Wild Ones remains steadfast in our mission to promote biodiversity and sustainable native landscaping practices. As new legislative proposals and policy discussions emerge at local, state, and federal levels, our members and chapters are naturally eager to voice their support or concerns. We are currently developing a national advocacy framework to better support and equip our community for effective, values-aligned action. This blog post reflects that spirit of engagement.
Right now, the proposed federal budget for Fiscal Year 2026 includes sweeping cuts to key environmental and conservation programs. If enacted, these changes would jeopardize decades of progress in habitat preservation, climate science, and biodiversity monitoring, particularly the science that underpins native plant and pollinator conservation.
Key Impacts of the Proposed Budget Cuts
Here are some of the most critical proposed reductions:
- USGS Ecosystems Mission Area: The proposed budget aims to eliminate this $307 million program, affecting approximately 1,200 scientists and staff. This area supports vital research on endangered species, climate change, disease, and wildlife conservation.
- National Park Service (NPS): The NPS faces a proposed $900 million cut to its operations budget, which could result in the closure or reduced services at numerous national parks. Additional cuts include $73 million from park construction and $77 million from recreation and preservation programs.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): A proposed cut of over $4.5 billion, affecting conservation, rural development, and research programs. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Agricultural Research Service (ARS) would face significant reductions, impacting sustainable agriculture and conservation effort.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): A $1.3 billion reduction, targeting climate science programs and satellite operations. The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research faces a 74% cut, effectively eliminating core climate science work.
The Case for Why This Matters to Wild Ones — Our Partners at the USGS Bee Lab
Among the many environmental programs at risk, the proposed closure of the USGS Bee Lab is especially concerning to Wild Ones. Housed within the Ecosystems Mission Area, this lab—led by biologist Sam Droege—has been an invaluable national resource for native bee identification, monitoring, and research.
Wild Ones has partnered with the Bee Lab through national educational efforts, including the 2025 webinar “Bees Beyond Honey: Understanding Native and Managed Pollinators,” which featured Droege as a panelist. His expertise helped our members better understand native pollinator diversity and the importance of conserving habitat.
At the local level, chapters like Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay have worked directly with the Bee Lab on native plant propagation efforts, including growing underutilized native species for pollinator habitat restoration.
Losing the Bee Lab would not only halt important research but will sever a key source of knowledge and collaboration for the native plant movement at a time when pollinators face increasing threats.
How You Can Take Action
To advocate for the preservation of these critical environmental programs:
- Contact Your Representatives:
- House: Find your Representative
- Senate: Contact your Senators
- Express Your Concerns:
- Highlight the importance of funding for environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainable agriculture.
- Share personal stories or local impacts related to these programs.
- Engage with the Community:
- Encourage local chapters and members to participate in advocacy efforts.
- Share information on social media to raise awareness.
By voicing your support, you contribute to the collective effort to protect our nation’s natural resources and ensure the continuation of vital scientific research.