WHEREAS, the Town of Hillsborough has the opportunity to preserve its historic natural heritage as well as promote sustainable landscapes by choosing native plants, i.e. plants native to the Southeastern United States; and

WHEREAS, native plants are an important part of history, identity, and ecology; and

WHEREAS, native plants are indigenous plants that have adapted to the region over many years and evolved to flourish in the unique geography, hydrology, and microclimates; and

WHEREAS, native plants maintain and restore biodiversity, protect local ecosystems, and support environmental health;

WHEREAS, North Carolina contains over 3,900 native plant species, making North Carolina one of the most diverse states for flora in the Southeast; and

WHEREAS, gardens and landscapes composed of native plants require little to no fertilizer, soil amendments, and pesticides; and less irrigation; and

WHEREAS, native plants and their derivatives provide food, medicines, and other beneficial products; and

WHEREAS, native plants support resident and migratory bird species, many of which face growing threats from habitat loss and climate change; and

WHEREAS, native plants provide high-quality food, shelter, and habitat for wildlife, including butterflies, bees, and other pollinators; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Hillsborough is a member of Bee City USA whose mission is to unite communities to protect pollinators by creating and enhancing habitats, reducing pesticide use, and promoting education and outreach to inspire pollinator conservation; and

WHEREAS, the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners do hereby resolve that, from the date of adoption of this resolution, it shall be the policy of the Town of Hillsborough that when new or replacement plant materials are installed by the town, or by its contractors or subcontractors, in outdoor landscaped areas at any town-owned or maintained site or facility including rights-of-way, the following standards shall apply:

• To the maximum extent practicable, the seeds and plants used shall be those classified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other appropriate regional resources as native to a state or county in the Southeastern United States.

• This resolution shall apply in all instances, except where it is determined that installation of a native plant species would not be practicable, including but not limited to:
  • Plant species required or prohibited by state or federal regulations.
  • Plantings deemed, and intended to be, edible, including fruit-bearing trees and plants, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
  • Non-native turf grass species used on athletic fields and lawns.
  • Plant species uniquely suited for soil stabilization, stormwater control measures, or water remediation functions.
  • Plant species used in gardens for demonstration or educational purposes.

In cases when the use of non-native plant species is determined to be appropriate, only drought-tolerant, non-invasive plant species of a suitable type may be used.

• No plant species identified as invasive in North Carolina by the North Carolina Native Plant Society or the North Carolina Invasive Plant Council shall be planted in outdoor areas of any town-owned or maintained site or facility. The town recognizes the negative impacts of invasive plants and will continue its efforts to eradicate invasive plant species. 

• The town shall, through various means, educate the public about the importance of native plants and the negative impacts of invasive plants.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners, that this “Policy to Promote the Use of Native Plants and the Elimination of Invasive Plants on Town-owned Property” is hereby established.

Approved this 14th day of April of the year 2025.

Mark Bell, Mayor