Bel Air Declares Native Plant Week For First Time Ever

BEL AIR, MD — Harford County Climate Action members joined Mayor Kevin Bianca at the Town Hall meeting in Bel Air Monday night to receive a proclamation recognizing Native Plant Week.

May 7 to May 14 will mark the "very first native plant week for the town," Bianca said.

"Native plants help prevent flooding, drought and erosion" and provide food for butterflies, birds and other wildlife, Bianca said, reading the Native Plant Week proclamation, which stated more work was needed to ensure native plants in the town continue to thrive.

Tracey Waite, who lives in Homestead Village, has been "working tirelessly" with her team from Harford County Climate Action in advocating for Native Plant Week in Bel Air, according to Bianca.

Last year, the mayor said Waite and her team revitalized a garden at Rockfield Manor with native plants. This year, they are spearheading an invasive cleanup day there.

"Finally Mother Nature is getting some of the attention she has so long deserved," Waite said after being recognized with her team at Town Hall. She encouraged people to reflect on and attend activities dedicated to celebrating native plants.

The invasive cleanup day will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 14, at Rockfield Manor, 501 E. Churchville Rd., Bel Air, MD 21014.

In another Native Plant Week event, author Doug Tallamy will speak at the Bel Air Armory on May 10 about the relationship between ecosystems and human well-being.

See Also: Dr. Doug Tallamy Speaks At the Armory In Bel Air