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119th CONGRESS
2d Session |
Designating April 2026 as “National Native Plant Month”.
Mrs. Hyde-Smith (for herself, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Husted, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Booker, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Shaheen, and Mr. Heinrich) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
Designating April 2026 as “National Native Plant Month”.
Whereas native plants are indigenous species that have evolved alongside native wildlife and occur naturally in a particular geographic region, ecosystem, and habitat;
Whereas there are more than 17,000 native plant species in the United States, which include large shade trees, understory trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, grasses, and wildflowers;
Whereas native plants are essential for healthy, diverse, and sustainable ecosystems and are critical for cleaning air, filtering water, and stabilizing soils;
Whereas native plants are well-adapted to specific soils, temperatures, precipitation, and environmental conditions, making them the best option for conserving and protecting our environment and adapting to its changes;
Whereas native plants provide shelter, as well as nectar, pollen, seeds, and foliage that serve as food, for native butterflies, caterpillars, birds, bees, 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
(1) designates April 2026 as “National Native Plant Month”; and
(2) recognizes the benefits of native plants to the environment and economy of the United States.