The red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber) is the official state salamander of Virginia. It was designated as the state salamander in 2018, thanks to the efforts of a group of young naturalists known as the Salamander Savers 4-H Club and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources .
In 2023, the Chincoteague Pony was officially designated as the state pony of Virginia. This designation was the result of a grassroots effort led by a 17-year-old 4-H member named Sophia Gallivan. Gallivan, who is a horse enthusiast and a member of the Chincoteague Pony Drill Team, recognized the pony's importance to Virginia's history and culture. She presented her case to Virginia legislators, and they passed bills in both the House of Delegates and the Senate to make the Chincoteague Pony the official state pony.
The Virginia Senate designated the eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) as the official state snake in February 2016 (also the reptile symbol of Massachusetts). All State Reptiles
It was 11-year-old Aiden Coleman who championed the garter snake as a symbol of Virginia. Aiden sought support from his state representative (Del. Brenda Pogge, R-James City County, who became HB335's patron) and helped to make his case to lawmakers in Richmond.
In March 2023, New Mexico made history by becoming the first state in the United States to adopt an official aroma. The captivating scent of green chile roasting was bestowed with this prestigious title, solidifying its place as a beloved symbol of the state's rich culture and cuisine.
On January 21, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that officially designated the Seeing Eye® dog as the state dog of New Jersey. The bill had been introduced by Senator Anthony R. Bucco and was shepherded by his son, Senator Anthony M. Bucco, after his father's death. It passed the New Jersey Senate and Assembly with unanimous bipartisan support. This was a fitting honor for The Seeing Eye®, which has been headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey since 1929.
On August 7th, 2023, acting Governor Nicholas Scutari signed a law designating cranberry juice as the official state juice of New Jersey. Governor Phil Murphy was out of state at the time. New Jersey also has a state fruit. All State Foods and Beverages
On March 3rd, 2023, Mississippi designated the Mississippi Opal as the official state gemstone. The bill was signed by Governor Tate Reeves. Governor Reeves said, "The green Mississippi Opal is as beautiful as our state and it will be an excellent representation of our unique geological history".
The Mississippi Opal was formed by volcanic ash. It was discovered in Claiborne County by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. Geologist James Starnes is credited with discovering the Mississippi Opal in 2004
On March 13, 2023, Governor Tate Reeves signed House Bill 1027 into law making the blueberry the official state fruit of Mississippi. The bill was sponsored by a group of fourth-grade students from Lisa Parenteau’s classroom at Mannsdale Upper Elementary School in Madison, Mississippi.
The students chose the blueberry after learning it is the most grown fruit in the state. The students also learned how important blueberries are to the state's agriculture. Blueberries are also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
On May 4th, 2023, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law House Bill 1020 that designated the “Suciasaurus rex” as the official state dinosaur of Washington. All State Dinosaurs & Fossils