Senate Passes Bipartisan Hirono Resolution Designating April as ‘National Native Plant Month’

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution led by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, designating April 2026 as "National Native Plant Month." This resolution recognizes the critical role native plants play in supporting wildlife diversity and environmental conservation and restoration.

"With Hawaii being home to 40% of the country's endangered and threatened plant species in the country, celebrating biodiversity and promoting environmental conservation is critical to uplifting our state's history and culture," said Senator Hirono. "Across the country, native plants highlight the uniqueness of the places they call home. This bipartisan resolution is a testament to just that-native plants are not political, our environment depends on them."

"We're promoting National Native Plant Month to increase awareness of just how important native plants are to maintaining and cultivating resilient ecosystems and our natural heritage. Native plants help improve soil quality, enhance water quality, and foster wildlife habitat. I'm proud that Mississippians are increasingly aware of the nearly 3,000 native plant species in our state and how they contribute to its natural beauty and wellbeing," Senator Hyde-Smith said.

In addition to Senators Hirono and Hyde-Smith, this resolution was cosponsored by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Jon Husted (R-OH), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).

"New Jersey is home to over 2,000 plant species, and our native plants are essential to the health of our ecosystems and the diversity of our wildlife," said Senator Booker. "This resolution highlights the critical need to protect our native plants and acknowledges the vital role they play in sustaining our environment."

"This April, I'm celebrating one of Colorado's most remarkable natural flexes: its 3,000 native plant species," said Senator Bennet. "These plants are the unsung heroes keeping our rangelands thriving, our water clean, and wildfire risks in check. National Native Plant Month is a perfect time to give these incredible species the spotlight they deserve."

"From songbirds and small mammals to butterflies and bees, native plants are integral to building thriving, resilient ecosystems and are part of what makes New Hampshire beautiful," said Senator Shaheen. "Recognizing April as National Native Plant Month is one way we can increase awareness around the importance of native plants, and I encourage Granite Staters to learn more about how they can protect native plants in their communities and incorporate them into their own gardens this Spring."

A full text of the resolution is available here.

Senator Hirono has sponsored the "National Native Plant Month" resolution for the past five years. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Hirono has championed legislation to protect Hawaii's environment, fish, wildlife, and plants, while also working to support local farmers and agriculture, and speed the transition to clean, renewable energy in Hawaii and across the country. In September 2025, she introduced the Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act to expand research and grant funding opportunities to help combat pests and diseases affecting tropical plants including coffee plants, macadamia trees, and other iconic Hawaii staples. Since the beginning of President Trump's second term, Senator Hirono has also pushed back against the Administration's mass firings and hiring freezes at the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)'s Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service.

###

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Tweet