I am a lifelong resident of New York and I am writing this petition driven by a profound love for the beauty of our state. During my studies in Italy, I was struck by the vibrant wildflowers and native plants lining their highways. The sight not only uplifted my spirits during travel but made me appreciate the unique beauty of the place I was in. I envision similar transformations on our New York highways.

Planting native wildflowers instead of mowing down grass and using pesticides would serve a dual purpose. First, it would brighten up our highways, making them a joy to travel on. Second, the wildflowers would provide the necessary habitat for local fauna, contributing to biodiversity. Moreover, it would reduce the cost of maintenance, which currently includes mowing and pesticide use.

According to a study by the Nature Conservancy, native plants require fewer resources for maintenance and contribute more to local ecosystems than non-native species. Wildflower plantings along highways can reduce maintenance costs by approximately $60 per acre per year, implying potential state savings of around $2 million a year considering New York State has over 30,000 acres of land containing highway medians and roadsides. Indigenous plants also help prevent erosion, improve water quality, and create habitat for birds and pollinators.

Embracing native wildflowers on our roadsides will make every journey a celebration of our state's natural heritage, boost our moods, and reduce maintenance costs. Let's urge the New York State Department of Transportation to put this plan into action. Please sign this petition to bring wildflowers to our highways.