[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[House]
[Pages 3560-3561]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      COUNTDOWN TO EARTH DAY 2016

  (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, to mark this first week of spring, this week 
I launched a Countdown to Earth Day 2016 across our congressional 
district, a district that encompasses the largest watershed in the 
entire Great Lakes, that flows into Lake Erie.
  With greater rainfall causing rising nutrient runoff and with 
millions of people and livestock inhabiting this watershed, the 
persistent and growing challenge of algal blooms into Lake Erie 
threatens our precious freshwater supply.
  This 21st century challenge is one we must meet. Thus, each week 
until Earth Day, April 22, I intend to focus on practical ways citizens 
can help to restore our ecosystem.
  This week our focus is people helping pollinators, as pollinators--
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds--are key to

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abundant plant growth in a region that needs less erosion, more wetland 
filtration, better land and plant management. And one of three foods 
you eat is dependent on pollinators.
  Citizen plantings of staple garden standards such as parsley, dill, 
fennel, and other herbs contribute to pollinator support and ecosystem 
health. They are landing pads for the growth of caterpillars and other 
beneficial insects.
  Everyone can help. For that reason, I encourage all Americans to get 
outside, enjoy the new spring, restore our environment, and plant 
helpful herbs in your gardens and properties to pass on a healthier 
ecosystem to the next generation.

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