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Fostering A Homegrown National Park On Campus
09/03/2025
Native landscape practices are essential for supporting local wildlife, conserving water, and reducing pollution caused by fertilizers and pesticides. These practices are also considered lower maintenance, as they require less energy and carbon output for mowing and weeding.
Native keystone species serve as a crucial component of the ecosystem, providing significantly more food for caterpillars and insects than most other native plants. They are the primary food source for bird hatchlings, and these birds later help in spreading pollen and seeds for various plants, thereby benefiting the entire ecosystem. Additionally, native plants attract vital pollinators, such as bees.
For Jake Hartung, an Arboriculture Design Specialist at FSU Grounds & Landscaping, preserving native keystone species on campus is both a priority and a passion. This commitment is inspired by Doug Tallamy's movement, supported by the National Wildlife Federation, which aims to restore biodiversity in our yards and communities through the initiative known as the Homegrown National Park.
Jake Hartung, Arboriculture Design Specialist at FSU Grounds & Landscaping
"The underlying message is that a healthy ecosystem is essential for our world, and that landscaping/gardening practices must change. It's not just as simple as planting more native plants, but to plant 'keystone' native plants," said Hartung.
The food web of our campus ecosystem relies on a healthy population of keystone species. Oak trees are the number one keystone species and are commonly found on campus, and a single large oak can host nearly 1,000 caterpillars. Several keystone species inhabit our campus, so be sure to keep an eye out for them the next time you are on campus. Let's explore some of the most prominent ones:
Live oak: With a lifespan of 200 - 300 years, Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) have evolved to lay eggs on live oaks, which helps feed birds and complete the ecological circle of life. Live Oaks thrive in eastern temperate forests and are well adapted to north Florida's humid climate and frequent rainfall.
Pecan: Pecan trees often begin on campus as volunteer trees, thanks to forgetful squirrels who forget where they plant pecan nuts. The trees also have deep tap roots, meaning they are drought-tolerant!
Sabal palmetto: Also known as the Sabal or cabbage palm, this state tree of Florida is an essential pollinator for bees and a host plant for caterpillar species on its leaves.
Red maple: Not to be confused with the Japanese variety, Red maples are native to Florida and thrive in our warm climate with humid conditions and frequent rainfall. They are native to areas along rivers and swamplands but can handle urban environments like college campuses.
Flowering dogwood: The native dogwood tree is an understory tree that preserves the shade provided by Live oaks on our campus. It is a key host for caterpillars, and its red berries, produced in the fall, are a vital food source for birds.
Shortleaf pine: The Shortleaf pine is characterized by its irregular crown, with short needles and smaller cones at the top of the canopy, giving it the appearance of a bonsai tree with curving branches.
American sycamore: The American Sycamore is native to the eastern temperate forests, extending along the east coast and into the Midwest. In northwest Florida, it serves as a keystone species. This tree is known for its rapid growth and distinctive features, including large leaves and mottled bark that gives the appearance of peeling bark.
The next time you are traversing campus, keep in mind that Florida State University is more than just colorful foliage or Instagram-worthy trees; we are a part of a larger, unique ecosystem that native keystone species are at the center of.
"Imagine the list of keystone plants like a stone arch built over your driveway. Each time you remove a keystone species or plant a non-native, you are creating holes that must be filled to keep your arch intact. Each stone in the arch relies on the others to keep the structure supported. "
The landscape of our homes, campuses, and the broader Tallahassee region relies on our commitment to protecting native keystone species, which helps foster a "Home Grown National Park." Here are some tips on creating a thriving habitat in your own backyard, no matter where you are in the country:
