NY S07850

Establishes a "New York native plants program" requiring the Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner to develop and maintain a list of native plants appropriate for each ecoregion in the state.

Requires native plants to be labeled as "New York Native Plants" at retail garden centers and nurseries, and authorizes the Commissioner to offer point-of-sale rebates for eligible native plants.

Mandates that native plants be used in all greenspaces (state and municipally owned parks, recreational areas, and similar spaces) except where the Commissioner determines no native plant adequately fits the environment or for temporary cover crops.

Requires site and soil analyses for greenspace projects, and directs state-conducted or state-funded projects to incorporate considerations including biological needs, water usage, benefits to pollinators, provenance, and minimal use of fertilizers and pesticides.

Directs creation of outdoor demonstration projects in state parks and SUNY schools, and encourages public-private partnerships with educational institutions and nurseries to increase availability of native plants; exempts community gardens and agricultural activities from the native plant requirements.