WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, sweeping vistas, and outstanding public parks and is recognized as having one of the most diverse inventories of plants and natural areas in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth was for decades without a flora to identify and describe the more than 3,200 plants that thrive in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, decades of research and work culminated in the publication in 2012 of the first modern flora, including thousands of species descriptions, illustrations, and maps of the area of the Commonwealth in which each species thrives; and

WHEREAS, J. Christopher Ludwig of Goochland was instrumental in producing the Flora of Virginia, being a co-author of the work and having served as executive director of the Flora of Virginia Project Foundation, of which he served as president of the foundation board for 21 years, from 2001 through 2022; and

WHEREAS, because of the knowledge and leadership of J. Christopher Ludwig, the Flora of Virginia continues to provide accurate and highly accessible information electronically through its digital app; and

WHEREAS, the Flora of Virginia, now regarded as the most important and accessible comprehensive botanical guide in Virginia, is being used by federal, state, and local agencies, private businesses, schools, professional botanists, and thousands of plant enthusiasts for recreation, conservation, and management; and

WHEREAS, Virginia's vegetation is dynamic, meaning that plants evolve, shift ranges, and adapt to new conditions, and the Flora of Virginia helps identify all species, maintain the ecological integrity of natural communities, mitigate development to wetlands, and protect vulnerable plants; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That J. Christopher Ludwig hereby be commended for his indispensable contribution to the science of botany in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to J. Christopher Ludwig as an expression of the House of Delegates' gratitude for his legacy in making the Flora of Virginia available for all residents of the Commonwealth.