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Native plants are also important to our economy. Insects pollinate many of the foods we enjoy eating. As of 2009, pollination of U.S. crops by native insects was valued at more than nine billion dollars. Some individual species, such as the monarch butterfly, have an estimated economic value in the billions of dollars. These insects will cease to exist without the correct host plants on which to lay their eggs. In fact, researchers estimate that the monarch butterfly population has declined by 80% over the past 21 years. The decline is attributed in large part to the disappearance of the milkweed plants on which the species relies, resulting in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considering the monarch butterfly for protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In contrast to the high economic value of natives, non - native species can be economically and environmentally devastating; such species are categorized as invasive by the federal government. Nearly half of the species listed for protection under the ESA are in trouble due at least in part to invasive species. Far from the economic good of natives, invasive species are estimated to cost the U.S. more than 120 billion dollars in damages annually. It can take decades to determine that a species is invasive, and such a finding does not automatically lead states to ban the sale of the species. While switching to native species from non - native or invasive ones may seem difficult, a number of resources exist to help residents figure out which native plants will thrive in your yard or garden. The North Carolina Botanical Garden (http: / /ncbp.unc.edu /) offers plant lists, classes, tours, family and youth programs, and knowledgeable people to help you in your hunt (not to mention a beautiful garden to stroll through to see spectacular natives year- round). Plant lists and local nurseries that specialize in species native to our region can also be found through the North Carolina Native Plant Society (http: / /www.ncwildflower.org /). You can also learn more about pollinators and native plants at Carrboro's first annual Pollinator Day at the farmer's market on June 13 (http: / /www.townofcarrboro.org /988 /Pollinator - Celebration).