WHEREAS, Rhode Islanders and those who travel through our beautiful state are encouraged by study and enjoy the abundance of our native flora in their natural habitats and to celebrate the flourishing beauty of Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Wild Plant Society was established in March of 1987, and now, with more than 500 members, is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of Rhode Island's native plants and their habitats whose goal is to educate the public on the scientific and aesthetic values of our native plants; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society encourages and offers guidance in the cultivating and propogation of our native plants and whose theme for 1996 wild plant week is native plants in the home landscape; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby declares May 11 through May 18 to be "Wild Plant Week in Rhode Island" and furthermore, encourages Rhode Islanders and all those who travel through our beautiful state to study and enjoy our native flora; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society.