US Senate Designates April 2021 as National Native Plant Month

[KNPS]

Native Plant Awareness is Increasing!  The US Senate approved this designation:

Designating April 2021 as “National Native Plant Month”.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

March 15, 2021

Mr. Portman (for himself and Ms. Hirono) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

March 25, 2021

Committee discharged; considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Designating April 2021 as “National Native Plant Month”.

Whereas native plants are indigenous species that have evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat;

Whereas there are more than 17,000 native plant species in the United States, which include trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and wildflowers;

Whereas native plants help prevent flooding, drought, and erosion and can help restore damaged ecosystems;

Whereas native plants provide shelter as well as nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds, and other wildlife in ways that non-native plants cannot;

Whereas more than 200 of the native plant species in the United States are estimated to have been lost since the early 19th century;

Whereas habitat loss and degradation, extreme weather events, and invasive species have contributed to the decline of native plants in the United States; and

Whereas native plants are essential components of resilient ecosystems and our natural heritage: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) designates April 2021 as “National Native Plant Month”; and

(2) recognizes the benefits of native plants to the environment and economy of the United States.

Link to Congress.gov - 

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-resolution/109/text