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

Join the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and UF/IFAS Sarasota Extension Service for a guided walk by Dr. Mary Davis at the Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood.  We will learn more about our amazing and unique Florida ecosystems as we explore the transition from coastal mangroves to upland scrub.  This event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.

Join Dr. Bill Dunson from the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society for a nature walk at the South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve, north entrance on Kenisco Rd. One of the more obscure but interesting local natural areas in the Sarasota/Charlotte County area, this preserve is roughly broken up into three main areas. The northern-most area is entered at 5472 Kenisco Rd (Venice) near the intersection with Euclid Rd.  We will hike about 1.5 miles through scrubby flatwoods, and pass brackish marshes, salt flats, and see Lemon Bay.  This event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.

The Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society invites you to join us to learn more about the “The Success of the Venice Urban Forest” at Lemon Bay Environmental Center, 570 Bay Park Blvd., Englewood, presented by guest speaker, Greg Vine.  BYOPicnic social at 12:15pm.  This event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.

Feathers and Flippers Sculptures Opening, 240 W. Dearborn St., Englewood.  Visit educational tables sponsored by the Mangrove Chapter and other environmental partners, the Coastal Wildlife Education Garden, and the Artist Colony's Outdoor Gallery.  Ribbon cutting for the Feathers and Flippers sculptures takes place at noon.  This event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.

Join Dr. Bill Dunson from the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and Lemon Bay Conservancy for a nature walk at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve. This walk will focus on saltwater ecology and the effect of saline waters on animals and plants that is especially pertinent since hurricane Milton spread salt water as a tidal surge and aerosols, which have had major ecological effects. We will look for bioindicators of damage from salt and discuss the long-range implications for management of the preserve.  This event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.

Join the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and member Dr. Mary Davis for a walk at the Oscar Sherer State Park, 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey.  Mary will tell us how local ecosystems are managed for the endangered Florida Scrub Jay and other endemic species.  Meet at the Nature Center.  This event is free and all are welcome to participate.  For more informatio, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.

Join Dr. Bill Dunson on a private guided walk of his yard on Manasota Key, which was devastated by the 10.5 foot tidal storm surge. We will spend up to 2 hours walking two lots and discussing the effects of the storm on vegetation, which can be due to either salt water aerosols carried by the wind or salts in the soil. The degree to which these have effects on different species is considerable and are related to the location of the plants relative to winds and the length of time salt water was able to pool. We will also make a quick trip across the road to the beach to look at the massive sand movements now occupying the parking lots at Englewood Beach ("Mount Sandy").

Clean up efforts are still underway on Manasota Key and off street parking is extremely limited. Do NOT park along the street! Please car pool if possible. 

To obtain the address and ensure proper parking, you must register by emailing wdunson@comcast.net 

Mangrove Chapter FNPS will be participating in the Alligator Creek Fest again this year on Saturday, November 23 from 10 AM - 2 PM at South Venice Yacht Club (4425 Yacht Club Dr, Venice, FL 34293).
 
This event will have a free neighborhood BBQ, kayak tours, environmental expo, raffle, and music in the Farmers Market style setup. Our Mangrove Chapter will have native plants for sale as well as interactive plantings and plenty of literature on importance and advantages of using native plants in landscaping.
 
Mark your calendars and come join the fun!

Join the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and member Dr. Bill Dunson for a guided nature walk at Lemon Bay Conservancy Wildflower Preserve (3120 Gasparilla Pines Blvd, Englewood, FL).  Bill will discuss plant succession and shade tolerance and how they’ve affected habitat restoration at this former golf course. Analyzing reasons why some plantings have succeeded while others have not will include “scientific horticulture” and assessment of the design of the plantings. Please remember to wear appropriate footwear and hat/sunscreen, and bring water.  This event is free, and all are welcome. For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.

Join the UF/IFAS Sarasota Extension Service and Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and member Dr. Mary Davis for a guided nature walk at Sleeping Turtle Preserve North, 3462 Border Rd, Venice.  Mary plans to talk about our amazing and unique Florida ecosystems as we explore the life along the Myakka River. Please remember to wear appropriate footwear and hat/sunscreen, and bring water. This event is free, and all are welcome. For more information, contact mangrovechapter@fnps.org.