Go Native! With The Hernando Chapter Florida Native Plant Society

This Tide for a Cause project is done in partnership with the Hernando Chapter Florida Native Plant Society. Read the blog below to learn about the organization, all that they do, and how you can be a part of assisting the native plant communities of Florida. If you’re interested in learning more, we invite you to check out their website and Facebook, and attend a meeting!

What is the Florida Native Plant Society?

The Florida Native Plant Society was founded in 1986 to promote the preservation, conservation, and restoration of the native plant communities of Florida. These plants are the foundation of healthy ecosystems that support wildlife and people. FNPS is a leader in maintaining and providing reliable science-based information about Florida native plants, plant conservation, and restoration. The Society also seeks to share the information to help residents and visitors recognize and enjoy Florida’s native plants in natural environments and human-made landscapes.

According to their website, the Hernando Chapter was founded in December 1998, and has been making friends and building community ever since. “Although our Chapter is small in size, it is large in leadership and enthusiasm. Our members have served as officers and committee chairs for the Florida Native Plant Society almost continuously since the Chapter's inception. Currently, member Gene Kelly serves as Government Policy Chair for the Society. Our President Janet Grabowski is collaborating in the development of regional educational publications.”

To learn more and follow along, please visit the Hernando Chapter’s website at www.hcfnps.org, and be sure to ‘like’ their Facebook page!

Beer Release

On October 1st, we will be releasing a native-plant-inspired, limited edition beer called "Liatris Lager.” This lager will be treated with a wild berry medley to mimic the beautiful purple color of the Liatris plant and will be available in the month of October– or until we sell out! Please join us in the taproom for the release of a limited edition beer inspired by a special Florida native plant and a plant raffle. Members from the Hernando chapter will be present sharing more information about what their organization does within the community as well as Florida's endemic plant species. Visit the Facebook event by clicking this link to save the event to your feed.

The Liatris

Uplclose of the Liatris plant

The Liatris

A rare White Liatris

Let’s talk about the plants.

Why natives are special. In Florida, citizens soon learn that our conditions require plants in the landscape to adapt to too much rain or drought in the same year, poor soils, and intense heat. What they will learn about Florida’s native plants is that they have adapted to a certain location and set of conditions without human intervention. Logically, this means less work and more success in the home landscape.

Protecting our health. A native plant landscape features keystone members from the plant communities that naturally existed in this area prior to development. Using Florida’s native plants in the home landscape can reduce the need for irrigation, saving precious gallons of water. Reducing the need for fertilization and pesticides helps protect our groundwater and spring basins.

Fire is our friend. Much of Florida’s landscape is “fire adapted” meaning that plants have learned to not only survive wildfires set by lightning but to require them to clear room for germination and to add nutrients back to the soil.

Connections are key. Start a conversation about biodiversity with native plants. Like people, plants exist in communities where all the members have a role. In native plant communities under natural conditions, things tend to stay in balance, and everything blooms in season. When roads slice up a plant neighborhood, quality/quantity of water (hydrology) is changed, and invasive plant species can be introduced. The balance can be restored by landscaping with a mix of native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers.

The buzz about pollinators. From bees to beetles to beautiful butterflies, we depend on pollinators. Monocultures, such as lawns, and the chemicals that maintain them, break the cycle of life. Citizens can support pollinators at home by providing nectar, a variety of larval host plants, and nesting areas.

Landscaping for wildlife. For those who enjoy birds, bunnies and butterflies, a native plant landscape can provide blueprint for bringing more life into the landscape. Key points: If you want birds, you need bugs; provide cover, water and food; eliminate chemicals and reduce the lawn.

Where to get Florida Native Plants. The Florida Association of Native Nurseries identifies local native plant retail sources. The Florida Native Plant Society and the Florida Wildflower Foundation will let you know what to plant where.

Hernando FNPS Website