I am so excited to share this news!!!

After conducting research on native plants and honey bee overwintering survival at MIT this summer, I was so inspired by the results of my investigation that I reached out to NJS Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (12th district).

Native plants are an inseparable part of the natural beauty of the landscape of New Jersey and must be preserved. This legislation is designed to support the NJ-DEP use of native plants in landscaping, land management, reforestation efforts, and habitat restoration in NJS Parks and Forests by establishing a grant program to prohibit the planting of non-native and invasive plants. 

New Jersey has more than 2,100 native plant species that are well-adapted to NJ soils, temperatures, precipitation levels, and other environmental conditions; thereby, making these plants the best option for conserving and protecting the State's environment. Unfortunately, 812 native plants in NJ are listed as endangered or species of concern and 39% of native plants in NJ are considered rare with 42 species that are considered globally rare.

NJ's native plant species provide food, such as nectar, pollen, seeds, foliage, and habitats, including essential shelter and nesting sites for various types of wildlife in the State. With their extensive root systems to control erosion, native plants also moderate floods and filter water to improve water quality.

It is necessary for our State to encourage the increased cultivation of native plants and improve public awareness of their importance and benefits. Please support Bill #A5764: Parks, Plants, and Pollinators.

Thank you! Please kindly forward to anyone else you think will be interested.

Below is a link to pictures/video of the signing....

link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11ROILZrC02CBe2CydkXyDVxMbJjB7x4H?usp=sharing

Happy Thanksgiving!!!