{"id":29706,"date":"2026-04-22T10:44:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T14:44:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=29706"},"modified":"2026-05-07T11:04:21","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T15:04:21","slug":"news-release-marylands-best-celebrates-native-plant-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2026\/04\/22\/news-release-marylands-best-celebrates-native-plant-month\/","title":{"rendered":"PRESS RELEASE: Maryland\u2019s Best Celebrates Native Plant Month"},"content":{"rendered":"

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 22, 2026)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 \u00a0In celebration of Earth Day, the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Maryland’s Best is proud to join other states across the country in declaring May Native Plant Month. This designation celebrates the essential role that native plants play in supporting healthy ecosystems, resilient landscapes and vibrant local biodiversity.<\/p>\n

Maryland\u2019s Native Plant Month shines a spotlight on the trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers that have evolved over thousands of years to thrive in our state. These plants form the backbone of regional ecosystems\u2014providing food and habitat for pollinators, birds and wildlife; improving soil health; reducing erosion; and restoring water quality. Deep-rooted native plants act as Maryland\u2019s natural water filtration system, while stabilizing our shorelines and capturing runoff to ensure the clean water necessary to support the Chesapeake Bay watershed and our world famous seafood industry.<\/p>\n

\u201cNative plants play a vital role in the health of our ecosystem,\u201d says Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. \u201cWe are encouraging consumers, landscapers, city planners and more to visit our certified nurseries and learn why planting natives is better for the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whether you have a large property or only space for an outdoor container, you can choose native plants to help our wildlife. Native plants also require less water, fewer chemicals and not as much maintenance than many non-native species, making them a smart choice for homeowners and municipalities alike. To learn more about locally native plants, visit the University of Maryland Extension\u2019s\u00a0Native Plant Guide for the Piedmont Region<\/a>\u00a0or visit one of Maryland\u2019s local nurseries.\u00a0Maryland\u2019s Best Native Plant Program<\/a>\u00a0has 35 certified nurseries that specialize in native plants and are a great place to get started and receive expert advice.<\/p>\n

Throughout May, organizations around the state will host events and educational programs designed for residents to incorporate native plants into their own landscapes. Activities include:<\/p>\n