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Dade Native Plant Workshop

Updated January 5, 2010. January newsletter posted.

Upcoming Meeting in Dade

Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 7:30 pm at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Corbin Building, 10901 Old Cutler Road.  Free and open to the public. Refreshments begin at 7:15pm. Merchandise sales are before and after the program (cash/checks only).  The plant raffle follows the program.

Before the meeting at 7 pm: Chapter members -- please come a little early to give your input on how the chapter functions, suggestions for activities and programs, or other topics you may wish to discuss with board members!

Program: "Cities, Climate Change and Ecological Landscaping" - Dr. Jack Parker, Professor Emeritus, Florida International University, Dept. of Environmental Sciences

This presentation will discuss the latest science of climate change, including the projected environmental impacts on natural systems.  It will include an evaluation of alternative solutions to global warming, particularly the role of trees in urban areas.

Dr. Parker's teaching and research focus on ecological landscaping, passive solar cooling, climate change mitigation, energy and resource conservation, environmental housing, energy policy and environmental education.  He is particularly interested in applications in warm, humid climates and in less-developed countries as well as local community projects. 

February 23: “The Making and Remaking of a Garden” - Georgia Tasker, former Garden Writer for the Miami Herald

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Upcoming Field Trips

Sunday, January 17, 9 a.m.: Pinecrest, Loop Road (Big Cypress).  This beautiful area has many diverse habitats.  First, we will explore a hammock, accessed via the property of chapter members Gene and Sue Sanchez. After lunch at the Sanchez's cabin, and those who wish to stay can stroll along Loop Road and into cypress, prairie and pinelands, or stay on the road to spot butterflies, birds and wildflowers. 

• Meeting place and directions are in the print newsletter sent to members. Please join FNPS so that you can enjoy all the chapter activities!. 
• Difficulty: Moderate in the hammock (walking off paths); easier on Loop Road, but in full sun, and if you choose to walk off the road it may be wet and rough ground.  
• Bring/wear: Water, sun protection, closed shoes and long pants, lunch if you plan to stay past morning.  If you are adventurous, wear shoes to get wet.  Bring mosquito repellant just in case.
• Note: The middle part of Loop Road is closed for repairs.

February (tentative, date TBA): Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve.

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Upcoming Keys Branch Activities

To receive e-mail reminders of Keys branch activities, please contact Barb Moe, barbmoe@bellsouth.net.  Remember that all chapter members are welcome at both Keys and Dade activities!

Meeting in Key Largo, Tuesday, January 19
Speaker: "Saving Butterflies: Endangered or just in danger, what's a citizen to do?"- Dennis Olle, Attorney and butterfly conservation advocate with the Miami Blue Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association.

An attorney with Carlton Fields (one of south Florida’s top law firms), Dennis Olle applies his knowledge of law to a lifelong interest in the conservation of nature and, particularly, to his passion for protecting rare butterflies. Dennis will discuss the rarest butterflies found in south Florida, and what interested citizens can do to help protect them. Even a backyard landscape offers opportunities to preserve or recreate habitat these butterflies and other wildlife depend upon. Also an accomplished photographer, his photographs of rare butterflies of the Keys will accompany his descriptions of the native plants and habitat types they depend on, why they are threatened and what their legal status is. For Florida Keys homeowners, especially anyone living near a park or preserve, there are many opportunities, using native plants, to recreate suitable habitat and to help support the continued presence of these species.

Location: John Pennekamp State Park Visitor Center MM 102.5.
Time: The gate opens at 7 pm for socializing and Plant ID.  The program starts at 7:30 and is followed by the native plant raffle. You could take home a rare plant for as little as $1. Plant donations for the raffle are welcome.

Field trip: Saturday, January 23.  Restoration area at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, on CR 905, oceanside, just north of the Circle K. Meet at 9:00 am at the arch to the park.  We will see the plantings done a year ago and the plants which have volunteered since then.

Meeting in Marathon, February 16:  Please contact Lisa at ledzepllg@bellsouth.net or 305-743-0978 with program suggestions.

Field trip, February 20: Bahia Honda State Park.

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Chapter workday, Everglades National Park

February 6, 9a.m. - noon.  Help weed, prune and plant around the Coe Visitors Center.  Drinks, gloves and hand tools are provided, but you may want to bring your own and snacks to share. Bring sun protection, but you won't need insect spray! For more information: Patty Phares (305-255-6404, pphares@mindspring.com).

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The Dade Chapter's new official telephone number for general information is 786-340-7914. 

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Many more exciting activities in our Newsletter!

Where do I obtain native plants?