Many of us are willing to choose native plants once we understand the benefits. Education is key, and new legislation will help with that. Mandating native plants on public lands will be educational, seed labeling instructive and allowing homeowners to install meadows and native plant gardens will bring more life to our neighborhoods - all the while showing homeowners how to do it.

New York has an opportunity to become a national leader in restoring ecological health, supporting pollinators and empowering residents to participate in climate solutions right in our own backyards. Passing this full package of legislation would turn that opportunity into reality, empowering constituents across the state to take action against biodiversity and habitat loss.