Wildflower Resolution
 

Resolutions paint Florida green

Would you like to see more roadside wildflowers in your county? In 2009, a model county resolution was developed by Foundation members Eleanor Dietrich and Jeff Caster for just this purpose. It recognizes the historical, environmental and cultural significance of Florida wildflowers and pledges to conserve roadside wildflowers through management practices such as reduced mowing.

Wakulla County led the way by enacting a county policy to preserve roadside wildflowers. Soon afterward, various versions of the resolution were adopted by Gadsden, Leon, Lake, Marion, Brevard and Volusia counties. Click on each county to learn how this effort was implemented and who led it. Use this information to bring the resolution to your own county.

Vince Lamb (right), his wife and daughter accept a signed copy of the Brevard resolution. Vince led the effort in Brevard to preserve wildflowers for future generations.

Getting started

On the map, click on a green county's name to see how the resolution was adopted there. Contact those who led the effort to learn more.

Team with a resident or organization that has ties with a county commissioner who supports environmental issues. If possible, organize a group effort by asking for help from Florida Wildflower Foundation members and local FNPS chapters, as well as from Audubon and Sierra Club chapters; garden clubs; civic organizations, and homeowners associations. Ask for letters of support from those organizations.

After getting a commissioner’s support, work with the county public works staff members to get their backing. Ask their advice about the best way to proceed, including the resolution’s final wording, scheduling the presentation and securing the commission’s vote.

Download the model county resolution and model PowerPoint presentation (4.4 MB). Modify the presentation with wildflower photos from your county. Contact Foundation board member Jeff Caster (850-414-5267) for pointers on making the presentation.

Work with the county public works department to identify county, state and federal roads with showy stands of wildflowers. Ask your county’s roadside maintenance supervisor and your county’s FDOT maintenance representatives (state, federal roads) for advice about altering mowing practices to allow wildflowers to flourish naturally.

Develop a follow-up plan. The adoption of a county wildflower resolution is only the first step in conserving roadside wildflowers. Organize periodic followups with county staff and issue reports on efforts. Sketch out a plan that includes publicity (newspapers, blogs), distribution of photos and educational materials, and site monitoring.

Model resolution

WHEREAS, the natural beauty of native wildflowers in __________ County can be enjoyed by everyone; can attract guests, and benefit commerce, environmental health, and public well-being; and

WHEREAS, enjoyment of native wildflowers is an occasion for all County and community leaders to unite for the benefit of everyone; and

WHEREAS, many naturally beautiful species of native wildflowers, including Coreopsis, the state wildflower, as depicted upon the State Wildflower license tag, are already prominently displayed along __________ County’s state and county roadways; and

WHEREAS, increasing the visibility of native wildflowers in __________ County is consistent with the vision of the Comprehensive Plan, and goals of many individuals, businesses, and community-based organizations; read entire model resolution.

 

For the Greater Good:
Readings on the Benefits of Wildflower Plantings

Best practices: Establishing and maintaining roadside plantings (FDOT) (Dec 2008) — A scientific look at how selected native plant species can persist and flourish on Florida's roadsides.

Where Flowers Bloom, So Does Hope-A Tribute to Lady Bird Johnson — Quotes from a wildflower garden dedication by the Secretary of USDOT.

Cost effectiveness of roadside wildflowers (MnDOT) — A brief reflection on cost savings in Minnesota.

Economic and Ecological Benefits of Roadside Native Wildflower Plantings (Norcini/UF) — Select study findings on the benefits of native roadside plantings in the U.S.

Eleanor Dietrich, who is working to preserve wildflowers in Florida's Panhandle, shares images of wildflowers such as this Hairy chaffhead (Carphephorus paniculatus) from her travels. This plant is in the same genus as Vanillaleaf but it is not as tall, and the flower clusters are closer to the stem of the plant. The plants reportedly respond well to fire and may form large stands (as shown here) in recently burned pine woods. See Eleanor's slideshow.

 

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Walton County
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See a copy of the resolution.
Martin County
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Contact: Ann McCormick
772-692-1894;
annfromlodi@yahoo.com

On behalf of The Garden Club of Stuart, member Ann McCormick spoke with Martin County Commissioner Sara Heard about the resolution and the La Florida, “Land of Flowers” Community Planting Grants program. Using the model resolution, Ms. Heard’s staff readied the resolution for the March 13, 2012, commission meeting. During the meeting, Ms. McCormick told the commission about the grant program and wildflowers. She also gave examples of plantings other counties have done. The commission then voted unanimously to adopt the resolution. See a copy of the resolution.

Action: The Garden Club of Stuart, Martin County Chapter of The Florida Native Plant Society, UF/IFAS Martin County Master Gardeners, and the Martin County Parks and Recreation Department, are working to rejuvenate the entryway medians and round-about at Halpatiokee Regional Park.

Polk County
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See a copy of the resolution.
Alachua County
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See a copy of the resolution.
Sumter County
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Contact: Susan Kelly
Sumter County UF/IFAS Extension Director
352-793-2728, Ext. 236
sakelly@ufl.edu

Sumter County has long valued its wildflowers. Many of its roadways have been planted by the Florida Department of Transportation, providing a beautiful display each spring. In 2007, the UF/IFAS Sumter County Extension Office also received a grant from the Florida Wildflower Foundation to plant a Wildflower Demonstration Garden at the West Central Florida Agricultural Education Center in Bushnell. When a county Wildflower Resolution was presented to the Board of County Commissioners on March 27, 2012, the panel voted unanimously to pass it as a sign of its commitment to wildflowers. See a copy.

Action: Roadways have been designated for wildflower plantings.

Franklin County
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Contact: Lesley Cox
Certified Green Guide
Carrabelle, FL
850-697-5555

In the spring of 2008 after the Big Bend Scenic Byway had been designated, Franklin County resident Lesley Cox suggested Franklin County adopt a right-of-way mowing regime to benefit wildflowers. In summer 2009, Wakulla County approved a FDOT pilot project to preserve native wildflowers. Since both of these counties are part of the Scenic Byway, it seemed a perfect fit to extend the wildflower experience into Franklin County. The proposed resolution was first presented in 2011, but was tabled. On March 6, 2012, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners passed the wildflower resolution. See a copy.
Gadsden County
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Contact: Jeff Caster
850-414-5267;
jeff.caster@dot.state.fl.us

A Gadsden County commissioner happened to attend the Wakulla County Commission meeting at which a roadside wildflower policy was enacted. Afterward, he asked Jeff Caster to write a resolution and present it to Gadsden’s commission. Jeff enlisted the help of Eleanor Dietrich to draft the document. It was adopted unanimously by Gadsden on Dec. 15, 2009. See a copy.

Action: Has identified 2 pilot sites for planting seed; sites include entrance intersections to welcome tourists; funding for seed provided by local Tourism Development Council; working with Florida Wildflower Foundation to draft a regional wildflower tourism marketing plan.

Lake County
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Contact: Lisa Roberts, FWF executive director
407-353-6164; lroberts@flawildflowers.org

After receiving a copy of the model resolution, Lake County’s Green Team asked the Florida Wildflower Foundation to make a presentation to the panel. County staff then reviewed and revised the resolution, which the Green Team submitted to the commission. The resolution was unanimously adopted on June 1, 2010. See a copy.

Action: Several Florida Wildflower Foundation grants were awarded to the county extension office; Trout Lake Nature Center, and a storm water facility. The county has also received a FWF “Learn to Plant” grant, which will teach county maintenance workers best practices for establishing and maintaining plantings and naturally occurring wildflowers. Meanwhile, it also has conducted wildflower surveys on a variety of county roadsides in order to establish wildflower viewing routes, and is working with FDOT to reduce roadside mowing near public lands.
Leon County
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Contact: Eleanor Dietrich
(850) 385-0003;Eleanor43@aol.com

After learning of the Wakulla resolution, Eleanor Dietrich contacted a Leon County commissioner, who got staff involved. Meanwhile, Eleanor’s Florida Native Plant Society Magnolia Chapter agreed to be the project’s community support group. Eleanor and Jeff Caster met with staff, after which Jeff made a presentation to the commission, which adopted the resolution on Jan. 19, 2010. See a copy.

On behalf of the chapter, Eleanor followed up with county personnel to begin a reduced-mowing project. She also monitors the county’s activity. See the latest report.

Action: Selected two sites for reduced mowing, one state road and one county road part of a scenic byway; FNPS Magnolia Chapter is monitoring and identifying wildflowers by site, and providing photographs for publicity and education.
Volusia County
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Contact: Lisa Roberts, FWF executive director
407-353-6164; lroberts@flawildflowers.org

The Florida Wildflower Foundation asked Commissioner Pat Northey to sponsor the resolution. After county staff reviewed it, the resolution was passed to the county commission. On May 6, 2010, Lisa Roberts made a short presentation to the commission, which then voted unanimously to adopt the resolution. See a copy.

Action: In June 2011, Florida Wildflower Foundation grants were given to the county, Florida Department of Highway Transportation, and DeBary Hall with which to establish plantings. In 2010, the Florida Wildflower Foundation conducted a “Learn to Plant” pilot program with Volusia’s roadside maintenance staff.
Wakulla County
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Contact: Jeff Caster
850-294-2123; jeff.caster@dot.state.fl.us

Wakulla was the first county to make wildflower roadside management a priority. After meetings with the county public works director, county staff and FDOT maintenance engineers, Jeff Caster was asked to make a presentation to the county commission. Immediately after his presentation on July 21, 2009, the commission voted unanimously to make roadside wildflower conservation a county policy.

Action: In June 2011, the county was awarded a Florida Wildflower Foundation grant to plant wildflowers along the coastal segment of Big Bend Scenic Byway. Earlier, the county established a reduced mowing pilot project on US Highway 98; extended a reduced mowing regime to all county roads; planted seeds at a major intersection. The county also is working with Florida Wildflower Foundation to execute a regional wildflower ecotourism marketing plan.
Duval (City of Jacksonville)
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Contact: Barbara Jackson
FNPS Ixia Chapter
904-655-2550

Barbara Jackson asked Mayor John Peyton’s policy director to review the resolution for presentation to the Jacksonville City Council. After the review, the resolution was placed on the council agenda and adopted on May 12. See a copy.

Action: In June 2011, the city was awarded a Florida Wildflower Foundation La Florida grant for a planting near the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville.
St. Johns County
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Contact:Ivan Burrell
St. Johns County Road and Bridge Manager
904-209-0246
iburrell@sjcfl.us

Over the last three years St. Johns County Commissioner Cyndi Stevenson has worked with the St. Johns County Public Works Department in coming up with low maintenance ground cover for county rights-of-way. After learning of the Florida Wildflower Foundation’s La Florida Grant Program, Commissioner Stevenson again called on the Public Works Department to initiate applying for the grant. The Wildflower Resolution was adopted on May 3, 2011. See a copy.

Action: St. Johns County Public Works personnel asked the local University of Florida IFAS Extension personnel for help finding appropriate wildflower cultivation practices for the Northeast Florida area. St. Johns County Public Works personnel located several high traffic areas on County Road 210 and County Road 13 where the wildflowers would get the most attention from motorists. In June 2011, the county was awarded a Florida Wildflower Foundation La Florida grant for plantings along both roads.
Flagler County
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Contact: Carl Laundrie
Flagler County Communications Manager
386-313-4039 Cell
Email claundrie@flaglercounty.org

Trails advocate Herb Hiller notified Flagler County Commissioner Milissa Holland of the Wildflower Resolution, who passed it to Carl Laundrie, county communications manager, to research. Mr. Laundrie knew that, as one of the counties working on the 260-mile St. Johns River to the Sea Loop multipurpose trail, the resolution’s adoption was a mandatory step in qualifying for Florida Wildflower Foundation funding to plant wildflowers along the trail. The resolution was signed and filed with the Clerk of Court on May 12 by County Commission Chairman Alan Peterson and was ratified by the County Commission on May 16. See a copy.

Action: In June 2011, Flagler County was awarded a Florida Wildflower Foundation grant to establish wildflowers at Varn County Park and River to Sea Preserve along the St. Johns River to Sea Loop multiuse trail.
Putnam County
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Contact: Donald Jacobovitz,
Putnam County Public Works Director
386-329-0393

FWF Executive Director Lisa Roberts gave a presentation about wildflowers and the resolution at a recent St. Johns River to the Sea Loop meeting. A few weeks later, County Manager Don Jacobovitz, who attended the Loop meeting, presented the resolution to the Putnam County Commission, which voted unanimously to adopt it. See a copy.

Action: Putnam received a Florida Wildflower Foundation grant in June 2011 to plant Putnam County Boulevard in Palatka. The site is adjacent to a future cycling trail.
Marion County
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Contact: Jim Couillard, Marion County landscape architect
352-671-8560; james.couillard@marioncountyfl.org

Foundation board member Anne Mackay asked her county commissioner to review the resolution for adoption. It was passed to county staff for review. Based on staff recommendations, the commission voted unanimously to adopt the resolution on July 7, 2010. See a copy.

Action: Implementation plan prepared by county engineer, extension agent, and landscape architect; began planting wildflower seed in selected public parks and on roadsides in Fall 2010.
Brevard County
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Contact: Vince Lamb
321-773-5713; vince@vincelamb.com

Vince Lamb partnered with fellow Brevard resident Beth Glover to recruit numerous community organizations to support the resolution. They submitted letters of support from those when they requested the county commission consider the resolution. On Sept. 7, 2010, the county commission voted unanimously to adopt it. See a copy.

Action: In June 2011, several organizations and agencies within the county were awarded several Florida Wildflower Foundation grants to establish plantings at Merritt Island National Wildlife refuge, Melbourne Village, and the entrance to the future Brevard Botanical Garden.
Lee County
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Contact: John Sibley
239-939-9663, nolawn@earthlink.net

John Sibley of the Lee County Roadway Landscape advisory board contacted Pat Moore and Joe Sulak, who direct the action of that board on behalf of the county. They collaborated on the resolution’s language then presented it to Holly Schwartz, assistant county manager. She submitted it to the county commission. Commissioner Ray Judah agreed to present the resolution to the board, which voted unanimously to pass it on March 29, 2011. The resolution instructs County staff to partner with the Florida Wildflower Foundation, Florida Dept of Transportation and adjoining property owners to plan and implement roadside management practices to promote wildflowers. See a copy.

Action: In June 2011, Lee County Department of Transportation was awarded a Florida Wildflower Foundation grant to plant wildflowers in several county medians.
Live Oak
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Contact: Michael Brown, Resource Consultant
Suwannee County Conservation District
(386) 362-2622, Ext: 3; brownma55@rocketmail.com

After speaking with Florida Wildflower Foundation grant administrator Jeff Norcini, Suwannee County Conservation District Resource Consultant Michael Brown asked Adam Prins, Live Oak City Councilman, to present a resolution to plant wildflowers within the city limits. It was adopted by the city on April 10, 2012. Adam and Michael also helped get local community groups involved. See a copy.

Action: Michael spoke with the local Garden Club and the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce to present a short program about the positive aspects of planting wildflowers in community areas. A committee to select sites and arrange for the planting is being formed. Planting should begin this fall.
Taylor County
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Contact: Jack Brown, Taylor County Administrator
(850) 838-3500 ext. 7; jack.brown@taylorcountygov.com

After receiving a copy of the model wildflower resolution and a press release from Lake County, Perry Garden Club president Vivian Sheffield asked for a volunteer to look into getting a wildflower resolution adopted in Taylor County. Volunteer Debbie Ross contacted Florida Wildflower Foundation Executive Director Lisa Roberts for guidance. This lead to a meeting with Cindy Dunkle, assistant maintenance engineer at FDOT’s Perry office, to learn about Florida’s roadway wildflower program. In March, Cindy gave a presentation to Taylor County Commissioners to explain the state wildflower program. The wildflower resolution also was submitted for approval. Commissioners verbally agreed to adopt the resolution, but wanted garden club members to identify a specific site for planting before signing it. After meeting with County Administrator Jack Brown, a planting site was identified and presented to commissioners. The resolution was signed on May 2, 2011. See a copy.

Action: A team of garden club members has been formed to oversee and monitor the planting of the designated site, identify areas of existing wildflowers on county roads for preservation, work on publicity and public awareness, and contact and propose a partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Development Center, including local businesses. Team members include Debbie Ross, Vivian Sheffield, Patti Causey, Bettie Page, Judy Nowlin, Fannette Chesser and Liska Gooding.