Press Releases

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-Hawai’i-01), along with U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D-Colorado-02), today introduced a resolution to designate April as National Native Plant Month to promote the importance of biodiversity, climate and water conservation throughout our country. The Senate passed its version of the resolution co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono.

“Native plants are not just a vital part of our natural landscape; they are integral to the environmental health of our nation,” said Case. “From supporting biodiversity to enhancing local ecosystems, native plants play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and resilience in our environment.”

Colorado is home to over 3,000 native plant species, all of which play a crucial role in environmental conservation. As biodiversity declines, we must continue to advocate for and take action that protects our environment while highlighting the importance of native plant species. That’s why I’m proud to join Rep. Case in leading the effort to designate April as National Native Plant Month,” said Neguse, House Assistant Minority Leader.

Case continued: “In my home state of Hawai‘i, our kuleana (responsibility) is to care for over 1,400 native plant species, nearly 90% of which are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. These plants are not only critical to the islands’ biodiversity but also serve as living treasures that reflect the resilience and adaptation of life in an isolated, often harsh environment.”

“Native plants are those best suited to our local climates and support native insects and wildlife,” said Jennifer Neale, Director of Research & Conservation, Denver Botanic Gardens. “We connect people with plants, native plants in particular, through our horticultural displays, educational programming and scientific studies. We should all celebrate our native plants and the unique beauty they bring to our local landscapes.”

“The Hawai‘i Nature Center’s core mission is to connect children and families to nature via environmental education and outdoor exploration,” said Todd Cullison, the Executive Director of the Hawai‘i Nature Center. 

“A main focus is teaching our keiki about their island home and how to mālama ‘āina (care for the land).  A significant tenet of this is the ecological and cultural importance of native and endemic plants, how they provide ecosystem services like soil formation and nutrient cycling, promote clean water and provide habitat for native wildlife . 

“This resolution by Representative Neguse of Colorado and Representative Case of Hawai‘i further solidifies the importance of native plants and provides a pathway for future celebration and education that Hawai‘i Nature Center and other entities can embrace into the future.”

“At the National Tropical Botanical Garden, we are committed to the perpetuation of Hawaiʻi’s irreplaceable native plants and native biodiversity everywhere,” said Tami Rollins, Interim CEO, National Tropical Botanical Garden.

“Hawaiian native plants are at the very foundation of our island ecosystems, the livelihoods of our communities, and the essence of Hawaiian culture. Dedicating a month to native plants across the country is a great way to foster appreciation and inspire action for these increasingly imperiled species that are critical to life on our island home - from the ʻāina of Hawaiʻi to the entire planet."

Case continued: “Beyond their ecological value, native plants in Hawai‘i hold profound cultural and historical significance for Native Hawaiian communities. For centuries, Hawaiians have relied on these plants for a variety of essential purposes, including as staple foods like sweet potato (‘uala), taro (kalo), and breadfruit (‘ulu), which were central to their diet and agricultural system. These plants also provided medicinal benefits, with species like ‘a‘ali‘i (hopbush) and ni‘oi (chili pepper) integral to the holistic health practices of Native Hawaiians  By designating this month, we can shine a spotlight on the importance of native plants in maintaining the ecological balance of our communities and encourage the public to take steps to protect and conserve these species.”

Attachment(s):

·        Text of measure here

·        Case remarks here

·        Picture of ‘Ōhi‘a lehua with ʻIʻiwi bird - Hawai‘i courtesy Keith Burnett

·        Picture of acacia koa - Hawai‘i courtesy National Tropical Botanical Garden

·        Picture of native plants - Plains Garden at Denver Botanic Gardens courtesy Scott Dressel-Martin

·        Picture of endangered Penstemon Penlandii  - Colorado courtesy Scott Dressel-Martin

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