A win for Florida wildflowers

A bill that provides more funds for Florida wildflowers was signed recently by Gov. Rick Scott. Effective July 1, it increases the State Wildflower license plate user fee from $15 to $25. The change brings the fee in line with those of most other Florida specialty plates. It will raise thousands of dollars more each year for native wildflower education, planting and research projects administered by the Florida Wildflower Foundation (FWF).

FWF Executive Director Lisa Roberts explained that the increased fee will support program growth and offset a recent 20 percent decline in tag revenue. She said the decline is due to economic conditions and increased competition from new specialty tags.

The Foundation is grateful to the bill's sponsors, including Rep. John Wood, who filed the House bill in the memory of his late mother, Ella, who helped start the state's roadside wildflower planting program. House co-sponsors were Reps. Tom Goodson and Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, while Sen. Darren Soto sponsored the bill in the Senate.

2 grant programs open for applications

The La Florida, "Land of Flowers," Community Planting Grant program awards $500 seed or plant vouchers with which to purchase Florida native wildflower seeds or plants for your project. Up to 15 grants are available. This matching grant program is for Florida Native Plant Society chapters and government agencies. Applicants must function or be based within the 24 counties and two municipalities that have adopted wildflower resolutions (view resolutions). Applications will be accepted from 9 a.m. April 1 to 5 p.m. May 10.Grant awardees will be notified the week of June 3. Click here to download the grant planning document, which has a link to the online application.

Viva Florida wildflower demonstration grants provide $3,000 of funding to botanical gardens, nature centers and public parks to help establish native wildflower demonstration gardens. Gardens should showcase the beauty and variety of Florida’s native wildflowers and provide information on their historical, cultural and environmental significance. They should also provide working examples of how homeowners and business owners can use native wildflowers in their landscapes. The gardens must incorporate corresponding educational components, such as signage, informational brochures and classes. A 50 percent match is required. Only online applications will be considered. Applications will be accepted from 9 a.m. April 1 to 5 p.m. May 10. Grant awardees will be notified the week of June 3. Click here to download the grant planning document, which has a link to the online application.

Download our spring newsletter

In this issue:

• Read about the upcoming Native Plant Show - the nation's first-ever all-native plant show - in Kissimmee; the Central Florida Native Plant Sale; and Putting Wildflower Research to Work, a seminar for growers and roadside managers.
• Ever wonder what has happened when a plant that's supposed to have yellow flowers puts out white blossoms instead? Claudia Larsen writes about color polymorphism, which both fascinates and frustrates researchers.
• What's with those rare and endangered plants on roadsides? Why are they there and what can you do to protect them? Michael Jenkins, a Florida Forest Service plant conservation biologist, shares his knowledge and insight on the topic.

Download your copy now.