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For 25 years, Florida Wildflower Foundation members have helped connect, protect and expand native wildflower habitats across our state. As part of our $25 for 25 anniversary campaign, we're celebrating the community we've built — and inviting you to help it grow.
From today through August 19, when you join or renew your membership, you'll receive a complimentary membership of equal or lesser value to share with anyone you choose.
Whether it's a friend, family member, neighbor or fellow native plant enthusiast, your gift introduces someone new to a community dedicated to Florida's native wildflowers and the pollinators, wildlife and people who depend on them.
Together, let's grow the next 25 years of community.
Join or renew today.
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| Viva Florida Grant Recipients | | Garden Spotlight: Tom Petty Park | | |
What better way to honor Florida rock legend Tom Petty than with native wildflowers! Persistence and teamwork were key to bringing this newly planted Bee City Gainesville native plant garden at Tom Petty Park to life. Only a month after planting, over 200 plants are thriving — and many are starting to bloom.
Get to know the Tom Petty Park Garden here.
Photo by Greg McGann
| | Pollinator Profile: Whirlabout | | |
Meet the little skipper named for its frantic flight patterns — the Whirlabout (Hedone vibex)! This precious pollinator can be found throughout Florida, visiting a wide variety of wildflowers. They host on grasses, including native Paspalums.
Learn more about the Whirlabout!
Photo: Whirlabout on Rayless sunflower (Helianthus radula)
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Summer Bloom Report: Meet the Milkworts
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Milkworts are a fascinating group of wildflowers, named for a long-debunked belief that they boosted milk production in nursing mothers and cattle.
Twenty-three milkworts occur in Florida, and all are native to the state. Three are endemic, and two of those are endangered.
Get to know some of the more common milkworts.
Photo: Candyroot (Senega nana)
| | Welcome Molly Phillips to Team Wildflower | | |
We are excited to introduce Molly Phillips, our new Program Coordinator! She will be working with local communities while overseeing our Roadsides, Bee City Gainesville and Seeds of Knowledge programs.
Molly holds a master’s degree in biology and a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and conservation, and her environmental career has spanned natural history collections, state agencies, biological field stations, nonprofits and the U.S. Air Force. She jumped right in on her first week with us last month, conducting roadside surveys and helping with outreach at Pollinator Palooza. She’s a wonderful new addition to Team Wildflower, and we are excited for you to get to know her.
| | Florida Native Seed Partnership News | | |
The Florida Native Seed Partnership web page has a new look! It’s now easier to stay connected and get involved. You can:
- Apply to join as a Partner or Supporter
- Learn about our mission and current initiatives
- Access resources, news and upcoming opportunities
- Explore the Partnership all in one place
Take a look and see what's new!
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The Great Florida Pollinator Census
Join the Great Florida Pollinator Census this August 21-22 to learn about the insects in your area 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. Find all the information and resources you need here.
NOTE: This event is led by UF/IFAS in collaboration with the Great Southeast Pollinator Census coordinated by UGA Extension
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Wednesday, August 19, 2-3pm
Get to Know Florida's Common Aquatic Plants
Presented by Nia Wellendorf, Aquatic Ecologist
If you are like many outdoorsy Floridians, you enjoy paddling in our majestic spring runs and abundant lakes, or walking wetland boardwalks at local parks. Have you ever wondered what plants you see? Florida is home to a fascinating variety of aquatic plants, including “lily pads” carnivorous plants and flashy flowering jewels. Join Nia Wellendorf for this tour of Florida’s most common aquatic plants.
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Thursday August 13, 10am-12pm
Tour of the University of Florida Herbarium
The University of Florida Herbarium is the botanical collection of the Florida Museum of Natural History. It contains over 510,000 plant specimens from all continents, including the largest collection of Florida native plant species. The tour will be led by curator Lucas Majure, collection manager Alan Franck, and extension botanist Marc Frank.
Florida Wildflower Foundation members can register for this field trip starting on Thursday, July 16. General registration opens Thursday, July 23. Become a Florida Wildflower Foundation member today for early access!
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Check out our calendar for a full listing of upcoming events across the state!
| | Members make a difference! | | Thank you to all the members who joined or renewed in June. Your support helps create habitat in schools and urban areas, spread wildflowers on roadsides, and educate people of all ages about the importance of native plants and the pollinators that depend on them. | | |
New Members
Michael Banks, Vicky Barahona, Karen Bazemore, Cynthia Bear and Charles O'Connor, Natalie Bermudez, Elise Biniak, Meredith Burkett, Wanda Collum, Deb Cone and Javier Prado, Crystal Springs Foundation, Inc., Peggy Davis, Rhonda Delmater, Melodee Dew, Donna Everetg, Sherryl Flick, Mary Graham, Sarah Greenwood, Jessica Herrera, Melanie Higgins, Ruthilde Holbrook, Pam Hutcherson, Jeanene Jewett, Thomas Johnson, Shawn Knesz, Peter Kovacs, Cherie Latourette, Terry Lemke, Darlene Moncalian, Doreen Norman, Emily Oakman, Diane Pilbeam, Coleen Seitter, Lisa Sloate, Niles Spencer, Kenneth Stricsek, Julia Strimple, MaryBeth Tomsen, Nancy Wallace, Krista Whitehill, Samantha Whiting, Charles Williams, Jane and Chip Winslow
Renewing Members
Kate Dolamore, Beth Field, Florida Native Plant Society, Magnolia Chapter, Pat Gmitter, Diana and Randolph Guidry, Patricia Kromer-Parsons, Eliane Norman, Susan Schwulst, Paula Wilhelm, Youth Environmental Alliance, Inc., Terri Zuidema
Want to see your name on the list? Join Team Wildflower today!
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Florida Wildflower Foundation | Website | | | | | |
