The Lake Beautyberry Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society promotes the preservation, conservation, and restoration of the native plants and native plant communities of Florida and is proud to serve Lake County.
Our meeting location is at the W. T. Bland Library in Mount Dora. There is plenty of parking, access to the library services before and after meetings, outdoor features, such as the Butterfly Garden, Pavilion, and Forest Preserve hiking trails, and, of course, downtown amenities. We meet on the 3rd Sunday of alternating months -- January 21, March 17, May 19, July 21, September 15, and November 17.
April 11th, Thursday - 10 am to 3:30 pm, Healthy Shorelines Event at Hickory Point, 27341 FL 19 in Tavares
Live by a waterbody? Learn about shorline ecosystems, practical ways to safeguard your shoreline, and sign up after the event to receive free native plants for your waterfront. Presentation by Lake County Water Authority. Free. No registration required.
Lake Beautyberry Native Plant Sale on Saturday, April 13th, from 10 am to 1 pm at the W.T. Bland Library in Mount Dora. 1995 N Donnelly St.
Photo credit - 2023 Plant Sale : Peg Urban
Wildflowers, Vines, Grasses, Ground Covers, and Shrubs. Some familiar and some new to expand and enhance what you already have. Lake Beautyberry Chapter experts available to guide you to the best plants for your particular interest and home location. A few selection examples include pineland lantana, twinflower, rouge plant, corkystem passionvine, sunshine mimosa, porterweed, firebush, wild coffee, and cassia. Free. Open to the Public.
Wolf Branch Sink Hike - Dates to be determined: either April 17th or 24th. Register for details with Neta. Due to space limitations, this will be a members-only trip.
The 154-acre Wolf Branch Sink Preserve, east of Mount Dora was acquired by the Lake County Water Authority between 1992-1999. As one of only two Creek - to - Sinkhole systems in the county, this unique property is seasonal becoming dry during the drought and increasing in activity during heavy rainfall. Typically closed to the public because of its environmental sensitivity, this hike is an open opportunity for our members to view this local treasure. Hike details, specific day, time, and location will be sent to registered attendees when confirmed. Please send your request to Neta: netavb@gmail.com
National Volunteer Week is April 14 to 20 - What is an activist?
“It could be signing a petition, making a donation, picking up litter to improve your environment, plant in a community space. It’s a simple act of showing up and letting your voice be heard.” Idris Elba, Actor, Ambassador for International Fund for Agriculture. TIME January 22, 2024.
THANK YOU ALL for your contributions to enhance our world for the better.
We are still looking for several volunteer positions! Consider supporting the chapter through your participation.
Website Coordinator. Monthly updates are provided to the Coordinator, the updates just need to be posted on the web page and Facebook. You will have a mentor to your comfort level.
VP Field Trips. What could be more fun than sharing the outdoors with others? We have reduced the number of field trips offered due to extreme heat in the summers. Planning includes location, coordination and communication for a trip leader, writing a description and publicity, and, of course attending the event. Trip months include: February, April, December.
Outreach Coordinator. An organizer. Does this sound like you? We get requests to participate in community events and give presentations. It’s helpful to have this function centralized, a log with dates and who’s participating, recruit member volunteers, continue communication throughout event, keep Board or person to give the presentation informed.
Do your need some help with your native garden? The Florida Wildflower Foundation has some recorded and live webinars that can help (Hint: pruning season is not here yet, but will be soon!)
Amanda Martin - Prune Your Native Plants: How, Why and When It Matters the Most: https://www.flawildflowers.org/231115-webinar-prune-your-native-plants/
Sara Burke - How to Start a Backyard Revolution https://www.flawildflowers.org/231011-webinar-backyard-revolution/
Emily Bell - Photographing Wildflowers for Beginners https://www.flawildflowers.org/231213-webinar-photographing-wildflowers
The Lake Beautyberry Chapter meets on the third Sunday of every other month (odd months) at the W.T. Bland Library in Mount Dora.
