MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2023 Regular Session
To: Tourism
By: Senator(s) Michel, Kirby, Barnett, Caughman, Frazier, Chassaniol, Jackson, England, Younger, Boyd, McCaughn, Seymour
AN ACT TO DESIGNATE EACH APRIL AS "MISSISSIPPI NATIVE PLANT MONTH" IN ORDER TO PRESERVE THE HERITAGE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF NATIVE PLANTS FOR CLEAN AIR, WATER AND SOIL STABILITY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, native plants are essential for healthy and diverse ecosystems and are critical for clean air, water, and soil stability; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi is home to more than 2,700 native plant species which include trees, shrubs, vines, grasses and wildflowers; and
WHEREAS, native plants are well-adapted to Mississippi's soils, wetlands, temperatures, precipitation, and environmental conditions; and consequently, are the best at conserving and protecting our environment and adapting to its changes; and
WHEREAS, on March 25, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 109, declaring April as "National Native Plant Month"; and
WHEREAS, according to Senate Resolution 109, "native plants are indigenous species that have evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, eco-system, and habitat"; and
WHEREAS, according to the Mississippi Native Plant Society, native plants preserve our rich biological heritage; provide shelter, as well as, nectar, pollen and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds, and other wildlife in ways that nonnative plants cannot provide; provide diversity in form, texture, and color to fit any landscape style and are hardy and easy to grow once established; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi's rarest native plants include four species that are federally listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973: Price's Potato-Bean, American Chaffseed, Louisiana Quillwort and Pondberry; and
WHEREAS, it is important to recognize the value of Mississippi's native plants and encourage public awareness of the many benefits they provide to Mississippi's economy, and to pollinators, and to the health of Mississippi's environment:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) Beginning with April 2023 each month of April is hereby designated as "Mississippi Native Plant Month" in order to preserve the heritage and the importance of native plants for clean air, water and soil stability in the State of Mississippi.
(2) During the month of April, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce shall urge all citizens (a) to educate themselves about the importance and history of Mississippi's native plants and the many benefits they provide to pollinators, and (b) to preserve Mississippi's biological heritage in aiding in the prevention of flooding and erosion and maintaining and preserving the health of Mississippi's economy and environment.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.