Society History

1980 - 1989.

The founding decade.

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1980

The Florida Native Plant Society was conceived in the summer of 1980 in the office of Bill Partington, director of the Florida Conservation Foundation in Winter Park. A number of environmentalists were concerned about the loss of native species of plants and the introduction of too many non-native species that were escaping into natural areas.

After a few informal meetings, a newsletter and a conference were in the works. In February, the first issue of The Palmetto was published, announcing the first Spring Conference, to be held at Rollins College in Winter Park. The conference attendees elected an interim board of directors to draft policies and bylaws for the newly formed Florida Native Plant Society.

By the time of its first conference, FNPS had 150 members. By its first winter, the society had seven chapters around the state. For three years, conferences were held both spring and fall in different parts of the state. Since 1984, the society has held only spring conferences.

1982

Published a bibliography of articles about native plants, compiled by Dr. Henry Whittier of the University of Central Florida

1984

Dick Workman (Coccoloba Chapter), President.

1985

FNPS incorporated as an independent organization.

The society reprinted in book form a series of articles written for the Miami Herald by Georgia Tasker.

1986

Sherry Cummings, President

The Green and Silver Palmetto Awards established to honor those who had given special service to FNPS, the Silver to board members and the Green to chapter members

1989

Richard Wunderlin (Suncoast Chapter), President

1988

Planning and Planting a Native Plant Yard, first published in The Palmetto was printed as a book.

Policy on Transplanting Plants from the Wild adopted.

1989

Steve Farnesworth (Suncoast Chapter), President

1990 - 1999.

The decade of books. FNPS supported the publication of numerous books through grants to their authors.

1990

The Society had 20 chapters.

1991

Debbie Butts (Suncoast Chapter), President.

Published Butterfly Gardening with Florida's Native Plants by Craig Huegel

Green Palmetto Award for Chapters established

1992

Rick Joyce (Coccoloba Chapter), President.

Policy on Exotic Pest Plants adopted

1993

Published Florida's Incredible Wild Edibles by Dick Deuerling and Peggy Lantz

1994

David Pais (Paynes Prairie Chapter), President.

1995

FNPS had 22 chapters and 2500 members

The first Mentor Awards were given to Angus Gholson and Robert Godfrey

Published Florida Plants for Wildlife by Craig Huegel

1996

Published Common Grasses of Florida and the Southeast by Lewis Yarlett

1997

Published Big Trees, The Florida Register by Dr. Dan Ward and Robert Ing

1999

Janice Broda (Eugenia Chapter), President.

2000 - 2009

The decade of finding our voice through training, through lobbying, through actively supporting programs at the state and local level that further the mission of FNPS.

2000

Candy Weller (Pinellas Chapter), President.

2001

Ray Miller (Palm Beach Chapter), President.

2002

Kim Zarillo (Conradina Chapter), President

A program for Conservation Grants for projects leading to the conservation or restoration of native landscapes were inaugurated. The Endowment Fund research grant program was substantially enlarged.

2004

Bob Egolf (Serenoa Chapter), President

FNPS hosts first advocacy training program for organization leadership

2006

Shirley Denton (Suncoast Chapter), President

FNPS initiated production and publication of policy statements to guide organization interaction with conservation issues of concern in Florida. The first statement issued was on Arundo donax, an extremely robust and potentially highly invasive grass proposed for biofuel production.

Karina Veaudry becomes the first Executive Director since the early 1990s

2007

FNPS completes Model Native Landscape Ordinance

The Society initiates the Land Management Partners Committee. This committee partners with state land management agencies in participating on the Land Management Reviews that review (and hopefully improve) land management on public lands acquired under the P2000 and Florida Forever programs.

2008

Gene Kelly (Hernando Chapter), President

Policy on Bioenergy Crops adopted.

FNPS supports renewal of Florida Forever. The legislature approved extension of the program but failed to fund it.

2010 - 2012

The current decade: exploration and growth.

2010

Ann Redmond (Magnolia Chapter), President

2011

Steve Woodmanse (Dade Chapter), President

FNPS up to 37 Chapters.

FNPS produces its first annual report.

2012

Steve Woodmanse (Dade Chapter), President

The election of Steve Woodmanse makes him the first president who will have a 3-year term since the early 1980s.

Kellie Westervelt becomes FNPS Executive Director.