WHEREAS, native plants are an important part of North Carolina’s natural heritage, history, and identity; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina’s native plants are indigenous to our region, and have adapted and evolved over many years to flourish in the unique geography, hydrology, and microclimates of our state; and
WHEREAS, more than 3,900 native plant species make North Carolina one of the most diverse states for flora in the Southeast; 26 of these species are extremely rare and considered federally threatened or endangered; and
WHEREAS, native plants provide high-quality food and shelter for North Carolina’s native wildlife, including butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, as well as both game and nongame species; and
WHEREAS, native plants support more than 350 species of resident and migratory birds in North Carolina, many of which are species of concern and increasingly threatened by climate change; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina gives homage to American Indians and their knowledge of native plants that have provided many generations with food, medicine, and other essentials; throughout our history, North Carolina has benefitted from the economic impact of native plant products, ranging from the blueberry industry to American ginseng exports; and
WHEREAS, gardens and landscapes composed of North Carolina's native plants require less water and little or no fertilizers, soil amendments, or pesticides; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina office of the National Audubon Society as well as other organizations and businesses, including nurseries and retail-garden centers, work to expand the market for our native plants; and
WHEREAS, by cultivating North Carolina’s native plants, we honor our heritage, sustain the beauty and benefits of our environmental resources, and preserve a natural link to wildland areas both past and present;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 16 – 22, 2023, as “NATIVE PLANTS WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.