May 2019: Plant Michigan Green Month

WHEREAS, as the fourth largest nursery industry in the nation Michigan is home to over 5,000 nursery, retail garden centers; the nursery and landscape industry has a significant impact on the state's economy accruing about $5.715 billion each year; and,

 

WHEREAS, Michigan's green industry produces the top specialty crops in Michigan through perennial plant production, Christmas trees, sod production, landscaping services, and lawn care services distributed to 35 states, Mexico and Canada; and,

 

WHEREAS, the green industry employs over 36,000 Michigan residents making up the fourth largest agricultural commodity group in the state; and,

   

WHEREAS, green areas and landscaped spaces, provide countless benefits to the environment, including soil erosion control, dust prevention, rainwater entrapment, groundwater recharge, solar heat dissipation, glare reduction, organic chemical/pollutant entrapment and degradation, and noise reduction; and,

 

WHEREAS, trees are natural air filters and just one tree removes 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each year; additionally, proper selection and placement of trees, shrubs, and perennials can lower heating and cooling costs by 20 percent and reduce noise pollution by 50 percent; and,

 

WHEREAS, during this month, we raise awareness of the positive economic and environmental impacts the nursery and landscape industry has in the Great Lakes State; we encourage residents to Plant Michigan Green by visiting a local retail garden center, planting a tree, having a landscape or lawn installed, or simply taking time to enjoy the beauty of Michigan’s greenery;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2019 as Plant Michigan Green Month.