Wetlands Plantings

A list of Native Plants for the Hockanum River Watershed was prepared by former Conservation Commission members George Arthur and Sheryl McMullen in March of 2000, and was most recently amended effective April 15, 2011. The list appears as Appendix B of the Vernon Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations. It includes three tables, one for trees, one for shrubs, and one for herbaceous plants.

The list was developed because the Conservation Commission was concerned that developers were including non-native plants and trees in landscaping plans. Many plantings were ornamental or invasive, and provided no food or shelter for native wildlife. The list was prepared based on the U.S.. Fish and Wildlife Service, Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife publication entitled Planting Guide to Native Wetland Plants of the Connecticut River Watershed for Wetland Restoration Use.

Use of the list will ensure that proper native plantings are used within wetlands and regulated areas, will crate wildlife habitats, and will preclude the planting of non-native invasive species