Lincoln, NE (June 3, 2020) – The Nebraska Wildflower Week proclamation was signed by Governor Ricketts on June 1 because of efforts from Audubon Nebraska and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. The proclamation emphasizes the importance of native wildflowers and plants for birds, bugs and people whether you live out in the country or in the middle of a bustling city.

The proclamation was spearheaded by one of Audubon Nebraska’s Marian Langan Young Leaders, Cacey Wilken, a UNL graduate whose year-long position has a focus on native plants and bird-friendly communities.

“Birds, insects, people, and all kinds of living creatures depend on them (native plants) in one way or another,” said Cacey. “Our hope is that, even without the organized festivities, people celebrate wildflowers in their own way and spread the joy of being out in nature.”

Though there will not be events hosted by Audubon and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum this year, there are online resources for everyone to continue the celebration at plantnebraska.org.

Cacey also hopes this proclamation will also draw attention to Audubon’s Plants for Birds program which advocates for planting native plants that “attract and protect the birds people love while making spaces beautiful, easy to care for, and better for the environment.”

As stated in the proclamation, “Birds rely on native wildflowers and plants for habitat and food and aid in overwintering and migration.”

To learn more about the Plants for Birds program, visit audubon.org/plantsforbirds.

Another project Cacey works on is the Native Plant of the Week Facebook series. Every Thursday at 3 pm, visit Audubon Nebraska’s Facebook page (@AudubonNebraska) for a post featuring a native plant in Nebraska.

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About Audubon

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive.

Media Contact

Allison Christenson, Communications Coordinator

(701) 446-7502, allison.christenson@audubon.org