STATEHOUSE CALENDAR

Keep Ohio Beautiful (KOB) will celebrate National Planting Day on Sept. 18, 2012, by planting native Ohio plants at the Ohio Statehouse.

National Planting Day celebrates the value and power of native species in restoring ecological balance to the environment while creating greener, more beautiful communities. To commemorate this day, KOB will host a public event at the South Plaza of the statehouse, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., to beautify the grounds with Ohio native plants by planting a moist meadow and perennial beds. A native tree will be planted as well. Why plant natives? Native species of plants and wildlife are losing ground to suburbanization and fragmented habitats. Yet, natives provide the best sources of food and habitat for pollinators and other important wildlife. Native plants are hardy, and require lower maintenance and less water than other ornamentals.

Studies have shown that a beautified community translates into a safe, healthy community and improves quality of life. By honoring National Planting Day, we’ll show Ohioans the benefits of preserving and creating green spaces with drought-tolerant native plants and demonstrate how easy it is to make a difference in their communities. Plus, it seems right that Ohio natives should have a prominent place in the Ohio Statehouse gardens.

Mike Mennett and Keep Ohio Beautiful affiliates will be joined by Senator Richard H. Finan and Su Lok, director of corporate and community partnerships for The Scotts Miracle-Grow Company, to lead the National Planting Day program. High school students from the Tolles Career & Technical Center will be planting, and organizations from throughout the state will be on hand to educate attendees about native plants. In the case of inclement weather, the location will be moved to the Ohio Statehouse Atrium.