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Bill

S 1256

Prohibits planting of non-native species in landscaping at State parks and forests; establishes grant program to support use of native plants at local parks and forests; appropriates $250,000.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Greenstein

New Jersey would ban non-native plants in state parks and provide $250,000 in grants to help local parks transition to native plant landscaping for ecosystem health.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee
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Bill Summary · S 1256

Legislative bill overview

S 1256 prohibits the use of non-native plant species in landscaping projects within New Jersey's state parks and forests. The bill simultaneously establishes a grant program to incentivize local parks and forests to transition toward native plant landscaping, backed by a $250,000 appropriation.

Why is this important

Native plants support local ecosystems, pollinators, and wildlife that have evolved to depend on them, while non-native species can become invasive and disrupt ecological balance. The bill addresses both state-level management and provides financial support to help municipalities—which often lack resources for ecological transitions—implement similar practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and burden on municipalities: The $250,000 grant pool may be insufficient to support widespread native plant conversion across New Jersey's numerous local parks, potentially creating competitive application processes or leaving many communities without support.
  • Definition and enforcement challenges: The bill's effectiveness depends on clear definitions of "native species" and robust monitoring mechanisms; implementation may be complex given variations in regional plant adaptation and climate zones within the state.
  • Landscaping industry impact: Nurseries, landscapers, and grounds maintenance contractors currently invested in non-native plant stock may face economic disruption and retraining costs.

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

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