Concord, N.H. – Last week, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing April 2026 as “National Native Plant Month,” highlighting the critical role native plants play in supporting ecosystems, strengthening local economies, and preserving America’s natural heritage.
Congresswoman Goodlander introduced the resolution alongside Congressman David Joyce (OH-14), with cosponsors Rep. Troy Carter (LA-02), Rep. James Moylan (GA-AL), Rep. Joe Neguse (CO-02), Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Rep. Ed Case (HI-01), and Rep. Mike Turner (OH-10).
“Growing up in New Hampshire, I learned early in life that our land is worth fighting for,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “Native plants are the backbone of our landscapes — they sustain our wildlife, protect our watersheds, support our farmers and outdoor economy, and connect us to the natural heritage that generations have worked to support and defend. Our resolution is a recognition that caring for our land isn’t a partisan issue — it is an enduring American value.”
“By promoting the use of native plants, we are promoting the restoration of natural habitats in Ohio and across the country,” said Congressman Joyce. “In addition to their environmental benefits, native plants offer a practical, cost-effective solution for communities by requiring significantly less water and ongoing maintenance. This resolution recognizes the value native plants bring to Ohio and to communities nationwide, while promoting responsible stewardship of our natural landscapes.”
Read the full resolution text here.
National Native Plant Month has been supported by hundreds of local, regional, and national organizations spanning nearly all 50 states, reflecting a growing, nationwide effort to protect and restore native ecosystems.
“We are so proud of New Hampshire’s elected officials for raising public awareness of native plants’ contribution to our environmental and economic health. With this Resolution, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander is taking the lead in the House on the nation-wide effort to promote National Native Plant Month,” said Beate Becker, co-chair of the Conservation Committee of the Garden Club of Dublin. “Her commitment is enormously important to the native plant work happening in local communities in NH and around the country.”
“To save our planet, we must protect the health of our water, air, and soil. To save wildlife, we need to provide them with ample food and healthy habitats. Native wildlife has slowly evolved over time alongside native plants. Because of this, native bees, butterflies, caterpillars, birds, and other wildlife depend on these long-known plants for their food, and they usually cannot eat the strange, exotic plants we bring home from distant lands. This resolution provides an annual platform to educate the public about the importance of native plants, and encourages all landowners to plant many more native plants to feed wildlife,” said Nancy Linz, Founder, National Native Plant Month.
“At a time when our planet faces the crises of climate change and loss of plant and animal species, native plants’ role as linchpins of local ecosystems has never been more important. Congress must mark this recognition by advancing policies and investments that will preserve native species and the benefits they provide for both people and nature,” said Tom Cors, Sr. Director, Legislative Affairs, The Nature Conservancy.
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