Governor Proclaims North Carolina Wildflower Week 2022

WHEREAS, North Carolina is home to a vast array of wildflowers that define our state and provide a sense of place and regional identity; and

WHEREAS, wildflowers serve an important purpose to our ecosystem, helping to conserve water, reduce mowing costs, protect soil, and decrease the use of fertilizers and pesticides; in addition, they provide food and habitats for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators and wildlife; and

WHEREAS, wildflowers are a potential source of food and can have medicinal properties; and

WHEREAS, North American wildflowers are disappearing at an alarming rate due to human activity such as urban development and the introduction of invasive plant species; and

WHEREAS, the loss of wildflowers can cause reductions in wildlife habitat, less genetic diversity, and unbalanced ecosystems; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina recognizes the importance of protecting our wildflowers and encourages residents to help raise awareness and educate others about protection and conservation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 2 – 8, 2022, as “NORTH CAROLINA WILDFLOWER WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.