The Tarflower Chapter of the Florida Native Plant SocietyMay 2014

MAY 6 PROGRAM Jim Duby presents

“Good Snake, Better Snake”Come meet Jim Duby, lifetime snake enthusiast, as he

explains why there’s no such thing as a “bad snake.” They aren’t mean, aggressive or as dangerous as many believe. They play an integral role in the ecosystem, as well as in public health and medical research. You’ll get to know these often misunderstood animals and even meet some common species you might encounter in your own yard. Learn what factors will increase your chances of getting bit and what to do if you are bitten by a venomous species. In the end, hopefully you’ll agree there are only good snakes and better snakes, and they all deserve our respect and appreciation.

Jim Duby is the Program Manager with Seminole County Natural Lands. After attending classes at Valencia Community College and the University of Central Florida, Jim graduated from Rollins College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies. He served as Program Coordinator of Natural Sciences at the Orlando Science Center for 11 years and came to Seminole County in 1993 as a biologist in the Development Review Division. In 1995, Jim was reassigned to oversee the Natural Lands Program, which currently manages over 6,600 acres of environmentally-significant lands throughout Seminole County. Jim has spent a lifetime collecting, studying and maintaining a variety of native reptile, amphibian and fish species. He is a native Floridian and now lives in DeBary with his wife and two sons.

April Field Trip to Hal Scott Preserve by Pete Dunkelberg

We had a very nice field trip to the Hal Scott area. It’s too bad most of you missed it. What were you thinking? We met in the morning at the main entrance on Dallas Road in Wedgefield—a mere seven of us, plus our very fine guide, Pete Henn of the St. Johns

River Water Management District. Thanks to Pete, we were able to drive deep into the preserve and see areas I had never been to before.

I’ll just give an idea of some of the spring flowers we saw and show you some pictures. We saw three species of orchids, two of them blooming. The Calopogon barbatus were especially nice. We saw three species of carnivorous plants, two of them blooming, as well. The yellow butterworts

were very nice, and there was a tiny pink sundew flower (Drosera capillaris) reaching for the sun among tall grasses. Lots of pawpaws were blooming, and we found a large colony of a flower in the rock rose family. This caused some confusion because Mary Keim knew it by a common name that was not common enough for me. Near the river, there were lots of the small floodplain milkweed (Asclepias perennis) just starting to flower, and ash trees were decked out in fresh samaras. There were violets and skullcaps, tickseed and sneezeweed, blueberries and deerberries. We saw two species of Polygala and three of Hypericum, rabbit bells and roserush. One should always take time to enjoy a roserush swaying gently in the breeze. Come next time!

Tarflower members with trip leader, Pete Henn (left)

roserush

pink sundewCalopogon barbatus

rock rose

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

All programs begin at 7p.m.

JUNE 3 — Dr. Jack Stout, “Small Mammals in Your garden”

JULY 1 — Mark Sees of Orlando Wetlands Park

AUGUST 5 — Todd Angel, “Fire Ecology”

The Florida Association of Native Nurseries (FANN) held its annual native plant sale on Friday April 11 and Saturday April 12. It was well-organized and went very smoothly. Plants exhibited to nurserymen at the FANN conference Thursday and Friday morning went on sale to the public Friday afternoon and Saturday. Simpson’s stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) sold out on Friday, and by the following morning, only a few dozen plants remained. Able volunteers from the Central Florida area came from Conradina and Sea Rocket, Cuplet Fern, Pine Lily and Tarflower Chapters. They advised, recommended and directed buyers toward the right plant for the right place. If one needed a bush under a shady tree, wild coffee thrives there and produces brilliant red berries for cardinals and other songbirds to eat. To attract butterflies or hummingbirds, pollinators or catbirds to a sunny yard, one could put in a groundcover of turkey tangle (aka frogfruit) (Phyla nodiflora), coral honeysuckle vine (Lonicera sempervirens), bushy spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata), and beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). A chain link fence covered with firebush (Hamelia patens) draws hummingbirds, even in the city.

For a bog garden, six kinds of pitcherplants were available. Hooded pitcherplant (Sarracenia minor), is the only native pitcher plant in central Florida, and frog’s britches (S. purpurea), whose pitchers are shaped like inflated, purple harem pantaloons, is found from north Florida up to Virginia. Boggy orchids were also for sale, as well as epiphytic orchids mounted on oak bark. A pot of fifty or so seedlings of rose pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides), a threatened orchid, was displayed but won’t be sold until next year. None of these plants were taken from the wild. The purveyor, Adam Conner of Pinellas County, sells only orchids and pitcher plants from certified growers.

Since the event was hosted in part by the Conradina Chapter of Brevard County, there was a good selection of coastal Floridian natives such as Jamaica capertree (Capparis cynophallophora), buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus), myrsine (Myrsine cubana) and buttonsage (Lantana involucrata), and Fakahatchee grass (Tripsacum dactyloides). There were perennials and annuals with showy flowers like railroad vine (Ipomoea pes-caprae), a large purple-flowered morning glory that grows on sand dunes, bushy seaside oxeye (Borrichia frutescens), a medium-sized yellow daisy, and seaside goldenrod (Solidago sermpervirens). For inner Central Floridians like us, it was lovely to see these beautiful plants, but they are mainly suitable for warmer landscapes along the coast.

Many thanks are due to the FNPS volunteers. Their expert advice and the wide variety of native Florida plants made the sale a special event that I would recommend to anyone interested in improving the world one yard at a time, or in having a beautiful landscape that easily does well. And it couldn’t have been a more lovely day outside.

The FANN sale happens once a year, but there are local native nurseries that have these plants and can tell you how to grow them. Several of these nurseries are listed on page 4 of this newsletter. For a more comprehensive list, go to www.afnn.org. Visit one and bring your landscape plans and dreams!

FANN Plant Sale report by Cecilia Catron, photos by Catherine Bowman

May Tarpaper Page 2

Pete talks with buyers about growth habits.

Register by April 14th for special rates!

C

Florida Native Plant Society34th Annual Conference

Thursday-Sunday, May 15-18, 2014Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL

Huge Native Plant Sale • Native Plant Bootcamp • Exhibits & Vendors • Fabulous Workshops • “Walking with the Natives”

Family Event • Xavier Cortada Flor500 Gallery Opening • Author Book Signings • Socials • CEU credits • and more!

For more information: www.fnps.org/conferencerodakma@msn.com, or (239) 273-8945

Early registration rates, including lunch, begin at $75/day

Educational programs & workshops with dynamic speakers, including Dr. J.C. Cahill from PBS’s What Plants Talk About, Roger Hammer, Dr. Ed Gilman, Dr. Marty Main & many moreField trips to exciting natural areas, including knowledgeable guides and areas not typically open to the public

Friday & Saturday:

Th ursday & Sunday:

Generously sponsored by:

poster small size.indd 1 1/29/2014 10:54:28 AM

Florida Native Plant Society34th Annual Conference

Thursday-Sunday, May 15-18, 2014Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL

Huge Native Plant Sale • Native Plant Bootcamp Exhibits & Vendors • Fabulous Workshops

“Walking with the Natives” Family Event • Socials Xavier Cortada Flor500 Gallery • CEU Credits

Author Book Signings • and more!

Registration now open! Register by April 14 for special rates!

Selecting the right plant for the right place.

MAY 10 FIELD TRIP Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area

Expect wondrous wildflowers, Tillandsias and orchids, floodplain milkweeds and pine hyacinths, and surprises in a recently burned area.

We will meet there at 9a.m. Directions from Orlando: Head east on Colonial to Christmas, then turn right on Taylor Creek Road. The entrance is just beyond the big new bridge.

To carpool, meet at the parking lot behind the Burger King at E. Colonial (Hwy 50) and Alafaya at 8:15a.m. for an 8:30 departure.

Bring water and lunch, some bug protection if you wish, and $3 entrance fee per car, exact change. We will probably have a picnic at Lake Charlie.

May Tarpaper Page 3

MAY 4 PLANT SALVAGEA plant salvage is scheduled at the Orlando

International Airport site. We will meet at 8:30a.m. at the 7-11 at the intersection of Narcoossee Road (SR 15) and the Beachline (SR 528) and caravan to the location. We are planning on a new location within the site, but the plants will be wetlands varieties. Please bring shovels, pots, water for yourself, hat, gloves, sunscreen, etc. The area will probably be wet, so bring boots if possible. Some of the salvaged plants are possibly going to the “Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge” new location at Moss Park or to Oakland Nature Preserve’s wetland garden, but participants are welcome to take plants as well. Please email Jackie Rolly (j.y.rolly@att.net) if you plan on attending so no one gets left behind or in case we have to cancel.

MAY 15–18 2014 FNPS ANNUAL CONFERENCE—GROWING NATIVE!Registration is now

open for FNPS’ 2014 annual conference to be held at the Florida Gulf Coast University in Ft. Myers. With special guest Dr. James C. Cahill, an experimental ecologist featured in the PBS show “What Plants Talk About.” Other speakers will include Dr. Bill Hammond, Dr. Marty Main, Dr. James Wohlpart and Roger Hammer. Plus field trips to some of Southwest Florida’s amazing natural areas; and much more! Lodging is available right on campus for $40/night—and that includes breakfast!

So, pump up your bicycle tires and bring it along and help keep our carbon footprint low! Visit www.fnps.org/conference for more information and to register!

SEP 20 MASTER GARDENER PLANT SALE — PLANTS NEEDED!

Last year’s Master Gardener Plant Sale at the Orange County Extension was very successful. We would like to have a booth again this year, so start thinking about potting up your extra plants. If you need pots, contact Amanda Martin (ajm.fnps@gmail.com) or Jackie Rolly (j.y.rolly@att.net).

OCT 18 2ND ANNUAL BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY DAYPlanning for this event is just beginning. Contact

Catherine Bowman (garberia08@gmail.com) if you would like to get involved.

NOV 8 MEAD GARDEN’S FALL PLANT SALEVolunteers are needed to help set up, tear down and

sell plants! Contact Catherine Bowman (garberia08@gmail.com) if you would like to help.

UPCOMING EVENTS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES2014 Request for Board Candidates

The Nominating Committee of the Tarflower Chapter is looking for candidates to fill the Tarflower board positions listed below. Members should review the duties of the officers and provide names to fill these positions. The Nominating Committee will contact the candidates to ensure their availability to fill the position. Recommendations may be given Jackie Rolly (j.y.rolly@att.net); nominations may also be taken from the floor at the May meeting. Voting on the slate of nominees will be at the Annual Meeting in May. Although some of the people currently serving on the Board may opt to continue serving, we wish to provide this opportunity for others to serve.

Officers may be elected for a period of one (1) year. Only members in good standing may be officers of this corporation. Officers shall automatically be members of the Executive Committee. Officers shall serve without compensation except reimbursement for actual expenses incurred or to be incurred.

President: A. Preside at all general membership meetings.B. Appoint committees for special tasks as required.C. Be an ex-officio member of all committees except nomination committee.D. Sign all documents, contracts, etc.E. Conduct monthly Board Meetings.F. Attend annual State Conference, or if unable, appoint a representative from the Executive Committee.

Nominee Amanda Martin Nominee ________________________

1st Vice-President (Programs) A. Exercise the functions of the President during the absence or disability of the President.B. Chair the Program Committee.C. Act as an aide to the President

Nominee Catherine Bowman Nominee _________________________

2nd Vice-President (Events)A. Exercise the functions of the President during the absence or disability of the President and 1st Vice-President.B. Chair the Events Committee.C. Act as an aide to the President.

Nominee Jim Erwin Nominee ________________________

Secretary:A. Record, maintain and report minutes of the Executive Committee, Board and General meetings to the Executive Committee on a monthly basis.B. Provide a summary of all of the meetings monthly to the editor of The Tarpaper.C. Be custodian of all corporate records except financial. The Treasurer’s report is to be included in the minutes.D. Prepare correspondence.

Nominee Jackie Rolly Nominee _______________________

Treasurer:A. Keep, maintain, and report correct accounts of financial transactions monthly with copies to the secretary for inclusion in the minutes.B. Chair the Budget Committee.C. Be the custodian of all monies of the corporation.D. Sign all checks as directed by the Executive Committee with bills initialed by the President.

Nominee Mirtas Kateli Nominee _______________________

Note: The immediate past president shall be the FNPS State Chapter Director and as such shall also be an automatic member of the Executive Committee of this corporation. State Chapter Director attends quarterly state board meetings, representing and voting for Tarflower Chapter’s interest, and reports back to the Tarflower Chapter on state board findings.

Tarflower ChapterFlorida Native Plant SocietyP.O. Box 536021Orlando, FL 32853-6021

Tarflower Chapter meetings Chapter meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm at HARRY P. LEU GARDENS (1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. For directions, call 407-246-2620, option 1).

Tarflower website http://tarflower.fnpschapters.org/ The Tarpaper online Current and past issues of The Tarpaper can be viewed online by

accessing the Newsletters tab of the chapter website at http://tarflower.fnpschapters.org/.Contribute to The Tarpaper Send your articles, event listings, photos and suggestions

to Stacey Matrazzo, Editor, at stacey@impactpress.com. (Please do not reduce or compress photos before sending; a size of 3x4 at 300dpi is preferred.) The submission deadline for the June 2014 issue is May 15.

Tarflower Chapter Executive Committee meetings The next board meeting will be Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 6pm. For more information, contact Amanda Martin. Members are welcome.

Tarflower Chapter Executive Committee membersPresident Amanda Martin (ajm.fnps@gmail.com)Vice President, Programs Kay Hudson (407-432-2364; Kay@americanbuilders.com)Vice President, Events Jim Erwin (407-454-3882; jimerwin9@gmail.com)Secretary Jackie Rolly (407-359-4963; j.y.rolly@att.net) Treasurer Mirtas (Mark) Kateli (mirtas@gmail.com)Chapter Representative Julie Becker (jlbecker@cfl.rr.com)Field trips Tina Richards (ktina.richards@gmail.com)Membership Phyllis Gray (407-253-5462; Phyllis.Gray@amec.com)Plant rescue Marge Holt (407-679-6759)Publicity Jackie Sward (407-647-5233; jackrabbit31@hotmail.com)Conservation Carolina Lane (carolina@mindspring.com)Landscape Brent McCallister (mccallisterfamily@hotmail.com)The Tarpaper Editor Stacey Matrazzo (stacey@impactpress.com)The Tarpaper Mailing Chuck Roux (407-851-8889; clroux@bellsouth.net)

BECOME A MEMBERMake checks payable to:

Florida Native Plant Society P.O. Box 278 Melbourne, FL 32902-0278

To join online or for more information, visit www.fnps.org or call 321-271-6702.

$35 Individual$50 Family/Household$15 Full-time Student$15 Library$50 Non-Profit$75 Contributing$100 Supporting $125 Business/Corporate $250 Donor$1000 Lifetime member

CENTRAL FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT PROFESSIONALS AND NURSERIES

Green Isle Gardens Native Plant Nurserywww.greenislegardens.com

321-436-4932

Biosphere Consulting & Native Plant Nursery

www.biospherenursery.com407-656-8277

Green Images Native Plant Nurserywww.greenimagesnursery.com

407-568-1333

Full Moon Native Plant Nurserywww.fullmoonnatives.com

386-212-9923

The Natives, Inc.www.thenatives.net

863-422-6664

Maple Street Nativeswww.maplestreetnatives.com

321-729-6857

For more information and additional listings, visit the Florida Association of

Native Nurseries’ website at www.afnn.org.