environment with the needs of a growing economy.

Thank you again for sharing your views. As President, I am committed to unleashing America’s economic potential, while also protecting the environment. I am confident that together we can preserve America’s natural blessings for future generations.

Sincerely,

Former President Donald Trump's signature