New UMass Tool Helps Northeast Landscapers Choose Climate-Resilient Native Plants

Native species in the Northeast are struggling to keep up with rapid climate shifts. With natural migration limited and many plants unable to adapt quickly enough, human intervention is increasingly critical. That’s the premise behind a new resource developed by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, in partnership with the Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (NE RISCC) Management Network.

The team has released a dataset and companion “Climate Smart Gardening” guide designed to help landscape professionals, municipal planners, and gardeners make informed, forward-looking planting decisions. These resources pair ecological research with real-world nursery data to offer practical direction on which native species are most likely to thrive under projected climate scenarios.

Publicly released during a webinar on June 18, the dataset is available online and provides curated plant lists tailored to each Northeastern state. Rather than general advice, these tools deliver location-specific guidance based on expected climate conditions through 2060, helping professionals select plants that will remain viable across changing environments.

Research-Driven, Practitioner-Tested Guidance for Resilient Landscaping

To ensure usability, the UMass team surveyed over 350 nurseries from Virginia to Maine and west to Ohio, mapping current market availability of native species. This information was then layered with climate projections to identify which species are both accessible and likely to succeed long-term.

The process was iterative and collaborative, with input from over 100 experts—including nursery owners, conservation groups, and landscape managers—who helped refine the species lists for practicality and regional relevance. The final output reflects both scientific insight and on-the-ground realities like sourcing challenges and regional planting trends.

Lead researcher Matthew Fertakos explained that while demand for native plants is growing, there has been a critical gap in guidance that incorporates climate data into selection decisions. This new dataset fills that void by equipping professionals with tailored recommendations, reducing guesswork in designing resilient green spaces.

Jenica Allen, senior research fellow at UMass Amherst and a key contributor to the project, emphasized the role of strategic planting in ensuring species survival. The tools are built to be user-friendly and directly applicable—whether the user manages public lands, private developments, or institutional landscapes.