In this IssueApril - May |
A Letter from the FNPS PresidentGene Kelly What if it was within our means to prevent the introduction of any more invasive, nonnative plant species? It certainly IS within our means to greatly reduce, if not completely halt, the introduction of destructive nonnative plants. Australia and New Zealand have implemented a screening process that evaluates the likelihood of a nonnative plant species becoming invasive within their borders BEFORE its importation is allowed. The United States might be ready to take a similar commonsense step. The Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act (NWIPA) would establish a risk assessment process for the purpose of preventing the importation of nonnative wildlife species likely to cause environmental harm to the native wildlife and natural ecosystems of the United States. Yes, the new law would be applicable only to wildlife. As native plant enthusiasts we know that wildlife species are the more frequent recipients of human society's attention and action while plants are often ignored. Our more discerning outlook imparts both an appreciation for flora and a more nuanced recognition of the complex inter-relationships between flora and fauna. So we're able to understand that what's good for conserving native wildlife and natural ecosystems is also good for native plants. The passage of NWIPA could set the stage for similar action to control the importation of plants! It's too late to put the genie back in the bottle and successfully eliminate such invaders as Old World climbing fern, tropical soda apple, melaleuca, water hyacinth - the list goes on and on. But we CAN put up barriers to help prevent the introduction of new invaders, if only to avoid the inevitable economic impacts of trying to control them. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has estimated that state, federal and local agencies in Florida have spent at least $250 million since 1980 to control invasive nonnative plants, and that is for our public waterways and on our protected conservation lands alone. Invasive species rank second only to development in causing habitat destruction. The NWIPA was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives as H.R. 669 by Delegate Madeleine Bordallo of Guam. The 17 cosponsors include Reps Alcee Hastings and Ron Klein of Florida. There hasn't been a companion bill introduced to the Senate yet, although Florida Senator Bill Nelson has introduced a bill that would outlaw the importation of pythons. A well-intentioned bill by Senator Nelson, certainly, but if you have been following the news about pythons invading south Florida and the Keys then you know the time to prevent the importation of pythons was BEFORE they established reproducing populations across Florida's natural landscape. The NWIPA is now in the hands of the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife. Please let your U.S. Representative know you strongly support passage of this legislation and consider recommending to Senator Nelson that he introduce similar legislation to the Senate. |
Tracking Seasonal Effects of Climate Change on Native PlantsGeoge Kish For the first time, a site in Florida has been established where citizens, students and researchers can track the seasonal effects of climate change on Florida's native plants and animals. The site, at the University of South Florida's Ecological Research Area, is designed for researchers and the public to monitor the timing and duration of natural seasonal events of plants and animals (the study of phenology), such as the first emergence of spring buds and the appearance of insects.These changes could significantly affect the plant communities on which the rest of the ecosystem depends. The effort is part of the USA-National Phenology Network (USA-NPN). For more information, go to www.usgs.gov/newsroom. FNPS to Appear on LandscopeCindy Liberton
Through this partnership, FNPS provides access to data and photographs regarding Florida native plants and native plant ecosystems. Try it out at www.landscope.org. FNPS Member PublishedOne of our FNPS members, Loran Anderson, along with Robert Kral, recently described a new species of Xyris, found in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in the Florida panhandle. The finding was published in the Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, in April 2008, as an article titled, “Xryis panacea (Xyridaceae)--a new yellow-eyed grass from the Florida panhandle.” Dr. Loran Anderson works with the herbarium at Florida State University in Tallahassee. Click here for a PDF version of the article. GoodSearch\GoodShop Good for FNP$ Shop for the items you were planning to buy anyway -- books, CDs,
clothing, computers, camping gear, gardening tools -- and give to FNPS while you do
it! You can automatically give to FNPS as you shop for yourself or purchase gifts for loved ones. FNPS is now registered with GoodSearch, which also includes a donation service through its GoodShop program. When you use these services, money goes to the Society. Each time you use the GoodSearch engine (which you do every time you go shopping through this program), a penny or two goes into Society coffers. The GoodShop merchant list is huge and includes Amazon, Target, eBay, PetSmart, Apple, Expedia, Best Buy, Lands End, to name just a few. The merchants donate a variable percentage of each purchase. Here’s how to get started: Go to www.goodsearch.com and choose your charity. To do this, in the second box from the top, under “Who Do You GoodSearch For?” type Florida Native Plant Society. (The statewide fund is the FNPS listing for Melbourne, FL). Next, go down to the GoodShop box (look for the halo) and click Shop Now. From there you select the merchant you want to use. When the page for your merchant opens up, it tells you how much of your purchase they will donate, and they may offer coupons and other goodies.They also will remind you that your cause only will receive a donation if you make your purchases by going through this page. Have fun! And... Thank You! 
Take a Trip to Nicaragua’s Ecological Areas!Elston Raimundo Chavarria A unique trip designed for FNPS and sponsored by Latin American Adventures is an exciting way to join fellow FNPS members on an adventure! 
Experience the flora and fauna of the natural areas of Nicaragua. Explore her dry forests, her cloud forests, and even her virgin rainforests. Visit a spectacular, warm crater lake, and tour a historic colonial city. Click for a full trip itinerary, pictures of sights and lodging, and the registration form, or see the FNPS website. Or you can email me at raimundochavarria@yahoo.com, or call 954-662-1539. 
The $2,995.00 cost includes all meals, lodging, ground
transportation, air transportation to Nicaragua, air travel within
the country and all activities (entrance fees to parks, reserves,
preserves) This trip is Limited to the first 20 people to register!
Trip dates are from Species Spotlight
Dog Bananas
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Florida Native Plant Society, P.O. Box 278, Melbourne, FL 32902-0278 |
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e to natural areas you may be able to entice it into your garden
with Slimleaf Pawpaw (Asimina incana), Bigflower Pawpaw (A.
angustifolia), Woolly Pawpaw (A. incana) or any other
native pawpaw suited to your area of the state. 