Upcoming Chapter Events - Please Scroll Down As These Are Not In Chronological Order

Saturday, December 3, 9:00 AM. This is a tour of Bill Dunson's Manasota Key yard. In less than one acre there are (or were) more than 165 species of plants, some of which were severely damaged by Hurricane Ian. We’ll compare the very distinct results for different species with your own experiences and consider how landscaping should be modified to cope with future storms. Address is 2535/2545 N Beach Rd, Englewood. This is located almost exactly 0.5 mile north of Englewood Beach Park so you can park there and walk, or park along the roadsides, but be sure to stay off the bike path. By that time, hopefully, most of the storm debris piles will be gone. If you have questions, please email Bill at wdunson@comcast.net .

The focus of the walk will be on the different effects that hurricane Ian had on various plants, and how to plan your yard for the future.  Although you certainly do not need to have an extensive knowledge of plants to understand and benefit from this evaluation, the list is provided for those who want to add to their knowledge.  Bill Dunson's plant list.

Join Sarasota County Botanist Jeff Weber and Florida Master Naturalist Kate Borduas at 9:00am as they share with you the various native plant wonders to be found at Old Miakka Preserve.  A variety of habitats and species - some quite rare in our area - will make this a fun outing in this environmentally sensitive lands property acquired in 2006 and recently expanded. Jeff and Kate love working together in the field and hope that you can join them for this adventure in native plants. 

Parking is limited and we recommend carpooling. Please wear closed shoes and bring water. To reach Old Miakka Preserve,:take the Fruitville Rd. exit from I-75 east to the very end. Proceed across Old Myakka Rd and follow the dirt road to parking on the right. . The walk starts at 9am and lasts approximately 2 hours.

Friday, November 18, 9:00-11:00 AM. Join Bill Dunson and Barb Seibel at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve, at 3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood. We will hike a loop of about one mile that is roughly cleared from storm debris. Please wear closed shoes and watch out for uneven ground and fire ants. The walk will include identification of native plants, birds, and butterflies, with focus on hurricane destruction and landscaping suggestions to help minimize future damage.  https://lemonbayconservancy.org/wildflower-preserve/ Photo: Monarch at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve

Dave and Linda Manley attended the North Port City Commission meeting to accept the proclamation announcing October as Native Plant Month. The request for the proclamation had been submitted earlier and was accepted by the city.

Led by Dave and Linda Manley, our November Sunset Stroll will be Wednesday, November 16 at 4:30 PM at Lemon Bay Environmental Park, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood. While Lemon Bay is a large park, we will walk only the short trip on the boardwalks along the mangrove fringe. We may see wading birds or other wildlife, and with luck, we’ll see the approaching sunset over the bay. Meet at the nature center.

This amazing e-book is made available to us at no cost through the Florida Native Plant Society. We're offering this guide FREE in this critical time, when many Florida residents face replanting all or part of their yards and gardens in the wake of Hurricane Ian. More than a plea to plant native, it offers valuable information about saving water, keeping your soil healthy, minimizing use of pesticides, and saving money while doing all that..

Read more about this FREE PDF download HERE 

Ian’s damage continues to thwart our resolve to return to our traditional meeting place, and for our meeting on Tuesday, November 8, we will meet at the North Port Library, 13800 Tamiami Trail [map]. That is the intersection of Hwy 41 and Biscayne in North Port. Meeting time is 1:30-3:30 due to a technical glitch in reservations. Our speaker is Barbara Lockhart from the Environmental Conservancy of North Port, who will speak on the topic, “Nature Conservation Starts in Your Neighborhood.” We will have our usual raffle, with prize selections as books on plants and gardening donated by our members. We are excited to start a new season and look forward to seeing all of you again. Please plan to join us!

Are you ready for some good news from Mother Nature after her Ian temper tantrum? Join Dave and Linda Manley for a 1-hour sunset stroll, 4:30 to 5:30, on Wednesday, October 19 at Maxine Barritt Park, 1800 Harbor Blvd. in Venice. We scouted the park and although it’s not at its best, sidewalks are still walkable. Meet at the first shelter house when you come in the parking lot entrance.

Although Ian has come and gone, we know that many of you have suffered losses that may require months to overcome. Our hearts go out to you and we hope that you are safe, in spite of the damages you may have suffered. The State level of the Florida Native Plant Society has reached out to us to offer concern for all those affected.

Englewood, Punta Gorda, and Port Charlotte suffered particularly extensive damage, and many of our members live in those communities. Venice, North Port, and surrounding areas sustained damage as well. In Charlotte County, all parks, libraries, and some other properties are closed until further notice.

Mangrove Chapter has cancelled all its activities for the month of October, including the membership meeting scheduled for October 11. We hope to be able to resume meetings with our regularly scheduled meeting on November 8.

We had walks scheduled for October 19 and 29. If we are able to hold those walks, we will let you know as soon as possible. Please watch this blog and our Facebook page for ongoing updates and information. Until then, please stay safe, take care of yourself and your family, and help others when you can.

Linda Manley, President
Mangrove Chapter
Florida Native Plant Society

Sunset Stroll - 

TENTATIVE - WATCH FOR UPDATE

Wednesday, October , 4:30-5:30 PM Join Dave and Linda Manley from the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society for a Sunset Stroll in Maxine Barritt Park, 1800 Harbor Drive S., Venice. This is an urban park with a one-mile paved trail around a pond.  Many native plants grow along the edges beside the trail. Abundant parking is available in the parking lot facing the pond. Meet at the first shelter just as you drive in.