Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2025, as Native Plant Month in the State of New York
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 159 is a memorializing resolution that asks Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2025 as Native Plant Month in New York State, in coordination with National Native Plant Month. The resolution does not create a new program, mandate, or regulatory requirement; instead, it expresses the Legislature’s support for recognizing native plants and encouraging public awareness of their ecological value.
The resolution describes native plants as species that are naturally adapted to New York’s climate and ecosystems and emphasizes their role in supporting pollinators, wildlife, soil stability, water filtration, and air quality. It also highlights the state’s biodiversity, noting that New York is home to roughly 2,000 native plant species and that many rare plants are protected under federal endangered species law. The resolution encourages residents to remove invasive non-native plants, plant native species, create pollinator gardens, and participate in educational activities such as native plant hikes.
Impact
Because this is a memorializing resolution, it does not amend the New York Environmental Conservation Law or any other statute, and it does not impose legal obligations on state agencies, local governments, or private parties. Its practical effect is symbolic and educational: it seeks gubernatorial proclamation of a commemorative month and aims to promote conservation-minded landscaping, invasive species removal, and public appreciation for native flora and habitat protection.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment is strongly supportive and celebratory. The resolution frames native plants as essential to environmental health, biodiversity, and sustainable ecosystems, and it presents Native Plant Month as a positive public-awareness effort aligned with conservation and pollinator protection. No votes, committee transcripts, or recorded opposition are provided, so there is no evidence of formal controversy in the available record.
Contention
No specific contention appears in the bill text or accompanying legislative history provided. The measure is nonbinding and ceremonial, so any disagreement would likely be limited to the broader policy preferences underlying native plant promotion, such as invasive species management, land-use practices, or the relative emphasis on symbolic proclamations versus direct environmental regulation. However, no opposing arguments or named critics are included in the materials supplied.