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Supporters tell committee officially naming May Maryland Native Plant Month would aid nurseries and pollinators
Summary
Supporters told the Health and Government Operations Committee that making May Maryland Native Plant Month would help nurseries plan inventory, boost native-pollinator habitat and reduce invasive species.
Delegate Michelle Guyton presented House Bill 368 to establish May as Maryland Native Plant Month, telling the committee the statutory designation would provide predictable timing for promotional activity and allow nurseries and growers to plan inventory and community outreach.
"We are asking...for this to be an official commemoration," Guyton said, noting that the governor has issued proclamations in prior years but that a law would provide consistent yearly timing for education and commerce. Proponents described environmental benefits as well as business opportunities for Maryland growers.
Mary Ellen Pease Scheeler, a lifelong Marylander and native-plant advocate, told the committee a permanent month designation would allow community groups and nurseries to plan events and inventory in advance, which she said would drive public participation and increase awareness of native species. "This uncertainty does not provide enough notice for community groups to plan activities or for nurseries to plan adequate inventory in advance," Scheeler said.
Conservation witnesses explained ecological reasons for promoting native plants. Marie LaPorte of the Maryland Sierra Club described native plants as "the keystone food for much of our wildlife, including important native pollinators" and explained the relationship between pollinators and many food crops. Karsten Hoffman of the Maryland Native Plant Society described how invasive plants such as English ivy and Japanese barberry damage ecosystems and human health, and said the bill could promote native alternatives.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture said it "highly supports" the bill and framed the designation as an opportunity to educate the public and partner with schools, growers and landowners to promote biodiversity and pollinator habitat. Witnesses emphasized the bill imposes no mandate and carries no fiscal note, and argued the benefits include both environmental improvement and economic opportunity for Maryland nurseries.
The hearing record shows broad support from conservation organizations, nurseries and agriculture officials. Committee members did not record a roll-call vote in the provided transcript; supporters asked for a favorable report so the measure could advance.
