Building Community Awareness of the Benefits of Native Plants
HSV Audubon has submitted a proclamation for consideration to the HSV POA, making the month of April Native Plant Month in Hot Springs Village.
Native Plant Month recognizes the importance of native plants in bird-friendly communities.
Native Plant Proclamations in Previous Years
This is not the first time the Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association has issued a proclamation for native plants. The first year was in 2020, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Village. Unfortunately, that was also on the heels of Covid. The second time was in 2022, and again in 2024.
Native plants and birds have evolved together, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. Planting and preserving native vegetation is a key strategy in promoting biodiversity and supporting the health and vitality of bird populations.
HSV Audubon supports and encourages these proclamations in order to increase awareness of the value of native plants to help restore and retain our bird populations by offering the food sources, nesting sites, cover and shelter they need to survive and thrive.
In a cover letter to the POA asking for consideration of the proclamation, Norma Wall, HSV Audubon president, said this proclamation is designed to:
1. Bring attention to the value of native plants to improve the survival rate of Arkansas birds.
2. Recognize Hot Springs Village as a bird-friendly community.
3. Encourage the use of drought resistant native plants to help reduce water usage, reduce heating effects and energy demands, minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides and improve the quality of storm water runoff and climate resiliency.
Community awareness is vital. Please give this your serious consideration.