Frond Forum Florida Native Plant Society Cuplet Fern Chapter :: Seminole County
Volume 10, Number 1 :: January – March 2020
2019–20 Board Native Plant Month Proclamation in Seminole County President: Mark Kateli Article and photos courtesy of Mark Kateli Vice President: Barbara Whittier This is a first for Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) and the impetus of VP of Programs: multiple, fruitful events. Vacant Secretary: An accompanying proclamation video courtesy of Seminole County Stacy Klema government can be found at https://youtu.be/FYgFkEcNWI8 Treasurer: Susan Blount-Angermeier Obtaining the proclamation proved to be a 15-month process spanning Chapter Representative (interim): Mark Kateli attempts in 2018 as well as 2019. However, it did produce personal connections, Director-at-Large: chapter visibility, and charitable activities that Cuplet Fern participated in. Marion Crim In many ways, it was a bit of an odyssey. Commissioner Lee Constantine’s aide 2019–20 Committees back in June of 2018 mentioned it wouldn’t be a problem at all. However, the Website: aide informed me a few months later in September that the county manager Mark Kateli had rejected it for the docket. It was a most unfortunate surprise and led me to Website (advisory): realize that phone calls and email confirmations were not good enough for the Ken Bell desired results. Membership: Christine Brown Several people mentioned to me that Seminole is a “red county” and Youth Eco Camp Ambassador: proclamations like these would never fly. Some said that many local politicians Barbara Whittier had no interest in recognizing native plants or that “their hands were tied” and Educational Outreach: Neta Villalobos-Bell couldn’t endorse such initiatives that could be seen as contrary to their voting Publicity: constituents. Others told me to forget about it. Some even laughed when I Jan Mangos brought it up. Disheartening as this all was, I gleaned for the helpful facts that Social Media: dotted those conversations. The proclamation, as with our organization, was Stacy Klema nonpartisan—it simply recognized the value of FNPS serving our native plants Joey Meyers in this beautiful state for nearly 40 years. Kristin Sloan-Brown Newsletter: Things took a turn for the better in February of 2019 when a longtime Kathleen Poole acquaintance, Gabbie Milch, invited me to attend the Wekiva Springshed Alliance kick-off luncheon at Wekiva Island. Several organizations were in attendance, including the Seminole County League of Women’s Voters. There, I met Lee Constantine who I had never met in person. He recommended that I speak with his new interim aide, Beatriz Flores. Continued on next page Frond Forum Florida Native Plant Society :: Cuplet Fern Chapter :: Seminole County Volume 10, Number 1 :: January – March 2020
Native Plant Month Proclamation in Seminole County—continued
The pursuit of the proclamation produced paid her a visit at Lee’s office in Altamonte Springs. meaningful traction and collaboration with Gabbie This is when I learned about the Charity Challenge Milch from St. Johns Riverkeepers. An offshoot which was in its 34th year and has raised over 6.6 of this discussion lead to the native bee ‘hotel’ million dollars for over 200 different charities across workshop in observance of National Pollinator Central Florida. I was encouraged to participate and Week in June 2019. continue the conversation for not only a Seminole county proclamation, but also an October field trip Beatriz was, in many ways, the key that got the where Lee could speak with our membership. engine moving. She was an absolute delight when I Continued on next page
Left: Neta Villalobos-Bell participating in the 34th Annual Charity Challenge in May 2019. The event raised $600,000 for over 200 charities across Central Florida. Right (left to right): Nancy Kon & Dan Kon (Imagine Our Florida), Gabbie Milch (St. Johns Riverkeepers), Neta Villalobos-Bell, and Mark Kateli at the Charity Challenge awards luncheon.
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Native Plant Month Proclamation in Seminole County—continued Neta and I participated in the Charity Challenge Lee introduced the proclamation at the Seminole at Camping World stadium building signs and County Board of Commissioners public meeting on setting up obstacle courses. In return, we received October 22, 2019. It was a true watershed moment a donation towards our chapter. But more for Cuplet Fern—Seminole Institute of Food importantly, Lee began to take my push for the and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) and Seminole proclamation more seriously and referred me to County Natural Lands Program also recognized Commissioner Brenda Carey’s aide, Sam Tucker. the importance of it. Tina McIntyre, Jim Duby, Sherry Williams, and Lori Hartsock all were in Things rolled out even more quickly after that. attendance at the commissioners meeting to witness Sam was not only fast on emails (a trait I love), the occasion. It was the first time that the native but also very enthusiastic about helping make plant month FNPS proclamation was approved and the proclamation a reality. The draft of the declared in Seminole county. proclamation was approved by Brenda Carey and Continued on next page
Left: The Seminole County proclamation. Right: The state-level proclamation. Coincidentally both dated October 22, 2019. Photos courtesy of Mark Kateli and Valerie Anderson.
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Native Plant Month Proclamation in Seminole County—continued
Top: Bonnie Basham, FNPS state president-elect holding the proclamation with Agricultural Commissioner Nikki Fried to her left in Tallahassee. Middle (left to right): Tina McIntyre, Chris Calder, Jim Duby, Lori Hartsock, Sherry Williams, Rory Trumbore, and Mark Kateli. Photos courtesy of Valerie Anderson and Stacy Klema. Bottom (left to right): Rory Trumbore, Commissioner Bob Dallari, Chris Calder, Commissioner Jay Zembower, Commissioner Brenda Carey, Mark Kateli, Commissioner Lee Constantine, Commissioner Amy Lockhart, and Tina McIntyre.
Continued on next page
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Native Plant Month Proclamation in Seminole County—continued Other separate events amplified the significance by agricultural commissioner Nikki Fried and of it all—the October regional meeting and Governor Ron DeSantis. The trifecta furthered micro-conference, a field trip to Lake Harney with public understanding that recognizing the value Seminole Natural Lands and Lee Constantine, and of Florida native plants was an inherent part of FNPS state board members producing a state-level Florida’s heritage. native plant month proclamation that was endorsed Continued on next page
The first-ever micro-conference was held at Leu Gardens on October 1, 2019. Together with the large regional event in the evening with Dr. Craig Huegel, the experience served as kick-off for October Florida native plant month.
October’s field trip to Lake Harney Wilderness Area attracted 22 attendees from Cuplet Fern and Pawpaw chapters. Pictured here among the group are Commissioner Lee Constantine (on the left, foreground) and Patti Smith (far right) who lead the group on behalf of the Seminole County Natural Lands Program.
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Native Plant Month Proclamation in Seminole County—continued It is important to note that other local to those that provide an inkling of a possibility, no commissioners were contacted during this matter how different you had imagined procuring it process. Bob Dallari’s aide, Kendra Edenfield, would be. cited unavailability in 2018 and 2019. Amy Lockhart’s aide, Dana Summers, turned down an At the very least, the proclamation is one for the environmental literacy campaign for October 2019 record books. But if you ask me, it has flung open due to a “prior commitment”. Even the Seminole not just doors, but the minds of reluctant people county library system responded by stating “we will within our community to the possibilities while reach out to you should we move forward.” It goes advocating for native plants more fervently in to show you that many people will close many doors Central Florida. for various reasons. But you have to pay attention
Holiday Social
Our Holiday Social was a success! This year we were entertained by a jazz quintet from Seminole State College. We had a good time socializing and enjoying food brought by members.
Tom Walcyk and Candis Roby
- 6 - Frond Forum Florida Native Plant Society :: Cuplet Fern Chapter :: Seminole County Volume 10, Number 1 :: January – March 2020 O-Town Compost
Article by Charlie Pioli On December 2nd, the Cuplet Fern Chapter partnered with O-Town Compost to make their O-Town Compost was founded by Charlie Pioli, an holiday party a zero waste event, diverting all used ex-waste industry consultant, with two missions service-ware and leftover food to the compost. The in mind: to recycle food waste into nutrient-rich party’s organizers chose to donate their resulting compost and support the local food system while share of finished compost to Fleet Farming in doing so. Working at solid waste disposal sites Winter Park, who will use it to grow a new round around the country, it was clear to him that much of of crops six months from now. O-Town Compost what was being wasted had intrinsic value. An avid also does zero waste weddings, birthday parties, gardener and permaculturalist himself, the organic corporate events, etc. For more information go to waste stood out as being something that could be https://o-towncompost.com/ used to create soil, especially in a sandy place like Florida. Sadly, organic waste comprises the largest Happy Holidays from O-Town Compost! fraction of what our country throws out (40 percent) versus other material types, making it an abundant resource with huge potential to move the needle in a positive direction.
Since launching last month, O-Town Compost has gained its first residential subscriber in Orlando with many more hopefully to come. The at-your-door food waste collection service is ideal for those who ran into trouble managing their own backyard compost pile in the past, or are just looking to make a positive environmental impact in their community. It starts with O-Town Compost dropping Charlie Pioli and Mark Kateli at the Holiday Social off one of their trademark black and gold buckets on a customer’s porch. The bucket has a compostable liner and air-tight lid making it odor and pest resistant, and ideally suited to keep near the kitchen sink to easily fill up with food scraps. Either weekly or bi-weekly, O-Town Compost will send a text reminder the evening before a customer’s scheduled day to put their bucket out so they can swap it for a clean one. The food waste is taken back to be composted, and every six months, subscribers receive 10 pounds of finished compost for their garden, or have the option to donate it to local agriculture projects. - 7 - Frond Forum Florida Native Plant Society :: Cuplet Fern Chapter :: Seminole County Volume 10, Number 1 :: January – March 2020 The Rare Plant Count at Sulphur Run Swamp
Article and photos courtesy of Mark Kateli This event occurred in September 2019. An with the former being greenish-white and the latter accompanying video of this memorable experience white. Both species differ from Indian plantains can be found at https://youtu.be/9P3nVCJoNYQ (Arnoglossum spp.) by their leaf shape as well as the number of flowers they have (Indian plantains have Hammockherb or gulf hammock Indian plantain, around 5 flowers per head). Hasteola robertiorum, is a facultative wetland plant that prefers to grow in dappled sun within Geographic and habitat distances have relegated swamp forest. To date, it is only found in two hammockherb into a few isolated pockets. The counties in Florida—Lake and Levy—and is listed as only representative of this genus in Florida, the state-endangered[1]. The closely related false Indian largest current population of hammockherb occurs plantain, Hasteola suaveolens, does not occur in within Seminole State Forest. But until this event, Florida but has a wider distribution across several a population count had never been done—likely northern states where it is also listed as endangered due to a combination of lack of funding, limited due to habitat loss and invasive plant competition[2]. work hours devoted to a niche project like this by state employees, the conditions in which this plant There are a number of differences and similarities prefers to grow, and the number of people required between species. Both Hasteola species flower to conduct a decent population count within in late summer to early fall but differ in the Sulphur Run Swamp. In many ways, I felt this was number of disc flowers present per inflorescence. an excellent opportunity with the Florida Forest Hammockherb has 10-14 while false Indian plantain has 18-55[3]. There is a slight flower color difference Continued on next page
Cuplet Fern members Susan Angermeier, Kate Dolamore, Rory Trumbore, and Mark Kateli were part of a group of 18 attendees. Members across six chapters were in attendance along with newcomers. - 8 - Frond Forum Florida Native Plant Society :: Cuplet Fern Chapter :: Seminole County Volume 10, Number 1 :: January – March 2020
The Rare Plant Count at Sulphur Run Swamp—continued Service to broaden the horizons of what Florida Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The plant, at Native Plant Society (FNPS) is capable of. first glance, is no stunner. A perennial non-woody species (hence the common name, herb), it had erect Over 18 attendees overwhelmingly from science stems that were 2-4’ tall. The hastate (spear-shaped backgrounds (biology, botany, environmental with pointed lobes at the base) leaves had serrate science, and the like) engaged in this activity— margins with long petioles that were occasionally knowing well the sweltering conditions that winged. The fruit is a cypsela (an achene-like fruit awaited them. The publicity for the event explicitly produced by some members of the Asteraceae mentioned that it was not for the faint of heart. family) though I didn’t get to see one. As for the The turnout, remarkably, was unaffected by such ‘sweet-smell’ that Hasteola is known for, it wasn’t cautionary emails. The spectrum of attendees readily discernible. It certainly wasn’t fetid. ranged from students earning course service hours to employees with the Florida Department of My mind was engrossed with the thought that I Environmental Protection (DEP) to retired public might be slowly sinking. And for good reason. In school science teachers. Each found the idea of the some areas, the muck was knee-deep and sucked my event personally appealing in their own way. We rainboots right off. Fallen logs provided little to no split off into four groups—each leader with a tally reprieve as they cracked at the weight of anyone who sheet to record individual plants and to note if tried to seek a better path. To make things more they were in a flower/fruit phase. A small piece of interesting, the afternoon brought patchy rain. We biodegradable red paper tape was placed near each stood under the shade of trees not knowing when to avoid double counting. the rain would abate. Thankfully, it did and all of
Continued on next page
From left to right: Hammockherb, Hasteola robertiorium, our target species. Base of plant exhibiting a shallow root system. A close- up of its flowers showing tubular disc florets. Hasteola robertiorum lacks ray florets. Juvenile plants with varied leaves occasionally appearing hastate and/or with winged petioles. Mature plants exhibited the same.
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The Rare Plant Count at Sulphur Run Swamp—continued us made it out unscathed by lunchtime. Some of far, an exciting experience for all. I would like to us decided to stay afterwards while others left. We express my deep gratitude to the helpfulness and counted over 42 individual plants—a first in the collaboration of the Florida Forest Service team history of Sulphur Run Swamp. without whom this notable event for the books would not be possible. Overall, the property was very diverse. Some of us went to see a large terrestrial orchid patch Sources (all accessed on December 23, 2019): after the count but what really intrigued me was [1] red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) which we University of South Florida Plant Atlas. https:// encountered on our way out of the muck. I had florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=1210
never seen one. Part of the larger Rosaceae family, [2] it was interesting to spot it right along the ecotone Minnesota wildflowers: A field guide between swamp and wet prairie. When you are to Minnesota flora. https://www. a plant enthusiast, you tend to gravitate towards minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/sweet- species that you’ve never seen before—no matter if smelling-indian-plantain it’s common or not. [3] Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) field For most FNPS members, this type of event on a guide publications. https://www.fnai.org/ difficulty scale of 1-10, would be a 9 with several FieldGuide/pdf/Hasteola_robertiorum.pdf people needing assistance from getting stuck in muck. I would classify a difficulty level of 10 if the muck had surpassed knee height. Even so it was, by
From left to right: Muck covered shoes—a sign of our solidarity. Red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) found along the swamp edge—a member of the rose family. Nodding nixie (Apteria aphylla)—a diminutive wildflower found in several wetland areas across the state. The purple plant is a mycoheterotroph within the Burmanniaceae family which has representation across the world, but only found in the geological southeast coastal plain here in the U.S.
- 10 - Frond Forum Florida Native Plant Society :: Cuplet Fern Chapter :: Seminole County Volume 10, Number 1 :: January – March 2020 A Chickadee’s Landscaping Advice: Go Native
Article by Howard Youth
A study published in Proceedings of the National “If we think about it,” says Narango, “landscaping Academy of Sciences in 2018 indicates that Carolina with nonnative plants is one part of this issue with Chickadees may be sounding the alarm that our insect declines. We’re making our residential areas expanding urban and suburban enclaves lack native food deserts full of plants that herbivorous insects plants that insects and spiders—and the birds that can’t eat, which means fewer insects…and less food eat them—require. for insectivorous birds.”
Insects and spiders make up about 90 percent of the Working with homeowners as a part of the citizen Carolina Chickadee’s diet during the nesting season, science program Smithsonian Neighborhood and about 40 percent at other times. Researchers Nestwatch, Narango, Tallamy, and Marra found recently found that these nonmigratory songbirds that areas with less than 70 percent native-plant struggled to raise their young in residential yards biomass were a “dead-end for insectivorous birds,” near and within Washington, D.C., that were where chickadees had “lower reproductive success packed with exotic landscaping because, due to and unsustainable population growth…,” sometimes nonnative plants’ “evolutionary novelty,” they foregoing reproduction altogether. attracted far fewer caterpillars and other insects than did native species. Biologists Dersirée Narango, This article has been reprinted from The Magazine Douglas Tallamy, and Peter Marra wrote: “Our work of the American Bird Conservancy, Summer demonstrates that even a common ‘urban-adapted’ 2019. American Bird Conservancy is dedicated to bird species is food-limited when nonnative plants conserving birds and their habitats throughout the dominate landscapes…” Americas.
For more information go to https://abcbirds.org/
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UF/IFAS Extension in Seminole County is the sandy, well drained soils which are found honored to partner with the Cuplet Fern in many parts of Florida, require full sun and chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society infrequent watering. The idea garden will be to showcase a native plant idea garden patch a low-maintenance area with the exception within the Florida Friendly Landscape (FFL) of occasional weeding. These plants were demonstration garden. The FFL landscape also chosen to be an educational tool for the demonstration garden emphasizes nine public to learn about proper seed collection, principles: right plant/right place, water propagation through plant cuttings, and light efficiency, appropriate fertilizing, mulching, pruning techniques during cooler months. The attracting wildlife, managing yard pests native plant idea garden will encourage the responsibly, recycling yard waste, reducing community to appreciate their local natural stormwater runoff, and protecting the environment and the wealth of native plants in waterfront. their vicinity.
The native plant idea garden showcases Visit the Florida Friendly demonstration garden wildflowers, grasses, and small shrubs that are sunrise to sunset any day of the year at 250 W uncommon in gardening landscapes, but are County Home Road, Sanford, FL 32773. The available at local native nurseries throughout garden is by the cell tower at the west end the year. The idea garden area not only of the parking lot. If you would like to learn promotes the right plant/right place principle more about the Florida-Friendly Landscaping but goes further by engaging the public in program in Seminole County visit http://www. right plant, right naturally found place in our seminolecountyfl.gov/ffl. To get involved with locale—all plants are found somewhere within the Cuplet Fern Chapter of the Florida Native Seminole County’s conservation areas. Plants Plant Society visit http://cupletfern.fnpschapters. were chosen based on color, bloom periods, and org/ nectar availability for pollinators through most of the year. The selected plants are adapted to
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Upcoming Meetings—All meetings are held at the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Office, 250 W County Home Road, Sanford, FL 32773 and are free and open to the public. Florida Native Plants are available at all meetings for a donation to our camp scholarships. We are a casual group. Pull up a chair, enjoy the program, and support kids with a donation! For updates or clarifications closer to the time, visit our website, check out our Facebook page, or call us at (352)658-3677 for more information. Sixty Years of Gardening: What I’ve Learned Edible and Medicinal Florida Native Plants January 13, 2020, 7PM February 10, 2020, 7PM Presentation by Tom MacCubbin Presentation by Clyde Folsom Join gardener and retired IFAS agent, Tom Join Clyde Folsom, a nurseryman for South MacCubbin, as he discusses a life-long journey Seminole Farm and Nursery, as he discusses of gardening. In his presentation, Tom will talk edible and medicinal Florida native plants. Clyde’s about what he has learned in his over 60 years of presentation covers native flora from a foraging gardening that can make us all successful, with a and culinary perspective, as well as addresses the focus on Florida native plants. Tom was the Orange cultural importance and historical/folkloric use of County Urban Horticulturist until he retired in these plants medicinally. A Florida native, Clyde April 2007. He was employed by the county and has spent his life in the state’s parks and wild the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences spaces, developing an intense love and interest in (IFAS) — a division of the University of Florida Florida’s culture and history as viewed from an (UF) at Gainesville. He is now an Extension Agent ethnobotanical perspective, volunteering in various Emeritus with a full professor equivalent at UF. cleanup and restoration projects from a young age. His primary assignment has been to assist Florida Much of the plant lore he shares he’s picked up homeowners in the development and maintenance firsthand from knowledgeable mentors and family of home gardens, landscapes, turf and ornamentals members, and from his employer at South Seminole which he continues through his many media Farm and Nursery, at which he’s worked for the last programs. Tom has won numerous awards. Some four years. During his free time Clyde enjoys helping of them include: Award of Excellence for work plan sustainable, edible landscaping schemes for as a county horticulture agent and for effective South Seminole customers and introducing all he involvement with media programming from the can to lesser known, Florida-friendly food sources National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. (2001) for both humankind and wildlife. and Teacher of the Year Award from the American Horticultural Society (2007). Tom has hosted the Grasses, Sedges, and Rushes for Native “Better Lawns & Gardens” radio program for more Landscaping than 18 years and is heard every Saturday morning on more than 20 radio stations throughout Florida. March 9, 2020, 7PM If you have a book authored by Tom, please bring it! Presentation by Nancy Bissett He will be happy to autograph it for you. Join Nancy Bissett as she discusses an interesting topic that few programs go in-depth on: grasses, rushes, and sedges. Nancy will describe and delineate common selections used in the landscaping—some may appeal to you so much,
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Upcoming Meetings—Continued that you will consider with the propagation and growth of many natives them for your yard plants, including grasses, wildflowers, and rare as well! Nancy Bissett species. is a restoration ecologist, botanist, and Manage Yard Pests Responsibly with Integrated horticulturist. She and Pest Managment her husband, Bill, co- founded The Natives April 13, 2020, 7PM in 1982. Nancy serves Presentation by Tina McIntyre Nancy Bissett, March presenter as a consultant, designs Join Cuplet Fern member and Seminole IFAS Florida and installs upland restoration projects, assists on Friendly Landscaping Agent, Tina McIntyre, for this research projects, monitors and surveys vegetation informative presentation on how to properly handle in central Florida, performs rare plant surveys, and pests in your yard. You will learn how to create an assists and advises on horticultural operations. effective defense against pests while minimizing Nancy has developed techniques for restoring many your impact on the environment. Reports have upland communities that include site preparation, shown that 30-40 percent of the pesticide use in planting, direct-seeding native groundcovers, and Florida occurs in urban areas. With its subtropical, weed control. She has developed and enacted direct humid environment, Florida is an ideal environment seeding projects for state and local agencies, water for insect pests and weedy plants. Many people are management districts, mitigation banks, mined looking for ways to manage weeds and pests with lands, developers, and corporations. As a botanist little to no use of toxic materials. The control of she has assisted with monitoring research projects pests seldom relies on a single pest control practice. for The Nature Conservancy, Florida Institute of Rather, the decision to initiate control involves a Phosphate Research, and others. She has performed combination of elements, including: monitoring, various rare plant and vegetation surveys, and also knowledge of the pests/plant/animal hosts, helped federal, state, and local authorities find and beneficial organisms, level of damage, and selection evaluate rare plant communities. As the developer of the pesticide with the least risk to humans and of The Natives nursery, Nancy has experimented the environment. Together, these elements form the basis for the practice of integrated pest management, more commonly referred to as IPM.
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Upcoming Field Trips and Activities—Most field trips are free and open to the public. Please call (352)658-3677 for reservations in case we need to change the schedule or location. Also, some venues have limits on the number of people that may be accommodated. Smyrna Dunes Park property. Park on the public sand/gravel lot at the entry point into the park. Ample parking spaces. We will meet January 18, 2020, 8:45AM here before we begin the weed pull. Location: Smyrna Dunes Park, 2995 N Peninula Avenue, Free, but reservations are required. New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. There are restrooms near the main office or pavillion that will be available before Point of Contact: Lee Perry, Mark Kateli the tour begins. The parking lot is near the main office Join Jena Pell from Seminole Natural Lands and pavillion. Ample parking spaces are available. program and Lee Perry from IDEAS for US for $10 per vehicle. Carpooling is recommended. There is a cesearweed invasive plant removal at Spring complimentary entry for handicap qualifying vehicles Hammock. Seminole Natural Lands will provide (including Disabled Veterans registered vehicles) bags for weeds. We will stage these bags at a and 50% discount to first responders and veterans. particular location for their team to dispose of at a Reservations are required. later time. IDEAS for US will provide gloves, water, Point of Contact: Terri Propst, Mark Kateli and fruit. The weed pull has been designed to be Join Terri Propst, coastal division manager from an easy feel good opportunity for making a positive Volusia Public Works department for a walk difference in our ecology and community! Spring through Smyrna Dunes Park. Her specialty is plants, Hammock Preserve is a 1,500-acre natural area in recent invasive removal history at the park, native Seminole County, Florida. Its mucky areas protect protected species that inhabit the park (gopher examples of hydric hammock and floodplain forest. tortoise, southeastern beach mice, sea turtles, etc.) Sandy terrain supports upland hardwood and along with park operations & amenities. Perched pine flatwood ecosystems. Many animal and plant on 73 acres of pristine land at the northern tip species in the preserve are either rare or near their of the New Smyrna Beach peninsula, the area is range limit. This property is a unique assemblage of surrounded by water on three sides. Waters from floodplain forest, hydric hammock, upland mixed the Indian River flow through Ponce Inlet and hardwoods and pine flatwoods. There are many rare into the Atlantic Ocean providing a variety of and listed species including the bipinnate cuplet natural habitats for animals, birds, reptiles, marine fern (Dennstaedtia bipinnata), Ockeechobee gourd life, and vegetation. Smyrna Dunes Park boasts 5 (Cucurbita okeechobeensis), and the gopher tortoise ecosystems—ocean, river, dunes, scrub zone, and (Gopherus polyphemus). There is a boardwalk that saltwater marsh—with the most evident ecosystem leads through second growth cypress forest out to being vast sand dunes. There should be many Lake Jesup. migratory birds during this time of the year so birders (and their binoculars) are encouraged to join us. We will tour along the boardwalk and take a trip Bear Creek Nature Trail & Ed Yarborough up to the observation tower. Nature Center February 15, 2020, 8:30AM Location: Bear Creek Nature Trail, 1555 Winter Springs Invasive Plant Removal: Spring Hammock Blvd, Winter Springs, FL 32708. Ed Yarborough Nature January 19, 2020, 10AM– 12PM Center, 3485 County Road 426, Geneva, FL 32732. About Location: Spring Hammock Preserve, 2985 Osprey Trail, Longwood, FL 32773. Restrooms are not available on the Continued on next page
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Upcoming Field Trips and Activities—continued
a 15 minute drive from Bear Creek. Parking is limited at Plant Sale: Seminole IFAS Expo Bear Creek Natural Trail. Carpooling is recommended. February 22, 2020, 9AM–3PM Free, but reservations are required. Location: Seminole IFAS Auditorium, 250 W County Point of Contact: Barbara Whittier, Mark Kateli Homes Road, Sanford, FL 32773. The parking lot is Join nurseryman Clyde Folsom as he takes us for adjacent to and behind the building. There is plenty of a short and easy hike around the Bear Creek Trail. parking available. Clyde’s walk will cover native plants visible along Admission is free. the trail along with edible and medicinal knowledge Point of Contact: Mark Kateli, Barbara Whittier, Chris about them. The guided walk should last no more Calder than 45 minutes. Afterwards, join Barbara Whittier Come see Cuplet Fern at the 10th Annual Seminole for a brief tour of the Ed Yarborough native plant Expo! This is a major Sanford event representing garden area. The nature center is 10 miles east of several businesses in the Central Florida region. Did Bear Creek Nature Trail and should take just 15 you know this is our only slated plant sale for the minutes by car. We will tour the garden area where year? Revenue generated helps us greatly. We are native plants have been allowed to grow and thrive. highly active in outreach within our community. Barbara will discuss some of her favorite plant Please come out and support us by purchasing selections along with tried and true methods of plants. Neta Villalobos-Bell, chapter member, is growing them successfully in your yard. The low- scheduled to provide a presentation about native maintenance native plant garden area requires light plants in the auditorium. Presentation time and pruning and upkeep about a handful of times a year. topic TBD. Cuplet Fern members will also be Please plan to meet at the educational center—the giving short tours to those interested in the Florida garden area is adjacent to it. The tour should last no Friendly Landscape demonstration garden. more than 1 hour. Continued on next page
Find Us Online! Members report volunteer hours. Seminole IFAS Master Gardener’s https://www.instagram.com/cupletfern.fnps Program continuing education hours eligible!
https://www.facebook.com/cupletfernfnps
https://www.flickr.com/photos/158736579@N02/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFUrLQz1A2ymKCNYmx6hyTg
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Upcoming Field Trips and Activities—continued
Crystal Lake Preserve auxiliary courses. Crystal Lake Preserve is a 40- March 21, 2020, 8AM acre tract of land. It is isolated in the middle of a Location: Timucuan Golf Clubhouse, 550 Timacuan Lake Mary development but under protection for Blvd, Lake Mary, FL 32746. There are limited parking wildlife, native plants, and water conservation. Over spots at the Timucuan clubhouse. Carpooling is 80 Florida native plants have been identified on the recommended. There are restrooms at the clubhouse property. Because it is within a development, there that will be available before the tour begins. is limited access, making this a rare opportunity to Free, but reservations are required. peek inside for a guided hike to enjoy what’s left of Point of Contact: Neta Villalobos-Bell, Mark Kateli natural Florida. Situated by Crystal Lake, we will Join Neta Villalobos-Bell, Cuplet Fern past president, explore wetland as well as upland species of plants on a tour of Crystal Lake Preserve—a hidden gem. and birds. This beautiful property is a low-traffic Neta is a Land Steward from the Florida Master area (good for wildlife!). We will be adding content Naturalist Program having completed all core and after the field trip for memory lane!
Photos from Previous Field Trips and Activities
Chris Matson holding exotic Natal Grass, Lake Louisa field trip
Pickerelweed (Ponterderia cordata) with Durantes longtail, Toshatchee field trip
Membership & Renewal Online https://www.fnps.org/forms1/membershipform?/join
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