SB 547A making April Oregon’s Native Plant Appreciation Month each year is set for a hearing in the House Rules Committee this coming Monday, 5/19/25.  Please take a few minutes to submit testimony to support this bill.  We have a good chance of passing this bipartisan and cost-free bill if we show support from around the state.  The link to submit testimony is:  https://tinyurl.com/Submit-testimony-House-Rules.

It’s very easy to submit testimony.  You can upload a pdf with your statement, or you can fill in the text box.  Just saying “I support making April Oregon’s Native Plant Appreciation Month” is sufficient for testimony.  If you submitted testimony in February when the bill was in the Senate, you may revise that statement and submit it.  If you want to make a longer argument about the importance of native plants, you may do so.  You might consider the arguments here:  https://tinyurl.com/Why-NPAM.  Or you might think about these ideas:

We have over 3400 species of native plants in Oregon including 120 species that only grow here.  Native plants are important in Oregon for several key reasons:

1. Ecological Balance: Native plants play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of local ecosystems. They support the native wildlife, such as pollinators (bees, butterflies, etc.), birds, and other animals, by providing food, shelter, and nesting sites. These plants have evolved alongside local species, making them well-suited to the area’s climate and soil.

2. Biodiversity: By preserving native plants, we help protect the diversity of Oregon’s natural habitats. Native plants form the foundation of healthy ecosystems, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the state. When non-native species are introduced, they can outcompete native plants, leading to a loss of biodiversity.

3. Water Conservation: Many native plants are adapted to Oregon’s climate, meaning they require less water, fertilizers, and pesticides than non-native species. This makes them more sustainable, particularly in areas where water conservation is important.

4. Soil Health and Erosion Control: Native plants are adapted to the local soil conditions and root systems, which help prevent soil erosion, improve soil health, and stabilize landscapes, especially in areas prone to landslides or flooding.

5. Cultural Significance: Native plants are often integral to Oregon’s indigenous cultures, providing resources for food, medicine, and traditional crafts. Preserving these plants honors the heritage and practices of Native American communities in the region.

6. Resilience to Climate Change: Native plants are generally more resilient to the local climate and weather patterns. As climate change affects temperature, precipitation, and seasonal patterns, native plants are better equipped to adapt, unlike non-natives that may struggle to thrive under changing conditions. Our native plants, especially trees, also sequester carbon mitigating risks.

7. Aesthetic and Historical Value: Many of Oregon’s native plants are visually striking, adding to the region’s natural beauty. They also help maintain historical landscapes, giving a sense of place and identity to the state.

8. Economy:  Native plants, especially the Douglas fir and Western hemlock, are the backbone of the timber and construction industries (among others).

 It would be best to submit your testimony before 8am on Monday May 19, 2025 but you may submit it as late as 7:59 am on May 21, 2025. Here’s the link again: https://tinyurl.com/Submit-testimony-House-Rules

Thank you so much for your time.  We really appreciate your efforts.

Judi Sanders
Vice-President and Native Plant Appreciation Month Coordinator
Native Plant Society of Oregon
[email protected]