Governor Gregoire has proclaimed April 27th through May 3rd, 2008 as Native Plant Appreciation Week in Washington. This week is a celebration of the amazing diversity of Washington’s over 3000 native plant species that inhabit deserts, rain forests, high alpine environments, river valleys, and even backyard landscapes. Native plant ecosystems are critical to sustaining our native wildlife and the quality of Washington’s environment.

The Native Plant Appreciation Week inspires citizens through diverse activities and events to learn more about native plant species and their habitats and how to protect them. The public can participate in everything from talks, walks, hikes, garden tours, and visits to our natural areas to active involvement in habitat restoration projects.

The Washington Native Plant Society provides a website highlighting events scheduled for the week and links to other participating organizations’ websites.

Find out more about NPAW events by visit the Native Plant Society's website: http://www.wnps.org/npaw/events.html