MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2021 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) England, Barnett, Chassaniol, Fillingane, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Simmons (13th)

Senate Resolution 21

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING APRIL 19-25, 2021, AS "NATIVE PLANT APPRECIATION WEEK" IN MISSISSIPPI AND COMMENDING THE EFFORTS OF THE AUDUBON DELTA REGION OF THE NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE USE OF NATIVE PLANTS IN OUR STATE.

     WHEREAS, native plants are an important part of the State of Mississippi's identity, natural heritage and history; and

     WHEREAS, native plants provide important aesthetic, economic and ecological contributions that make Mississippi a special place to live; and

     WHEREAS, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Moss Point and the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center in Holly Springs are part of the Audubon Delta Region with Louisiana and Arkansas.  Mississippi is two of 42 communities nationwide to be home to a National Audubon Society Education Center; and

     WHEREAS, in the past 15 years, the Audubon Society has held successful native plant sales and has been awarded a large grant from Chemours for education in the use of native plants in the landscape.  PRAC and SPAC has introduced the use of native plants in the landscape to residents both in their respective communities, along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and bordering in states; and

     WHEREAS, in an effort to raise awareness, PRAC and SPAC have incorporated the native plants at city buildings, and placed signs at homes whose landscaping includes native plants; and

     WHEREAS, native plants support many species of birds and many of those species of birds are found to be breeding within the State of Mississippi.  Preserving native plant ecosystems is critical for the protection of birds, fish and other wildlife, as well as water quality in the State of Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, the Pascagoula River Audubon Chapter and SPAC of National Audubon Society, as well as other local organizations and businesses, continuously work to expand the market for Mississippi's native plants; and

     WHEREAS, by cultivating plants native to Mississippi's habitat, we honor our natural heritage, sustain the beauty and benefits of our environmental resources, and preserve a natural link to wildland areas, both past and present:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize the week of April 19-25, 2021, as "Native Plant Appreciation Week" in Mississippi and urge all citizens to join in appreciating, enjoying and celebrating our floral diversity by taking advantage of the opportunities this week to learn more about our native plants, their habitats, and how to protect them, encouraging others to take a native plant walk, visit a natural area or become involved in a restoration project as we join together to celebrate this precious heritage.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, the Holly Springs Strawberry Plains Center, forwarded to the Mississippi Museum of Natural History and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.