Maryland Youth Fight For Permanent Native Plant Month

SOUTHERN MARYLAND, Md. – “Youth deserve a voice in the landscapes that shape us,” says Esther Bonney, 18-year-old founder of Nurture Natives. “We are fighting for the future of our communities and the Chesapeake Bay, and we urge our representatives to take action.”

Young people across Maryland are urging lawmakers to pass a bill that would officially designate every May as Maryland Native Plant Month. Eleven states have passed similar legislation in the last three years, and 33 states recognize Native Plant Month through annual proclamations.

With pollinator populations in steep decline and ongoing challenges across the Chesapeake Bay, this bill offers a timely and effective path forward.

Why It Matters
A permanent Native Plant Month is more than a symbolic gesture. It addresses urgent environmental challenges facing Maryland. Pollinator populations are dropping sharply, streams and rivers struggle with pollution and stormwater runoff, and wildlife habitats across the Chesapeake Bay watershed are shrinking.

Native plants can help reverse these trends. Their deep roots filter pollutants before they reach waterways, stabilize soils, and provide critical habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.More habitat means more pollinators, which supports Maryland’s fruit, vegetable, and seed crops, boosting agricultural yields and strengthening local and regional food systems.

The bill also gives nurseries, landscapers, growers, and educators the predictability they need to plan, grow, and engage communities, while increasing native plant sales during the peak growing season. This legislation supports Maryland’s green economy and Governor Moore’s vision for future-focused climate industries. All at zero cost to taxpayers.

From Proclamation to Law
For three years—2023, 2024, and 2025—Governor Moore has issued a proclamation declaring May as Maryland Native Plant Month. The proposed legislation would formalize this practice, providing stability for the industries and communities that rely on advance planning.

With a permanent observance, more residents learn what to plant, nurseries know what to grow, and communities gain a shared opportunity to participate in habitat restoration. It also helps the landscape and nursery industries transition away from invasive plant sales.

The bill, sponsored by Delegate Dana Stein and Senator Ben Brooks, is expected early in the upcoming legislative session and is anticipated to be heard in Spring 2026. While no organized opposition is expected, the Health and Government Operations Committee has historically been hesitant about new annual designations, making public engagement especially important.

Youth Leading the Way
Maryland youth refuse to wait as decisions are made about the landscapes that will affect their communities, ecosystems, and the Chesapeake Bay they call home. Through organizations like Nurture Natives, an internationally recognized youth-led nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people through native biodiversity restoration, thousands of Maryland students have already taken action.

Since its founding in 2022, Nurture Natives has educated over 10,000 youth, planted 2.4 million seeds, and distributed 70,000 seedlings across the state. Their message echoes the goals of this bill: Maryland’s young people are already planting, restoring, teaching, and advocating. Now, they’re asking the state to join them.

How You Can Help
You can take action to support Maryland Native Plant Month today:
1. Sign the statewide support letter at this link.
2. Write a letter of support on behalf of yourself or your organization. Email your letter or any questions to: nurturenatives@gmail.com.
3. Call or schedule a meeting with your state representatives to urge them to pass the bill.

Every action counts. From a quick phone call to a written statement, your voice helps show lawmakers that Marylanders care about pollinators, healthy habitats, and the future of our landscapes.

This effort is supported by a growing coalition of organizations committed to native plants, biodiversity, and clean water, including: Nurture Natives, Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay, Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake, Herring Run Nursery, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Audubon, Baltimore Bird Club, Maryland Native Plant Society, The Garden Club of America, Blue Water Baltimore, Wildflower Native Plant Nursery, Unity Gardens, Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council, Green Towson Alliance, Sierra Club Maryland Chapter, Bona Terra, Kollar Nursery, and Wild Ones Greater Baltimore. Join them in making a difference for Maryland’s communities, ecosystems, and the Chesapeake Bay.