In St. Louis County, a new bill encourages the growth of native plants.
St. Louis, MO – On May 28th, 2024, the St. Louis County Council voted unanimously to pass a bill protecting the growth of native plants. The new rule provides that rain gardens, native meadows, and gardens with native or ornamental plants are encouraged as long as these areas are managed and maintained.
Growing native plants is essential for preserving biodiversity and combating invasive species which threaten state agriculture and local forests. Native plants require little to no irrigation, fertilizer, or dangerous pesticides because they evolved to thrive in Missouri soil. They also provide a home for wildlife and insects, whose populations are in a worldwide decline. The result is a resilient, environmentally beneficial garden that conserves water, combats climate change, and provides a beautiful spot for both people and pollinators to enjoy.
Previously, there wasn’t an exemption for native plants under the county’s weeds ordinance, meaning that gardeners nurturing native grasses and plants could face citations and hefty fines once the plants reached their peak height.
Earlier this year, Great Rivers Environmental Law Center helped local gardener Renee Johnson defend her right to grow native plants at home. The bill that passed this May ensures that gardeners like Renee and their native plants are protected—a welcome change that the Law Center is ready to help take root in other municipalities.
Natalie Johnson, Executive Director of Great Rivers Environmental Law Center, stated, “This bill marks a significant victory for environmental stewardship in St. Louis County. By encouraging the growth of native plants, gardeners are actively safeguarding our local habitat, especially in the face of climate change. We look forward to seeing similar initiatives flourish across Missouri.”
Sofia DeSimone is a rising 2L at NYU School of Law. Originally from Rhode Island, she graduated from Columbia University in 2021 with a B.A. in Sociology and hopes to pursue a career in environmental justice. In her free time, Sofia can be found reading on the beach, crafting, or playing with her cat, Tortilla.
Great Rivers Environmental Law Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 environmental law center providing free and low cost services to protect the environment and public health. We work to promote the public health by encouraging cleaner energy, improved environmental performance by businesses, and more efficient transportation and land use, thereby achieving cleaner air and water, and improving the quality of life in the region.