HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 61

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Jeannette O. Wallace

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 in the state's forests, grasslands and deserts, including the official state flower, the yucca; the state tree, the pinon; the state grass, blue grama; and the colorful displays of native wild flowers; 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 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.

- 2 -