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Region profile

North Central Appalachians

North Central Appalachians: This region consists of plateaus, high hills, and low mountains underlain by sedimentary rocks, including coal, and is primarily characterized by forestry and recreation, with only the Poconos section in the east having been glaciated.

Zone

Interior

Common Name

CEC Level III Code

5.3.2

CEC Level II Code

5.3 Atlantic Highlands

Overview Eco Snapshot Calendar Habitat Seed Mix

Overview

About This Region

The North Central Appalachians, including the Poconos, is a region of plateaus, hills, and low mountains, largely spared from recent glaciation. Land use is dominated by forestry and recreation, alongside some mining for coal and gas. These activities, along with development, can impact pollinator habitats. This area hosts vital pollinators, including diverse native bees and hummingbirds. Protecting the mixed sedimentary bedrock landscape, which supports various ecosystems, is crucial for “A Billion Small Steps.” Conservation efforts here focus on maintaining forest health and managing land use to sustain the region’s bee and bird populations, essential for crops like apples and blueberries. (499 characters)

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Region facts

At a glance

Category	Details
Aliases	North Central Appalachians, CEC 5.3.2, North-Central Appalachians
Geographic Range	The North Central Appalachians region is characterized by glaciated, rolling plateaus and mountains with a mix of deciduous forests and agricultural land, situated primarily in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Climate Snapshot	This region experiences a humid continental climate characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, moist summers, with precipitation distributed relatively evenly throughout the year.
Terrain Profile	The terrain is characterized by elliptical to irregularly linear patterns along steep slope contours, featuring a mosaic of sparsely vegetated barrens on talus, cliffs, and outcrops, with woodlands on dry slopes.
Vegetation Cover	This region is characterized by diverse mixed deciduous forests, including sugar maple, beech, and yellow birch, along with hemlock and white pine in cooler, higher elevations and ravines.
Wildlife Habitat	The North-Central Appalachian Seepage Fen is home to diverse species, including the Star-nosed Mole, Bog Turtle, Mitchell's Satyr, and Red-bellied Snake.

Eco snapshot

What shapes this region

Climate pattern

Four distinct seasons are typical.
Weather can shift with elevation and terrain.
Microclimate = small local weather differences (sunny slope vs. shaded valley).

Vegetation profile

This region is characterized by diverse mixed deciduous forests, including sugar maple, beech, and yellow birch, along with hemlock and white pine in cooler, higher elevations and ravines.

Wildlife profile

The North-Central Appalachian Seepage Fen is home to diverse species, including the Star-nosed Mole, Bog Turtle, Mitchell’s Satyr, and Red-bellied Snake.

Why pollinators matter here

Native wildflowers and flowering shrubs support bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Pollinators help many native plants reproduce, supporting birds and other wildlife through seeds and fruits.
Habitat can be fragmented by roads and development—small patches can help reconnect resources.
Early spring and late fall blooms can be especially important when flowers are scarce.

Seasonal timing

Planting seasons

Timing varies by microclimate; use this as a flexible guide.

Seasonal timing

Early spring: Great for early-blooming natives and cool-season planting when soils are workable.
Late spring to early summer: Plant warm-season growers; keep new plants watered until established.
Late summer to fall: Often a strong time for planting perennials and shrubs so roots can settle in.
Winter: Plan your patch, source native plants, and leave habitat (stems/leaves) in place.

Quick seasonal checklist

Choose 3+ bloom windows (spring, summer, fall).
Add at least one shrub or small tree if you have space.
Keep a small area messy on purpose for nesting and shelter.
Avoid pesticides; use hand-pulling, mulching, and targeted watering instead.

Yearly needs

Pollinator calendar

What pollinators need throughout the year, and what to do about it.

Season	What pollinators need most	What you can do
Late winter / early spring	Early nectar and pollen; safe places to emerge	Plant/plan for early bloomers; leave some leaf litter and stems until warmer weather settles
Spring	Steady bloom; nesting sites starting up	Plant a mix of natives; keep a small patch of bare soil; add a shallow water dish with stones
Summer	Heat-season nectar; diverse flowers; water	Prioritize drought-tolerant natives; water new plants; aim for clumps of the same flower for easy foraging
Late summer / fall	“Last chance” nectar; fuel for migration/overwintering	Plant late bloomers; avoid fall clean-up that removes stems/seedheads too early
Winter	Shelter; undisturbed nesting materials	Leave stems standing; keep some leaves; delay heavy pruning and full garden “reset” until spring

Seed mix concept

A Billion Small Steps Seed mix

A simple way to plan a seed mix (or plant list) is to build it in three layers so something is always blooming:

Spring starter

Spring starter: early bloomers that help pollinators as they emerge.

Summer bridge

Summer bridge: long-blooming, heat-season flowers that carry the middle of the year.

Fall finisher

Fall finisher: asters/goldenrods and other late bloomers that provide crucial end-of-season fuel.

What You Can Do

Make a difference for native habitats.

Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.

Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.

Get a Bloom Kit View Bloom Map

Native plants

Plants that thrive in this region

Alders

Alders are fast-growing trees in the genus Alnus that are especially useful in damp spots and along edges where you want quick cover and early-season pollen for insects.

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Asters

Asters are late-season wildflowers that bring a burst of daisy-like blooms when many gardens are winding down, making them a reliable choice for pollinator-friendly planting.

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Birches

Birches are graceful trees in the genus Betula, known for their often light-colored bark and early-season pollen and catkins that support springtime insects.

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Blueberries & huckleberries

Blueberries and huckleberries (genus Vaccinium) are berry-producing shrubs with spring flowers that can support pollinators and later feed people and wildlife—great for gardens, schoolyards, and even large containers.

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Clovers

Clovers are small, easygoing plants in the genus Trifolium that can add nectar and pollen to gardens, lawns, and pots while helping cover bare soil.

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Fireweed

Fireweed is a tough, fast-growing wildflower in the genus Chamerion that brings bright pink blooms and lots of pollinator activity to sunny, open spaces.

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Fleabanes

Fleabanes (genus Erigeron) are easygoing wildflowers with daisy-like blooms that can brighten gardens, schoolyards, and balcony pots while offering steady nectar and pollen for many small pollinators.

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Goldenrods

Goldenrods are tough, sunny wildflowers in the genus Solidago that light up late-season gardens with golden blooms and provide reliable nectar and pollen when many other flowers are fading.

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Kinnikinnick

Kinnikinnick is a tough, low-growing evergreen groundcover in the genus Arctostaphylos (often called bearberry) that forms a tidy mat and offers small spring flowers followed by red berries.

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Manzanitas

Manzanitas are tough, beautiful western shrubs with urn-shaped flowers that can feed early-season pollinators and evergreen leaves that keep gardens looking good year-round.

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Poplars, aspens & cottonwoods

Poplars, aspens, and cottonwoods (genus Populus) are fast-growing trees best known for their fluttering leaves and soft “cottony” seeds. They can support early-season pollinators with spring catkins, but they’re also big, thirsty, and often short-lived in small yards—so they’re best chosen with space and roots in mind.

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Rushes

Rushes are tough, grass-like wetland plants (genus Juncus) that thrive in damp soil and help create calm, sheltered habitat at the edges of ponds, rain gardens, and low spots.

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Sedges

Sedges (genus Carex) are grass-like plants that form tidy clumps and thrive in many garden conditions, especially where soil stays a bit damp. They add texture, cover bare ground, and can support small wildlife by providing shelter and nesting material.

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Willowherbs

Willowherbs (genus Epilobium) are easygoing wildflowers that pop up in sunny, open spots and offer simple, nectar-rich blooms that many small pollinators can use.

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Willows

Willows are fast-growing trees and shrubs in the genus Salix that offer some of the earliest pollen and nectar of the year, making them a strong choice for pollinator-friendly yards, parks, and school grounds.

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