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SJ 278

Native Plant Month.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Jordan

Designates April as Native Plant Month in Virginia each year from 2025 onward to raise public awareness of the ecological, economic, and health benefits of native plants.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ278ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 278

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 278 (SJ278) — Native Plant Month

Overview

SJ278 is a non-binding Senate Joint Resolution in Virginia that designates the month of April, starting in 2025 and in every subsequent year, as Native Plant Month in the Commonwealth. The resolution reinforces public awareness of the benefits of native plants and encourages recognition and celebration of Virginia’s native flora. The enrolled version is SJ278ER, reflecting passage by both chambers in early 2025.

Purpose and intent

  • Declare April as Native Plant Month in Virginia each year beginning in 2025.
  • Promote public awareness of the ecological, economic, and health benefits of native plants and their role in healthy ecosystems, pollinator support, water quality, air and soil health, and biodiversity.
  • Encourage residents to observe Native Plant Month and plant native species.

Key provisions

  • Designation: April, 2025 and each succeeding year, shall be Native Plant Month in Virginia.
  • Awareness and outreach: The General Assembly expresses its sense that native plants are essential for sustainable ecosystems and calls attention to their benefits for pollinators and wildlife, water quality, air quality, soil stabilization, and overall environmental health.
  • Public engagement and recognition: The resolution urges public appreciation of Virginia’s native plant heritage and its ecosystem services.
  • Dissemination and posting:
    • Transmit copies of the resolution to specified organizations: Blue Ridge Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM), Plant Northern Virginia (NOVA) Natives, and Wild Ones Greater Richmond Virginia Chapter to inform members of the General Assembly’s designation.
    • The Clerk of the Senate is to post the designation on the General Assembly’s website.

Background and support material (WHEREAS clauses)

  • Native plants are indigenous species that evolved with local wildlife and are adapted to Virginia’s regional ecosystems.
  • Benefits highlighted include reduced water usage, fertilizer and pesticide needs, improved runoff control, better water quality, air cleaning, and soil stabilization.
  • Virginia’s biodiversity is noted as having more than 3,200 native plant species across diverse habitats.
  • Some native species are among Virginia’s rarest and are protected under federal Endangered Species Act (examples cited: Virginia sneezeweed, Virginia round-leaf birch, shale barren rock cress, smallanthered bittercress).
  • Emphasis on public education, enjoyment, and planting of native species.

Legislative history and timeline

  • Introduced: January 15, 2025 (Patron: Senator Jordan). Referred to Rules.
  • Rules committee: Reported January 24–25, 2025.
  • Passed Senate: January 29, 2025 (voice vote).
  • House action: February 20, 2025 (agreed to by House, 97-Y, 0-N).
  • Final enrolled status: SJ278ER (Designated as Native Plant Month; posted on website; transmitted to target organizations).

Who/itemized beneficiaries or affected parties

  • General public in Virginia, particularly residents and organizations involved in native plant advocacy, conservation, and landscaping.
  • Environmental and conservation groups (e.g., PRISM, NOVA Natives, Wild Ones chapters) that may engage in outreach, education, and local plantings.
  • No new funding authority or statutory program is created; the measure is ceremonial and informational.

Practical implications

  • This is a ceremonial designation, not a funding program or regulatory change.
  • May lead to increased public awareness and potential community events, education, and native-plant initiatives during April each year.
  • Provides a formal recognition that could support future environmental education and outreach efforts.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize potential local government or nonprofit outreach opportunities tied to Native Plant Month.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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