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The Native Plant Society of Texas joins with the public and many other organizations in expressing appreciation and support for the bipartisan resolution which designates April 2021 as National Native Plant Month, and also recognizes the benefits of native plants to the environment and economy of the United States. Read more about the resolution in the official press release.
The Society has sent the following letter to Senator Portman and Senator Hirono, the sponsors of the bill:
April 14, 2021
Senator Rob Portman
448 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510Senator Mazie Hirono
109 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510Re: April 2021 National Native Plant Month
Dear Senator Portman and Senator Hirono:
On behalf of the Native Plant Society of Texas and its 35 local chapters, I am writing to express our thanks for your joint resolution S. 109 designating April 2021 as National Native Plant Month. We are pleased to join all the other conservation organizations, including other state native plant societies, that supported your resolution that was approved unanimously by the Senate on March 26, 2021.
Your resolution stated that there are more than 17,000 native plant species in the United States which are beneficial and part of our natural heritage. Texas, which has over 5000 species of native plants and 11 different ecoregions, is one of the most biologically diverse states because of its size and geography. However, as your resolution clearly stated, there are challenges ahead due to habitat loss, degradation, and invasive species.
Our mission statement responds to the challenges with these words: “To promote research, conservation and utilization of native plants and plant habitats through education, outreach and example”. Through these efforts, we strive to protect the native plant heritage of Texas and preserve it for future generations. We are a non-profit organization, run by volunteers and funded by membership dues, individual and corporate contributions, and foundation grants.
Thank you for your authorship of the resolution designating April 2021 as “National Native Plant Month”. Our Executive Board will definitely inform all of our local chapters of your successful resolution and encourage them to incorporate your observations in their programs in April.
Respectfully submitted,
Clarence E. Reed
VP-Advocacy & Affiliations
Native Plant Society of Texas
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**ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: Bill Hopkins
