Florida Native Plant Society Blog

The following article, which features Dr. Doug Tallamy's book, Bringing Nature Home , was submitted by Karina Veaudry, FNPS Landscape Committee Chair. Excerpts of Tallamy’s original text were reprinted with his permission. For part 1 of the article, click HERE . Landuse in Florida today and predictions for 2060; the rust color depicts developed land, green is conservation and yellow is undeveloped. Your Role in Building Biological Corridors: Networks for Life Throughout the U.S., we have fragmented the habitats that support biodiversity by the way we have landscaped our cities, suburbs, and farmland. This is a problem because isolated habitats cannot sustain themselves or support populations large enough to survive normal environmental stresses. We can reconnect viable habitats by expanding existing greenways, building riparian corridors, and by changing the landscaping paradigm that dominates our yards and corporate landscapes. Replacing half of our lawns (areas that are e...

The following article features Dr. Doug Tallamy's book, Bringing Nature Home , was submitted by Karina Veaudry, FNPS Landscape Committee Chair. Excerpts of Tallamy’s original text were reprinted with his permission. The Need to Plant Natives in (sub)Urban Landscapes As development and subsequent habitat destruction accelerate, there are increasing pressures on wildlife populations. But there is an important and simple step toward reversing this alarming trend: Everyone with access to a patch of earth can make a significant contribution toward sustaining biodiversity. There is an unbreakable link between native plant species and native wildlife - native insects cannot, or will not, eat non-native plants. When native plants disappear, so do native insects; subsequently, the food source for birds and other animals is dramatically reduced. In many parts of the United States, habitat destruction has been so extensive that local wildlife populations have entered a state of crisis and ...

(top) Student recording data for a restoration project funded in part by FNPS Conservation grants. (bottom) The project focus: Harrisia fragrans , a rare, night-blooming native cactus. Photos by Jon Moore. by Juliet Rynear, Conservation Committee Chair Whenever I hear a F.N.P.S. member say, "landscaping has nothing to do with science," or, "nothing to do with policy," I cringe in horror. The reality of our organization is that there is science behind science has everything we do, every policy we draft, and every function we perform. If the words "science" or "scientist" intimidate you, then it's time for a reality check. We all utilize and apply science on a daily basis, often without our conscious awareness. Even if your primary interest is landscaping with native plants, please realize that horticulture is a science and landscaping is an applied science. Successfully growing and landscaping with native plants requires k...

Goldenrods ( Solidago spp)are important Florida natives for attracting butterflies. Giving at the Office Workplace giving is a great way to support your favorite charity, and if you’re reading this blog post, I hope that means your favorite is the Florida Native Plant Society. As you know, the Society is very active in the conservation of nature in Florida. Of course our focus is on native plants and natural communities, but as they are the very building blocks of Florida’s ecosystems, your support of the Society is support for nature. And, there is no easier way to show your support than donating to the Society at the office. As a member of the EarthShare Federation, the Florida Native Plant Society participates in multiple workplace giving campaigns throughout the state. If you happen to work for the state or for a company that offers payroll deduction options, you can choose to enroll in your employer’s workplace giving program. Just a pledge of a dollar or two per...