As we gear up for Wild Ones Western New York’s inaugural Native Plant Day on Saturday, June 14, we’re continuing to spotlight the native plant nurseries that are making this event possible. Every few days, we’re featuring a different nursery to introduce you to the passionate people restoring biodiversity across our region.
Today, we’re excited to share the story of Swiftwater Organics—a new and inspiring organic farmstead, native plant nursery and reserve based in Lockport. While they don’t yet have a physical retail location, they’re already making a big impact by growing native plants from ethically sourced, locally adapted seed. We encourage you to read the Q&A with Kyle Townsend and explore their website to learn more about their mission.
What inspired you to focus on native plants?
At a young age, both of us were branded as ‘outdoor kids.’ Spending as much time as we could outside—camping, hiking, creek walking, or just being in our backyard—we were always in awe of the beauty that Momma Nature had to unselfishly offer.
As we grew older, we began to see the destruction and collapse of our ecosystems—first in our towns and communities, and eventually right up to our doorstep. The green, wild spaces we once knew no longer flourished. They’ve been replaced by commercial buildings, luxury housing, and strip malls. The plants and habitats that once nourished those spaces have been lost.
Just like the beaver, us bipedals have the ability to change landscapes in astounding ways—for better and worse. From our early memories, life experiences, knowledge, and passion, we felt the calling to be the architects to help heal and rebuild our wild spaces.
What is your favorite native plant?
All of them! Shhh… the plants have ears!
What makes your nursery unique?
At Swiftwater, we pride ourselves in how we cultivate our babies. Almost all of the plants we offer come from wild-collected seed in the WNY and Greater Niagara region—ethically and sustainably sourced. We work with private landowners, municipalities, and like-minded individuals to gather seeds and rescue native plants in danger of destruction from development.
Where big box nurseries often source bulk-grown species from other states with non-local genetics, our plants come straight from the WNY landscape and have adapted to our region over thousands of years. All of our species have “motherplants” in our home gardens, which serve as a living repository of local genetics—and give each plant its own story. It is truly a labor of love.
What is one small thing a homeowner can do to help their native ecosystem?
Probably one of the easiest and most impactful things a homeowner can do is to focus on planting keystone species first, and to know the true source of those species. Keystone species form the foundation of an ecosystem. Making ethical and conscientious decisions in the garden can have a generational impact.
Why shop at local native plant nurseries?
Buy local, plant local, support local, grow local. It all comes full circle. Supporting your local nurseries strengthens the community and the work we do—which enables us to help gardeners strengthen and support their own ecosystems.
Why are you excited about Wild Ones Native Plant Day on June 14?
Who isn’t excited about a day fully devoted to native plants?! It’s a great way for businesses and nurseries to engage with our wildest of members and help guide our newest of members. It’s about growing a community.