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Connecticut Proclaims April 2023 as Native Plant Month: A Celebration of Biodiversity and Conservation

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Garden Club of America’s Nationwide Initiative Reaches Connecticut with Local Garden Clubs Leading the Charge

Connecticut’s rich biological heritage and the vital role native plants play in sustaining the environment and wildlife has led the state to officially designate April 2023 as “Connecticut Native Plant Month.” This declaration comes as a result of the collaborative efforts of Lisa Hurst of the Greenwich Garden Club, Pamela Frame of the Hortulus Garden Club, and Janice Gardner of Green Fingers Garden Club, along with the sixteen Garden Club of America (GCA) member clubs in Connecticut. Governor Lamont signed the proclamation, marking a significant milestone in the GCA’s nationwide initiative to raise awareness of the importance of native plants.

Native plants are not only essential for maintaining a healthy environment, but they also support thriving wildlife and pollinator populations, reduce pesticide and fertilizer usage, clean air and water, and offer numerous other benefits. North American native species such as insects, caterpillars, birds, and other animals face the risk of extinction due to their inability to consume non-native plants. Habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, and pesticide use further contribute to their decline.

By proclaiming April as Native Plant Month, Connecticut and its citizens can engage in a meaningful way by cultivating native plants at home. These plants are low maintenance, provide four-season beauty, and require less fertilizer. Furthermore, they help conserve water and create a healthy habitat for birds, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, native bees, and other wildlife.

The GCA and its 199 member clubs are dedicated to preserving and expanding native plant habitats. They aim to raise awareness about the significance of native plants in maintaining healthy ecosystems, promoting biodiversity, encouraging the removal of non-native invasive plants, and supporting efforts to help native bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators and wildlife.

Founded in 1913, the GCA is a nonpartisan, issue-oriented advocate for a beautiful, healthy planet. This nonprofit national organization is recognized for its leadership in horticulture, conservation, creative arts, historic preservation, and environmental protection. Its mission is to unite its 199 member clubs to cultivate a bond between people, plants, and the environment. With nearly 18,000 club members, the GCA devotes energy and expertise to projects in their communities and across the United States.

The Native Plant Month Initiative, launched by the GCA in the fall of 2022, aims to establish a Native Plant Month in all fifty states. The initiative is led by the Conservation, Horticulture, and National Affairs and Legislation committees, chaired by volunteers from across the country. Project coordinators enlist the assistance of local leaders, organizations, GCA volunteers, and the general GCA membership to achieve this goal.

The National Native Plant Month Initiative (NNPMI) provides a step-by-step program for GCA clubs to establish a Native Plant Month in their state. This includes guidance from experienced experts and the support of the GCA’s platform to amplify the message of the critical importance of native plants in every state across the country.

To learn more about the initiative, visit www.gcamerica.org. To read the GCA’s Position Paper on native plants, visit www.gcamerica.org/nnpmi. To get involved in the project contact nativeplantmonth@gcamerica.org.

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