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Florida Arbor Day is this Friday, January 17! Along with Louisiana, Florida is the first state in the nation to celebrate Arbor Day each year, which occurs on the third Friday of January.

Why so early? Florida Arbor Day is celebrated in January because many trees are dormant during this season. They are not actively growing and are transpiring less water so there is less stress on them when planted.

Plant native trees! Native trees are best suited to Florida's environment and support a plethora of pollinators and other wildlife. Florida is blessed with an abundance of beautiful flowering trees that make wonderful additions to home and community landscapes, just a few of which are featured below.

Find a celebration near you: Many local organizations and governments host educational events and tree giveaways over the Arbor Day weekend. Check your local news outlets for opportunities in your area — and be sure to request a native tree.

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora

Native range:

Panhandle, peninsula south to Highlands County

Learn more!

Eastern redbud

Cercis canadensis

Native range:

Panhandle; north and

west central peninsula

Learn more!

Walter's viburnum

Viburnum obovatum

Native range:

Statewide

Learn more!

LAST CALL: We are seeking Florida libraries to participate as pilot sites for our newest funding opportunity, the Seeds of Knowledge Library Demonstration Garden Grant! Selected libraries will receive funds to purchase plants, education resources for your community, and native seed packets to share with visitors. Deadline to apply is February 1. Click here to learn more and apply.

Photo courtesy of West Oaks Branch Library

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our 2024 end-of-year campaign! Your generous support helps us kick off 2025 with renewed energy and resources to expand native wildflower habitats, support pollinators, and foster a love for Florida’s natural beauty. Together, we’ll make a meaningful impact this year. If you haven’t had a chance to give, it’s not too late — your gift can still help us grow and thrive in 2025!

FIND US AT THESE UPCOMING OUTREACH EVENTS:

• Saturday, January 18: Transforming Landscapes for a Sustainable Future Conference, Vero Beach
• Saturday, January 18: Crawfordville Arbor Day
• Saturday February 1: Flatwoods Fire and Nature Festival, Gainesville
• Saturday February 15: A Backyard Revolution!, Fort Myers
• Saturday February 22: Florida Scrub Jay and Wildlife Festival, Deltona

a six-part webinar series with Jim Folsom, PhD.

This crash course in basic botany for the beginner will take us on a journey from understanding plant anatomy and physiology to learning how plants are named and the botanical jargon that will demystify plant keys and identification. Dr. Folsom will contextualize it all in Florida native plant communities.

Series schedule:

• Part 1: Basic Wildflower Botany – Watch the recording here
• Part 2: 10 BIG IDEAS Regarding Plants – Watch the recording here
• Part 3: Coming to Terms with Plant Names – Wednesday, February 19, 2pm
• Part 4: Getting Familiar with Plant Families – Wednesday, April 16, 2pm
• Part 5: Botanical Jargon, A Concise and Precise Language for Plants – Wednesday, May 21, 2pm
• Part 6: Using Keys to Florida Plants – Wednesday, June 18, 2pm

CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

Check out our calendar for a full listing of upcoming events across the state!