Pennsylvania HR 474: A Resolution recognizing May 10 through 19, 2026, as "Go Public Gardens Days" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 3158
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 474
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY SAPPEY, HILL-EVANS, SHUSTERMAN, FREEMAN, SANCHEZ,
MADDEN, HOWARD, CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, RIVERA, BOROWSKI, PASHINSKI,
DALEY, T. DAVIS, GUENST, O'MARA AND TAKAC, APRIL 9, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, RECREATION AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT, APRIL 9, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing May 10 through 19, 2026, as "Go Public Gardens Days"
in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, "Go Public Gardens Days" is an ongoing initiative to
drive the public to visit, value and volunteer at public
gardens; and
WHEREAS, Public gardens comprise botanical gardens, arboreta,
cemeteries, zoological gardens, sculpture gardens, college and
university campuses, historical homes, urban greening
organizations, natural areas and Federal, State, county and city
parks; and
WHEREAS, "PA Gardens" represents a diverse coalition of
Pennsylvania's public horticulture organizations and its vision
is to create opportunities for every Pennsylvanian to engage
with and benefit from organizations providing public
horticulture experiences throughout their communities; and
WHEREAS, Public gardens play an important role in advancing
horticulture, one of this Commonwealth's leading agricultural
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industries, through plant research, conservation and the
promotion of resilient and sustainable growing practices; and
WHEREAS, Public gardens are essential drivers of workforce
and economic development, supporting more than 2,000 full-time
employees in this Commonwealth, driving more than $500 million
into this Commonwealth's economy and supporting $164 million in
combined operating budgets; and
WHEREAS, Public gardens in this Commonwealth serve as
destinations for recreation, tourism and community engagement,
welcoming more than 4.2 million visitors annually, which is on
par with professional sports league attendance; and
WHEREAS, One third of these visitors are from out of town,
producing millions in visitor spending throughout our
communities; and
WHEREAS, Public gardens are vital to feeding humanity and
bring together diverse expertise, approaches and solutions that
are essential for biodiversity in food and agriculture; and
WHEREAS, Public gardens are involved in education and
research and development efforts that bring together schools,
government, industry and nonprofits to cultivate a healthy world
through landscapes, gardens and plants while providing hands-on
learning opportunities for students, educators and the public;
and
WHEREAS, Public gardens prioritize open green space and
conservation by preserving thousands of acres of natural
resources through conservation, restored forests, improved
watersheds and healthy private working lands; and
WHEREAS, Public gardens have a positive impact on personal
health and well-being by providing welcoming spaces for
recreation, reflection and connection with nature; and
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WHEREAS, Studies have shown that connecting people to plants
and the outdoors boosts well-being by providing many physical,
emotional and social benefits; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
week of May 10 through 19, 2026, as "Go Public Gardens Days" in
Pennsylvania.
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