HJR84INTRODUCED
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HJR84
11TMU3L-1
By Representative Faulkner
RFD: Rules
First Read: 20-Feb-25
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5 11TMU3L-1 02/19/2025 lmg (L)lmg 2025-919
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First Read: 20-Feb-25
HJR___ RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF APRIL AS ALABAMA NATIVE
PLANT MONTH.
WHEREAS, native plants are indigenous species that
have evolved alongside native wildlife and occur naturally
in a particular geographic region, ecosystem, and habitat;
Alabama, with its diverse ecosystems ranging from the
coastal plains to the Appalachian Mountains, is home to many
native plants; and
WHEREAS, these native plants play a significant role
in Alabama's ecosystems, providing food and shelter for
local wildlife and contributing to soil health; they also
offer excellent choices for gardening in the state; and
WHEREAS, native plants are well-adapted to Alabama's
soils, temperatures, precipitation, and environmental
conditions, making them the best option for conserving and
protecting our environment and adapting to its changes; and
WHEREAS, Alabama's native plants provide food,
including nectar, pollen, seeds, and foliage for native
birds, caterpillars, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife
in ways that non-native plants cannot; and
WHEREAS, Alabama is home to more than 3,120 native
plant species, including large shade trees, shrubs,
perennials, vines, grasses, and wildflowers; in the coastal
and southern regions, the Southern Magnolia and the
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and southern regions, the Southern Magnolia and the
Flowering Dogwood are common; in the central part of the
state, the Longleaf Pine, the American Beautyberry, and the
native Azaleas are dominant; moving north, the Mountain
Laurel and the Flame Azalea thrive; and in the wetland
areas, the Bald Cypress and the carnivorous Pitcher Plant
are abundant; and
WHEREAS, some of Alabama's rarest plants are
federally listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973
and include the Green Pitcher Plant, Alabama Canebrake
Pitcher Plant, Alabama Leather Flower, and Gentian Pinkroot;
and
WHEREAS, it is important to encourage public
awareness about the benefits of Alabama's native plants to
pollinators and other wildlife, the economy, and the health
and sustainability of Alabama's fragile ecosystems; now
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH
HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That the month of April is
recognized as Alabama Native Plant Month, and we encourage
all Alabamians to observe the month of April as both
National Native Plant Month and Alabama Native Plant Month
by removing non-native invasive plants from yards and
communities; planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers; and
educating our citizens about the many benefits of Alabama's
native plants.
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