A resolution designating April 2021 as "National Native Plant Month".

III 117TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION S. RES. 109 Designating April 2021 as ‘‘National Native Plant Month’’. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES MARCH 15, 2021 Mr. PORTMAN (for himself and Ms. HIRONO) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary MARCH 25, 2021 Committee discharged; considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating April 2021 as ‘‘National Native Plant Month’’. Whereas native plants are indigenous species that have evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, eco- system, and habitat; Whereas there are more than 17,000 native plant species in the United States, which include trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and wildflowers; Whereas native plants help prevent flooding, drought, and erosion and can help restore damaged ecosystems; Whereas native plants provide shelter as well as nectar, pol- len, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, in- sects, birds, and other wildlife in ways that non-native plants cannot; VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:10 Mar 26, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR109.ATS SR109 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS 2 SRES 109 ATS 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 de- cline 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 Resolved, That the Senate— 1 (1) designates April 2021 as ‘‘National Native 2 Plant Month’’; and 3 (2) recognizes the benefits of native plants to 4 the environment and economy of the United States. 5 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:10 Mar 26, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\SR109.ATS SR109 pamtmann on DSKBC07HB2PROD with BILLS