Do you have ferns or other native plants growing in your garden that you do not want? 

Are you planning a construction project that will disturb native vegetation?

Many native plants can easily be salvaged.  These plants can be used in restoration projects on Mercer Island and save restoration costs.  (Note: Please do not salvage plants from the wild.)

If you have plants to donate or if you want someone to salvage them for you, call Rita Moore at 206 275-3883 or email rmoore@eds.org.

Native plants suitable for salvage (The smaller the plant, the more easily it will successfully salvage.):

• Ferns - easily salvaged, high success rate even with large plants at all times of the year.
• Trees - Under 5 feet.  Best to move deciduous trees in fall after leaves drop.  Conifers are best moved in early fall after rains start or early winter.  (Exception; madrona trees can only be salvaged as seedlings since they develop deep tap roots.)
• Shrubs - Under 5 feet will salvage best.  If deciduous, best moved in fall or winter.
• Ground covers such as salal and low growing Oregon grape - Do not salvage well.  Expect a high mortality rate (50%).
• Wildflowers - usually can be salvaged

Note that salvaged plants will need to be watered during summers for at least 2 years.  Larger trees may need 3 years of watering.  Water deeply every other week.  The soil should dry out a little between watering.  You want to develop deep root growth.