Late summer rains across most of Florida were enough to promote showy displays of native wildflowers and grasses this fall. Above-normal temperatures and normal rain are forecast for fall, which may result in earlier flowering of some native wildflowers and grasses.
Almost 300 native milkweed and nectar-providing plants were installed along a highway retention basin on Alt. U.S. Highway 27 near Chiefland Tuesday. The effort is part of a Florida Museum of Natural History pilot project to increase roadside habitat for Monarch butterflies. It is funded in part by the Florida Wildflower Foundation.
Originally broadcast live on Sept. 15, this webinar features Liz Sparks and Suzanne Spencer who share tips and insights on how to work with your county and organize volunteers to help save roadside wildflowers.
Get to know Florida Wildflower Foundation member Jeff Weber. Jeff is dedicated to protecting and restoring Florida’s natural ecology in his career and in his free time. As an environmental specialist with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, Jeff manages natural areas of the county. As a member of Florida Wildflower Foundation, he regularly attends field trips and events to connect with others who share a passion for wild Florida. As a homeowner, Jeff does his part to plant as much native vegetation as he can!
It is with immense sadness that we observe the passing of our friend, colleague and mentor Gary Henry, who died in Tallahassee on Aug. 8. He was 72. Not only was Gary a founding Florida Wildflower Foundation board member, he was the visionary who shaped the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Wildflower Program when it officially began in the 1970s. Read about his many contributions.
This charming swallowtail butterfly is easily distinguishable by the iridescent blue shimmer glowing from the hindwing when wings are open, and the orange spots and blue background on the hindwing when the wings are closed. Wings are black aside from these splashes of color.
Dr. Walter Taylor presents at the 2014 Florida Wildflower Symposium.