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Our two recent hurricanes have done a lot of damage to our urban forests - what have we learned?

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 Hurricanes Melton and Helene brough flooding and wind damage to the human communities in their paths, but they also damaged urban forests. Florida's urban forests have already been weakened by the 2019 state-level preemption of local tree ordinances and research has shown that cities are already losing tree canopy . Urban forests comprised of native trees support local butterfly and moth populations , intercept and take up rainfall which reduces flooding , and improves the quality of life of residents . Homeowners, county and city staff, HOA board members, local politicians, and FNPS members in urban and suburban areas can all help to restore or even establish their local urban forest canopy. The first step is to assess hurricane damaged trees and decide whether or not they can be saved, and, if so, how to do so. This IFAS book chapter describes the recommended process. If trees must be removed, or if the tree canopy has already been damaged and needs to be re-established, ...
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Jurors for the 2024 Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) Landscape Awards

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The Florida Native Plant Society is honored to introduce the esteemed panel of jurors for the 2024 Landscape Awards. Each juror brings a remarkable blend of knowledge, experience, and passion for native plant conservation and sustainable landscape design. Their diverse backgrounds and unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship make them exceptional leaders in promoting Florida's unique natural heritage. Meet Our Distinguished Panel: Stephanie Dunn - Broward County Stephanie Dunn is an Associate with Cadence, a South Florida based landscape architecture firm that works throughout the Gulf South. As a Florida Atlantic University School of Architecture graduate, she brings a unique perspective to landscape and urban design on the Cadence team. She is passionate about the state’s unique flora and promotes alternatives to conventional planting approaches in the urban context. She has been a member of Florida Native Plant Society since January 2017 and President of the Broward Ch...
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FNPS comments on Gadsden County proposed land use change in Rhododendron chapmanii protection zone

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FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY PO Box 278 Melbourne, FL 32902-0278 July 10, 2024 Gadsen County Planning Commission 9 East Jefferson Street Quincy, Florida 32353-1799 Subject: Mainline Contracting Small Scale Future Land Use Map Amendment (SSPA 2023-02) and Likelihood of Impacts to Chapman’s Rhododendron Dear Gadsden County Planning Commission: The Florida Native Plant Society is committed to the conservation of Florida’s native plants and native plant communities. The proposal to allow mining on the Mainline Contracting parcel may pose a very serious threat to one of Florida’s most imperiled and distinctive native plant species. Chapman’s Rhododendron (Rhododendron minus var. chapmanii) is listed as Endangered by both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Department of Agriculture due to its dire level of imperilment, which is partly a function of its extremely narrow geographic range. The proposed change to Gadsden County’s Future Land Use Map would allow sand mining ...
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[Job Opening] Executive Director

The Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) seeks an experienced and passionate Executive Director to lead the organization in its mission to preserve and promote the native plants of Florida. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record of successful leadership in the nonprofit sector and a strong commitment to environmental conservation. Application deadline is July 15th, 2024. The Florida Native Plant Society is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. A detailed job description and application instructions can be here: Apply for Executive Director Position
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2024 FNPS Annual Meeting

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The Florida Native Plant Society holds a members meeting once a year. All FNPS members are invited to participate. We provide a "year in review" and announce grant awards, Palmetto Awards for members and vote on new officers and directors. This year's meeting was July 20th, 9am Eastern. The recording of the meeting is available here . Agenda Welcome & Opening Statements - Mark Kateli Interim Executive Director Statement - Lynda Davis Welcoming Cherice Smithers, Operations Manager - Valerie Anderson Communications Committee Report - Shirley Denton Council of Chapters Report - Melanie Simon Policy & Legislation Committee Report - Gene Kelly & Travis Moore Conservation Committee Report - John Benton & Lilly Anderson-Messec Science Committee Report - Paul Schmalzer Finance/Treasury Report - Ann Redmond & Chris Moran Landscaping Committee Report - Natalia Manrique & Charles LaGreca Conference Committee Report - Athena Philips Awards - Mark Kateli & ...
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Why Become An FNPS Member?

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Join A Community of Native Plant Nerds! Join your local chapter to learn about Florida native plants and ecosystems in monthly meetings, and get hands-on experience with local field trips, hikes, plant sales, plant rescues, and more.  We have 33 chapters across the state - find one closest to you:  https://www.fnps.org/chapters/chapters Help Florida’s ecosystems by volunteering for local and statewide science and conservation projects organized through FNPS. Learn about Plants, Ecology and Conservation! Enjoy our quarterly magazine, the Palmetto, filled with in-depth articles on native plants, gardening, conservation of native habitats, and rare native plants. Our bi-monthly newsletter, the Sabal minor, will help you stay up to date on FNPS news and activities. Watch our Friday Lunch and Learn livestreams on Florida native plant topics. Our Social Media provides a constant stream of education about native plants and ecology. Learn about local conservation and policy issues and...
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Florida Native Plant Society Position on Monarchs and Milkweeds

This policy statement was prepared by the Florida Native Plant Society's Science Committee and is endorsed by the Florida Wildflower Foundation and the Florida Association of Native Nurseries. The Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) supports the conservation of native plants and native plant communities. FNPS makes decisions and policy recommendations on the best available scientific information. Recommendations may change with time and circumstances as new information becomes available. Native insects, including pollinators, are critical components of native ecosystems. It is widely recognized that insect populations are in decline. The monarch butterfly ( Danaus plexippus ) is a charismatic insect, whose unique migration attracts much attention. Recently, a controversy regarding monarch butterflies and milkweeds in Florida has raised concerns. Claims that native milkweeds planted in yards and gardens or even those growing in natural areas are damaging to monarch populations are n...
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