WHEREAS, native plants are indigenous species that occur naturally in particular geographic regions, ecosystems, and habitats; and

WHEREAS, native plants support healthy, diverse, and sustainable communities and ecosystems and are critical for purifying air, filtering water, and stabilizing soils and for nourishing birds, insects, and other native wildlife in ways that non-native plants cannot; and

WHEREAS, Alaska native plants are well-adapted to our State’s soils, temperatures, precipitation, and environmental conditions, which makes them the best option for conserving and protecting our environment and adapting to its changes; and

WHEREAS, Alaska is home to more than 2,500 native plant species including shade trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, grasses, mosses, and wildflowers; and

WHEREAS, native plants are an integral part of traditional food ways and cultural practices of Alaska Native peoples, and native plants have supplied food, medicine, shelter, and other life necessities to Alaskans for many generations; and

WHEREAS , opportunities exist to promote new and expand existing industry in Alaska to grow from seed, harvest, and propagate native plants for supply to local retailers, the Alaska landscape industry, and other potential markets; and

WHEREAS, it is crucial to encourage public awareness about the benefits and importance of Alaska’s native plants to traditional ways of life, to our rich heritage, to our pollinators and other wildlife, to our economy, and the health and sustainability of Alaska’s communities and ecosystems.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 2024 as:

Alaska Native Plant Month

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers in their yards, remove non-native invasive plants, and educate themselves about the many benefits of native plants.