Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) are co-sponsors of a bipartisan Senate resolution to designate April 2022 as National Native Plant Month. On March 22, the resolution was introduced in the Senate, and on March 30, Senate Resolution 570 was unanimously approved in the Senate, making April 2022 National Native Plant Month.
During 2022-23, the Westhampton Garden Club will advocate for New York legislation, resolutions or proclamations designating April as Native Plant Month every year on the town, county and state levels, stating the importance of native plants, resolving to plant more native plants, and to host educational events and workshops.
Since all life on Earth depends on the health of our planet, and plants are the foundation of life, legislation of this type is critical. Our ecosystems benefit from native plants — stabilizing soil, filtering water, cleaning air, and supporting pollinators and wildlife.
But there’s no need to wait for native plant legislation. Now’s the time to remove lawn areas or clear areas with nonnative invasive plants to install new gardens or habitats for pollinators and wildlife. Highlight the beauty and wonder of native plants in your own backyard now.
Joy Flynn
Chair
Lynda Confessore
Conservation Committee
Westhampton Garden Club
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