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We provide expert insight on everything from native plants of Long Island, invasive plant species solutions, and new technologies in natural habitat restoration.

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Tidal Wetland versus Upland Forests

Tidal Wetland versus Upland Forests

Our designs at Spadefoot Design and Construction are inspired by nature, where subtle differences in elevation make a huge difference from a biological standpoint. Incredibly, on Long Island, a gradient between “tidal wetlands“ and “upland forests” can arise with a...

Virginia Creeper

Virginia Creeper

Some fun photos of a volunteer native vine—Virginia creeper—growing on some common milkweed. Both plants are volunteers at a site that used to be a prototypical suburban yard in Huntington, NY; all lawn and a few token trees… These photos demonstrate (on a very small...

Wild Black Cherry

Wild Black Cherry

Wild black cherry (Prunus serotina) is truly a gift from nature. Aside from the obvious wildlife value of the fruits, this species is often one the the first pioneer species to establish to help jump start ecological succession after an area is cleared of pernicious...

For The Love of Cinnamon Fern

For The Love of Cinnamon Fern

Pictured here is Cinnamon fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum) which is an excellent native to add to a shady and moist spot in your yard.  This attractive plant extends fronds in the spring that resemble cinnamon sticks.  Co-associated with red maple swamps, these clump...

Another Lawn Bites The Dust

Another Lawn Bites The Dust

We take great satisfaction in ripping up unnecessary lawn in favor of mini forests and pocket meadows. Pictured here is our temporary construction road to preserve what will remain of the lawn. We do not necessarily advocate completely removing lawns; lawns can be...

Soil Conditioners For The Win

Soil Conditioners For The Win

While many service providers use chemicals to combat invasive species, we’ve drawn a line in the sand and refuse to do so, removing invasive species solely by mechanical means.  This is, in part, because our drinking water sits below the aforementioned sand that...

What is a Black Swallowtail Caterpillar?

What is a Black Swallowtail Caterpillar?

What is a Black Swallowtail? The black swallowtail caterpillar is the larval stage of the black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes), a common species found in North America. The caterpillar is known for its striking appearance and unique adaptations, which help...

What is a Black Swallowtail?

What is a Black Swallowtail?

What is a Black Swallowtail? The black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) is a butterfly species that is native to much of North America. It is a common sight in gardens and natural areas, and its distinctive appearance makes it easy to recognize. The black swallowtail...

What is Swamp Milkweed?

What is Swamp Milkweed?

What is Swamp Milkweed? According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), is named for the Greek god of medicine, Asklepios. Incarnata, is from the Latin carn, meaning flesh and atus, like, because its hue is sometimes...

Small Garden, Big Impact

Small Garden, Big Impact

We often reference the NY Natural Heritage Program community types in our designs and plantings, thereby mimicking nature as best as we can. Here is an example of a red maple swamp forest persisting in the Massapequa Preserve....

The Value of Forest Restoration

The Value of Forest Restoration

Nature lovers, gardeners, and conservationists recognize the value of a healthy forest. When it comes to restoring these ecosystems, we often think of herbaceous plants like goldenrods or ferns. But trees and shrubs pack a way bigger punch regarding ecological impact....

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