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We can't celebrate 25 years of the State Wildflower license plate supporting wildflowers and wildlife across Florida without honoring one of our most influential inspirations: Lady Bird Johnson. During her tenure as First Lady of the United States, she championed more than 50 major initiatives related to conservation and beatification. After her time in Washington, Lady Bird returned to her home state of Texas and dedicated herself to beautifying communities and roadways through the use of native plants. In 1982, she founded the National Wildflower Research Center (later renamed the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in her honor) to preserve North America's native plants and natural landscapes. Learn more about Lady Bird Johnson's work and legacy at www.LadyBirdJohnson.org.

Closer to home, as the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs (FFGC) began envisioning the State Wildflower license plate in the 1980s, Lady Bird's example was a shining north star. By 1996, a coalition between FFGC, the Florida Department of Transportation and Keep Florida Beautiful had formed and was gaining momentum. At the same time, Anne MacKay — wife of then-Lt. Governor Buddy MacKay and founding member of the Florida Wildflower Foundation — was invited to a conference in Georgia hosted by Lady Bird to discuss native wildflower planting and preservation on federal highways in the Southeast.

Later, in 1998, a Florida delegation led by Anne and FFGC Roadside Beautification Chair Elizabeth Pate traveled to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to participate in and present at the Managing Roadsides Naturally conference. These events helped catalyze Florida's efforts and were instrumental in securing legislative approval of the license plate in July 1999.

Click here to learn how incredible leadership and partnerships drove this conservation initiative to success!

Help Us Watch Over Florida’s Roadside Wildflowers!

The Florida Wildflower Foundation partners with counties to identify, protect and manage naturally occurring wildflower habitats along county-maintained roadsides. Through seasonal vegetation surveys, tailored maintenance plans and community monitoring, we’re working to ensure these vital pollinator corridors thrive.

We’re currently seeking volunteers in Suwannee, Citrus and Alachua counties to become “Wildflower Watchers” and help monitor designated roadside wildflower areas. Your observations will provide vital data that supports conservation efforts and keeps these corridors thriving. Wildflower Watchers receive training on how to conduct surveys and send reports during peak bloom periods in the spring, summer and fall.

Sign up to be a Wildflower Watcher.

Don’t live in one of these counties but want to see more wildflowers along your local roads? Contact Marina Mertz, Roadside Program Coordinator, at MMertz@FlaWildflowers.org to learn how you can get started.

Wildflower Feature: Firebush

Firebush (Hamelia patens var. patens) is a hardy and reliable native shrub that attracts beautiful butterflies and happy hummingbirds in abundance. It also produces plentiful fruits enjoyed by many birds and small mammals. Click here to learn more.

NOTE: There is often confusion between native and non-native Firebush species in cultivation. For clarification, check out Roger Hammer's review of the issue in the article "The Hamelia Mess" published by the Florida Association of Native Nurseries.

August is National Make-a-Will Month

While wildflowers and wills may seem to have little in common, they have more similarities than one might think. A planned gift is like a seed that grows into a beautiful flower.

Learn more about planned giving and how to create your will.

Join the Great Florida Pollinator Census this August 22-23 to learn about the insects in your own yard or community and contribute valuable data to help expand scientific knowledge and protect pollinators!

In as little as 15 minutes, you can participate from your own yard, or you can find a community event near you through UF/IFAS Extension. Get all the resources you need to participate here.

UF IFAS leads this program in coordination with the Great Southeast Pollinator Census.

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