The Kanawha Garden Club announced this week that April has been designated as West Virginia Native Plant Month. The Garden Club of America has led this effort across all 50 states to increase awareness of the critical role native plants play in supporting a healthy environment, thriving wildlife and pollinator populations, reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, cleaning air and water, and more. Native plants are essential to maintaining ecosystem balance and provide shelter and food for wildlife; support critical pollinators; promote biodiversity and healthy ecosystems; help slow soil erosion; help maintain balance among organisms; support pollinators and help diversify the food supply. Through Governor Justice’s Native Plant Month proclamation, West Virginians can engage and make a difference right at home by planting natives whenever possible in public and private landscapes and gardens.