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

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
 1   Recognizing May 10 through 19, 2026, as "Go Public Gardens Days"
 2      in Pennsylvania.
 3      WHEREAS, "Go Public Gardens Days" is an ongoing initiative to
 4   drive the public to visit, value and volunteer at public
 5   gardens; and
 6      WHEREAS, Public gardens comprise botanical gardens, arboreta,
 7   cemeteries, zoological gardens, sculpture gardens, college and
 8   university campuses, historical homes, urban greening
 9   organizations, natural areas and Federal, State, county and city
10   parks; and
11      WHEREAS, "PA Gardens" represents a diverse coalition of
12   Pennsylvania's public horticulture organizations and its vision
13   is to create opportunities for every Pennsylvanian to engage
14   with and benefit from organizations providing public
15   horticulture experiences throughout their communities; and
16      WHEREAS, Public gardens play an important role in advancing
17   horticulture, one of this Commonwealth's leading agricultural
 1   industries, through plant research, conservation and the
 2   promotion of resilient and sustainable growing practices; and
 3         WHEREAS, Public gardens are essential drivers of workforce
 4   and economic development, supporting more than 2,000 full-time
 5   employees in this Commonwealth, driving more than $500 million
 6   into this Commonwealth's economy and supporting $164 million in
 7   combined operating budgets; and
 8         WHEREAS, Public gardens in this Commonwealth serve as
 9   destinations for recreation, tourism and community engagement,
10   welcoming more than 4.2 million visitors annually, which is on
11   par with professional sports league attendance; and
12         WHEREAS, One third of these visitors are from out of town,
13   producing millions in visitor spending throughout our
14   communities; and
15         WHEREAS, Public gardens are vital to feeding humanity and
16   bring together diverse expertise, approaches and solutions that
17   are essential for biodiversity in food and agriculture; and
18         WHEREAS, Public gardens are involved in education and
19   research and development efforts that bring together schools,
20   government, industry and nonprofits to cultivate a healthy world
21   through landscapes, gardens and plants while providing hands-on
22   learning opportunities for students, educators and the public;
23   and
24         WHEREAS, Public gardens prioritize open green space and
25   conservation by preserving thousands of acres of natural
26   resources through conservation, restored forests, improved
27   watersheds and healthy private working lands; and
28         WHEREAS, Public gardens have a positive impact on personal
29   health and well-being by providing welcoming spaces for
30   recreation, reflection and connection with nature; and

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1      WHEREAS, Studies have shown that connecting people to plants
2   and the outdoors boosts well-being by providing many physical,
3   emotional and social benefits; therefore be it
4      RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
5   week of May 10 through 19, 2026, as "Go Public Gardens Days" in
6   Pennsylvania.




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