Native Plant Month Initiative Extended for a Third Year and Growing

GCA Clubs Advocate on Behalf of Sustainable Native Species

April 02, 2025

By: Lydia Chambers

In 2022, the Garden Club of America launched the Native Plant Month Initiative as a nationwide effort to promote native plants and support biodiversity.  By 2024, 47 states plus the District of Columbia recognized a Native Plant month with six states – California, Colorado, Ohio, Louisiana, Mississippi, and New Jersey – passing legislation to make Native Plant month permanent. 
This year, as state coordinators seek to renew annual proclamations, 17 states plus DC are pursuing permanent legislation.  Legislation takes a concerted advocacy effort involving coalition building, lead and co-sponsor recruitment, expert testimony, and finally a floor vote.   No easy task!  

Native Plant Month is tailored to the needs of each state: In New Jersey, native plants are celebrated in April, while Maryland’s efforts are geared towards designating May as their Native Plant Month.
 
GCA believes that, whatever the month, conservation and promotion of native plants is essential for the overall health and functioning of ecosystems. By raising awareness in all 50 states, the GCA hopes there will be more native species planted, conserved, and restored in gardens, parks, and natural areas to support biodiversity, protect wildlife, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient environment for future generations.