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A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE GOVERNOR DESIGNATE THE LAST SATURDAY IN

AUGUST AS "NATIVE PLANT DAY" IN NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico contains a greater

number of plant habitats than nearly any other state in the

United States, from Chihuahuan desert to alpine tundra; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico also supports a larger number of

native plant species than nearly any other state in the United

States; and

WHEREAS, some of these species are found nowhere else on

earth; and

WHEREAS, these native plants support a great variety of

birds and animals, both native and domestic; and

WHEREAS, the modern way of life inadvertently destroys

natural habitats and introduces noxious weeds, which in turn

replace native forage, which is the state's natural heritage;

and

WHEREAS, in every season, New Mexicans enjoy the beauty

and variety of these native plants, from sunflowers and purple

asters to cacti and exotic yucca plants; and

WHEREAS, there is increasing concern that many of these

native plants may be destroyed or eradicated because they are

not well-known;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE

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STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to

designate the last Saturday in August as "Native Plant Day" in

New Mexico to showcase the natural heritage of plants that New

Mexico provides for its residents and visitors; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be

transmitted to the governor and to the president of the native

plant society of New Mexico.