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Audubon and partners host statewide events to honor SC Native Plant Week
Per legislation signed into law in March, the third week of October is designated as South Carolina Native Plant Week, to recognize the significance of native plants to our state's wildlife, economy and history.
(CHARLESTON, S.C. — October 8, 2018) — In honor of South Carolina’s second annual Native Plant Week, Audubon South Carolina, the South Carolina Native Plant Society and other organizations across the state have planned a series of events between Oct. 13 – 20 designed to raise awareness of the vital importance of native plants to our local wildlife, economy and history.
“Native plants are good for birds, good for business, and good for the environment,” said Sharon Richardson, Executive Director of Audubon South Carolina. “I’m delighted that our General Assembly recognized the important role that indigenous plants play by designating the third week of October as Native Plant Week, which provides a great platform for ongoing education efforts.”
In March, the General Assembly overwhelmingly passed H.4005—a bill championed by Audubon South Carolina, authored by State Representatives James Smith and Gary Clary, and signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster—which designates annually the third week in October as South Carolina Native Plant Week. The move made permanent what first began as a one year only designation by the passage of a 2017 House resolution.
“I hope that Native Plant Week and the many great events across the state will encourage people to, first, learn more about native plants and their numerous benefits,” says Lisa Lord, state president for the South Carolina Native Plant Society. “And second, to get out in their yards, communities and businesses and start planting!”
Native plants provide vital habitat for the birds that reside in and migrate through our state and, used at scale, can help limit the impacts of climate change by reducing resource use and pollution. In addition to providing the right mix of nuts, berries, seeds and insects that our birds need to survive and thrive, properly sited native plants are also drought tolerant, easy to grow and maintain, and don’t require the addition of fertilizers and harmful chemicals. Native plants’ deep root systems are also beneficial to soil health and drainage, which can help mitigate the effects of heavy rains and flooding.
"October is a perfect time to celebrate native plants, as millions of birds are migrating through South Carolina and often stopping over for a short time to rest and refuel,” says Jennifer Tyrrell, Director of Bird Conservation and Engagement with Audubon South Carolina. “Adding native plants to our public spaces, yards, balconies and container gardens will not only help attract more birds, but it will give them a better chance of surviving on their long journeys south.”
Native plants have other benefits too, with many representing an important part of South Carolina’s culture, history, and art—namely Southern Magnolias, Sweetgrass and Palmetto trees.
Audubon South Carolina, in conjunction with the South Carolina Native Plant Society and local chapters and garden clubs across the state, invite you to take part in one of our many planned events across the state, or to host your own event!
A complete list of Native Plant Week events can be found here: https://sc.audubon.org/conservation/south-carolina-native-plant-week
About Audubon South Carolina
Audubon South Carolina protects birds and the places they need, right here in South Carolina. We’re the state office of the National Audubon Society, which has more than one million members and a century-long track record of success. In South Carolina, we represent nearly 20,000 Audubon members and supporters, nine Audubon chapters and bird club partners, two Audubon centers and 22,000 acres of land that we own and manage. Learn more about what we do and how to help at sc.audubon.org and follow us on Facebook at @ScAudubon, Twitter at @AudubonSc, and Instagram at @audubon_sc.
About the South Carolina Native Plant Society
The South Carolina Native Plant Society was founded in March of 1996 by a diverse group of folks interested in promoting the awareness and education of native plant species and their importance in the South Carolina landscape and history. By developing working relationships with organizations such as the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League, SC Forest Watch, SC Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club, Chattooga Watershed Coalition, The Nature Conservancy, US Forest Service, SC State Parks, SC Department of Natural Resources and others the South Carolina Native Plant Society has become a leader in conservation effectively raising the public awareness of native plants and native plant issues. Members of the SCNPS participate in plant rescues, botanical surveys, seed collection, field trips, lectures and enjoy the fellowship of people who share a common passion, native plants.
Native plants and the native landscape in many ways define us as a state and a people, giving us a sense of belonging, a sense of place. Native plants are our heritage. Be part of that heritage by becoming a member of the South Carolina Native plant society! Visit scnps.org for more information.
Angelina Ricci Eisenhauer
Photos available upon request