Flagler Library Embraces Native Landscape

By Joan Bausch
Florida Native Plant Society
Martin County Chapter


A hearty "good job" to the Flagler Beach Library community and director, Ruth Young, for their initiative to subtract lawn and add Florida native plants at the library on 7th Street  (just west of A1A,  south of Route 100). Their efforts are noticed and welcome. Thank you Ruth and your collaborators!

Visiting in Flagler Beach in December, I found that the library there had installed some really nice natives to kick off of their goal of eliminating "lawn" care. I reached out Sonya Guidry, Paw paw Chapter Rep, and eventually recieved an email from Ruth Young, Library Director.

“With funds from our annual book sale, and the help of two special people, a local man who likes not to be recognized, Art Woosley, and MaryLou Baiata (now deceased), a local landscape business owner, this vision became a reality. Art did most of the work, with a little help from a few others. MaryLou was generous with her expertise and discounted prices on trees, plants and mulch. This was definitely a project of lots of labor and love. Please stop in if you are in the area sometime. Sincerely, Ruth Young, Director”

Sonya responded “...sounds as though we should make Flagler Beach Library part of a Flagler area Landscape tour.  Thanks for plugging a good deed well done!"

When you visit Flagler Beach, take a walk out along the natural Betty Steflick Memorial walkway that leads directly from the library to the greenway along the Intracoastal Waterway. You'll be delighted with this lovely natural area!
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posted by Laurie Sheldon

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