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

Each month, the Mangrove Chapter of FNPS with Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) and Charlotte County conducts plant surveys at Cedar Point Environmental Park in Englewood, FL. These surveys record both blooming and seeding plant species along designated trails. These data provide land managers and educational professionals with information for climate-related projects and other important issues. Plus, it is a fun and educational morning learning new plant species and meeting new people with similar interests! Volunteers are always needed for the scheduled survey dates:

March 18 and 19 (Tuesday and Wednesday)

Please contact Barb Seibel at leftyb3@comcast.net to sign up.

Tuesday, March 11, 1:00 PM. The Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society invites you to meet Jennifer Krajcir, owner of “Suncoast Ecological Services,” at Lemon Bay Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood. Jennifer will share how she performs ecological and feasibility studies for current and potential property owners who have protected species on their property. Learn how she works with a builder who wants to include gopher tortoise habitat as part of the yard and how she has designed landscapes using native plants. BYOPicnic social at 12:15pm. 

Monday, March 10, 9:00-11:00 AM. Join the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and UF/IFAS Sarasota Extension Service as member Dr. Mary Davis leads a walk at the Manasota Scrub Preserve, 2695 Bridge St., Englewood. Learn more about our amazing and unique Florida Ecosystems as we explore the mosaic of plant communities that are typical of the SW Florida Flatwoods Ecoregion. Meet at the preserve kiosk. 

Sunday, March 9, 9:00-11:00 AM. Join Bill Dunson from the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society for a guided nature walk at Myakka State Forest, Main Entrance, 2555 South River Road, Englewood. Take a walk on the 1.5-mile Gordon Smith Trail to look at spring flowers and discuss factors influencing the ecology of the sub-climax pine flatwoods. We will compare areas recently burned with those not burned this year. Depending on conditions, about 80 native flatwood and wetland plants may be seen on this trail. Any animals seen or heard will be identified also. Meet in the parking lot about one mile east of River Rd. The State Forest has a $2 day pass entry fee to be paid online. 

Join the Mangrove Chapter and member Jayne Neville for a talk titled, “Why Plant Native” in Rotunda West. This event is free, but attendance is limited to members only.  For more information and location, contact Merrill Horswill at nirvanas3@yahoo.com.

NOTE change of location (previously scheduled for Jelk's Preserve now closed due to River Road construction.):  Friday, February 28, 9:00-11:00 AM.  Join the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and member Dr. Mary Davis for a walk at the Pinebrook Park, 1251 Pinebrook Road, Venice.  Mary will tell us about the managing for longleaf pine in ecosystems surrounded by development.  Meet at the parking lot at the far end of the entrance road.

Saturday, March 1, 9 AM – 12:00 PM.  The Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society invites you to attend its 22nd Annual PLANT NATIVE DAY at Lemon Bay Park, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood. This year’s theme, “Right Plant, Right Place,” will be supported by guest speaker, Laurel Schiller, from Florida Native Plants Nursery and Landscaping, a guided walk by member Charlie Woodruff, educational activities and member grown plants for sale, and exhibits by partner organizations. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.

Sunday, February 23, 9:00-11:00 AM.  Please join the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and Dr. Bill Dunson for a guided walk at Curry Creek Preserve East. This is a beautiful 81-acre natural area with long leaf pine flatwoods along the banks of Curry Creek/Blackburn Canal. The address is 1500 Pinebrook Rd, Venice, FL 34285.  It is an easy walk of about one mile and our guide will point out plants and animals of interest. We will be looking for early blooming flowers, the rare pond apple, and bioindicators of wetlands and mesic pine flatwoods. The history of the canal constructed about 100 years ago between the coast and the Myakka River and its problematic nature for the environment will be discussed. This event is free, and all are welcome to participate.  For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.

CANCELED - Saturday, February 15, 9:00-11:00 AM.   This walk has been canceled

Tuesday, February 11, 1:00 PM.  The Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society invites you to join us for our monthly program at Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood. This month, Pam Callender will talk about Landscaping with Natives.  Come early for social time from 12:15 pm. This event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.