Conference Highlights: Burning and so much more...

FNPS Conference, Born to Burn: May 28 - 31 in Tallahassee

Last day to register online is May 22. Onsite registration will open on May 27th.
(The online registration fee is $85/day. Onsite registration is $120/day.)  

Born to Burn is our theme and we'll offer a good variety of presentations, workshops and panel discussions on the importance of fire for Florida's ecosystems.
Of course, we are offering field trips in Florida's Panhandle. Several still have openings on both Thursday and Sunday. (You must register for one day of the conference in order to participate in a field trip,)

But wait, there's more... 



 3 social events: (Fees apply.)

- Thursday evening: Welcome to the Capital. Dinner on the 22nd floor of the capital building
- Friday evening: Dinner and optional boat ride at Wakulla Springs
- Saturday evening:  Dinner at Tall Timbers Research Center & Land Conservancy. a fitting end to the conference.

William Bartram (aka Mike Adams) will make an appearance at the Saturday evening social event at Tall Timbers.



 Workshops
- Dr. Austin Mast (left), Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, will lead the group through a transcription blitz at FSU's Robert K. Godfrey Herbarium.
- Sue Mullins, FNPS's lobbyist will present, Speaking for Florida: learn how to support Florida’s ecosystems.  The workshop will address all forms of communicating to lawmakers, including:Audience research, Coalition building,.Grassroots & grasstops mobilization, Issues management / public affairs, Media relations, Partnership development, Social media, Strategic communications, How to effectively communicate to elected officials, and What not to do.


A Saturday presentation by  Eleanor Dietrich and Robert Farley. Learn how to request Wildflower Areas in your area, with examples of how this program is being implemented in northwest Florida.

Florida needs more wildflowers and less mowing, so let's all work with our local officials to make this happen now that there are new regulations for doing so.


 Native Florida Plants for Shady Landscapes

A Saturday presentation (and the book will be for sale on Friday and Saturday) by Craig Huegel.

 Living in Florida makes shade extremely desirable, but landscaping in shade creates its own set of challenges.  Plants do not respond to shady areas the same as they respond to sun.  Understanding how shade affects plants and knowing which native species perform adequately under these conditions is important if you are create an ecologically vibrant landscape in shade.  



 The Art of Maintaining a Florida Native Landscape

A Friday presentation (with pre-orders for the book taken on Friday and Saturday) by Ginny Stibolt

When native plant enthusiasts talk to people who are familiar with high maintenance lawns, instant landscapes, seasonally planted beds, and the pretty-on-the-shelf plants, we have a lot of talking to do. We can explain how the native plants provide specific habitat services in their natural ecosystems such as supplying food to birds or insects. But when we say natives need less water, no pesticides, and no fertilizer, are we over stating our case? 

2015 FNPS Conference

So we'll see you in Tallahassee! 


Written and posted by Ginny Stibolt



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