Latest News
Florida Native Plant Society Gets Award for 30 Years of Service
The Florida Native Plant Society was recognized by Charlie Crist, Governor of Florida, and his Cabinet Members for 30 years of service to conservation, preservation and restoration of Florida's native plants and native plant ecosystems.
We're doing a lot and now getting recognized for it! Congratulations to all Native Plant Society members and volunteers.
Bobbi Rodgers: FNPS Green Palmetto Service Award
Nominated by John Holyland, Al Squires and the Mangrove Chapter
When Bobbi Rodgers joined the Mangrove Chapter in 1997 she began a career of service that continues to this day. Her service has helped to transform this one time stagnant Chapter into the vibrant, growing Chapter it is today.
Bobbi was a new member when she accepted the position of President and served two terms (1998-2002). She followed this with service as Immediate Past President and Chapter Representative (2003-04). She then assumed responsibility for arranging our busy program of speakers as Program Chair (2003-06). When both the Publicity Chair and Conservation/Education Chair asked to be relieved of their duties, Bobbi relinquished her program duties and assumed these roles (2007-present) She has also authored an invasive plant booklet and produced a DVD on "Lemon Bay, Past, Present and Future", both encouraging the use of native plants. Bobbi makes sure Mangrove Chapter activities are announced and reported in the press and maintains the Chapter web presence. Bobbi is the Resource Manager of Cedar Point Environmental Park and has offered this facility as the site of the Chapter's Annual Plant Native Day and the planned Chapter Garden.
Whether serving as an officer or board member, manning a booth at an environmental event, producing informational materials or setting up chairs for a meeting, Bobbi has served as an example of a service orientated person for over a decade in the Mangrove Chapter. We are proud that she has been chosen to receive the 2010 Florida Native Plant Society Green Palmetto Award.
Invasive Species List Updated
The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council has updated the list of Category I & II Invasive Plants (per fall 2009). There are new species on both (a bad thing) & some Cat 1 have been moved to Cat II (a good thing). It can be found at www.fleppc.org.
ACTION ALERT: The State Wildflower license plate is in trouble
The Florida Wildflower Foundation has seen sales of the State Wildflower license plate drop dramatically since the state increased the specialty plate fee from $14 to $33 September 1, 2009. Buyers pay that on top of the $15 donation made to the Florida Wildflower Foundation.
Beautification Award
We have received word that the Mangrove Chapter's garden at Cedar Point Environmental Center has been selected by the Englewood-Cape Haze Chamber of Commerce to receive the December 2009 Beautification Award!! Jon Bednerik, Executive Director, made the presentation in the garden at Cedar Point at 10:30 AM, Monday, January 18th. We were interviewed and photos were taken for a future newspaper article and a small article will also appear in a forthcoming issue of their "Pulse" newsletter.