WHEREAS, native plants are indigenous species that have evolved alongside native wildlife and occur naturally in particular geographic regions and ecosystems; and

WHEREAS, native plants are essential for healthy, biodiverse, and resilient ecosystems, as they often require less water, fertilizer and pesticides, help prevent erosion and improve water quality, and are critical for cleaning air, filtering water, and stabilizing soils; and

WHEREAS, native plants are well-adapted to Virginia’s geology, soils, temperatures, precipitation, and environmental conditions, making them the best option for conserving and protecting our natural resources; and

WHEREAS, native plants provide food and habitat, including nectar, pollen, seeds, and foliage for native birds, caterpillars, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife in ways that non-native plants cannot; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s diverse ecosystems, from sea level to high elevations, are home to more than 3,200 native plant species; and

WHEREAS, 726 of Virginia’s native plant species are ranked and monitored as state or globally rare species by the Virginia Natural Heritage Program, including seven species that occur nowhere else in the world; and

WHEREAS, 35 plant species are federally listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 or state listed under the Virginia Endangered Plant and Insect Act of 1979 as threatened or endangered; and

WHEREAS, it is important to encourage public awareness about the benefits of Virginia’s native plants to pollinators and other wildlife, the economy, and the health and resilience of Virginia’s ecosystems; and

WHEREAS, residents are encouraged to observe National Native Plant Month and Virginia Native Plant Month, recognize the importance of native plants to Virginia’s rich Natural Heritage, appreciate native plants as the best source of food for pollinators and native wildlife, learn about and enjoy the many benefits of native plants, and plant native plants;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize April 2024, as NATIVE PLANT MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.