(Fanwood, NJ) — Anyone interested in native plants and invasive species can now access a wealth of information online courtesy of Eli Krantz of Scotch Plains-Fanwood Boy Scouts Troop 104, and candidate for Eagle Scout.
Eli created both Native Plants and Invasive Plants Guides for the Fanwood Environmental Commission’s website https://fanwoodnj.org/departments/environmental-commission/ Eli worked with members of the Environmental Commission to complete his Eagle Scout project.
The idea for the project was suggested to him by Gail Rhein, one of the adults in his troop. She passed away before his project was completed. Eli started work on the project in early March 2024, and finished mid-August.
“Native plants are beneficial to the environment because they are well-adapted to local conditions, requiring less water, fertilizers, and pesticides, which results in lower upkeep. Native plants also support local ecosystems by attracting native species such as birds, insects, and pollinators, fostering biodiversity,” according to the Native Plants Guide written by Eli and posted on the Commission’s website.
“In contrast, invasive plants can be harmful to the environment as they often out-compete native species for resources, leading to a decline in local wildlife. Additionally, invasive plants generally require more maintenance to control their spread, which can be both costly and time-consuming. Overall, promoting native plants over invasive species is crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem,” according to the Invasive Plants Guide Eli prepared.
Eli has posted signs in front of the native and invasive plants along with bar codes for more information. The gardens are cared for by members of the Environmental Commission.
Eli graduated from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in 2024 and is a freshman at Drexel University.
Butterfly Weed, a native plant, as pictured in one of Fanwood’s demonstration gardens at Borough Hall.
