Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that schools should celebrate National Garden Month through a curriculum that includes outdoor learning.

Whereas individuals in the United States desire a healthy environment for the future;

Whereas teaching children to appreciate, respect, and protect the environment will have long-term benefits because children are the next generation of environmental stewards;

Whereas greater exposure to nature through outdoor learning and play is recognized as essential to the physical, emotional, and mental development and health of children;

Whereas gardening exposes children to the outdoors while increasing their knowledge of plant cultivation and soil ecosystems;

Whereas research has shown that gardening positively impacts not only environmental attitudes, but also nutritional attitudes, interpersonal skills, and self-esteem; and

Whereas the National Gardening Association recognizes April as National Garden Month: Now, therefore, be it