Frond Forum Florida Native Plant Society Cuplet Fern Chapter :: Seminole County

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Florida Native Plant Society Cuplet Fern Chapter :: Seminole County 2014 15 Board President: Beth Jackson Vice President: Sherry Williams Secretary: Christine Brown Treasurer: Susan Blount-Angermeier

Deborah Green Plant Propagation Coordinator: Jane Miller Cuplet Fern Chapter Florida Native Plant Society PO Box 150021 Altamonte Springs, FL 32715 Meeting Location: 200 Fairmont Drive Sanford, FL

1 Florida Native Plant Society Cuplet Fern Chapter :: Seminole County Board President: Beth Jackson Vice President: Sherry Williams Secretary: Christine Brown Treasurer: Susan Blount-Angermeier Chapter Representative: Neta Villalobos-Bell Membership: Megan Weeks Plant Propagation: Barbara Whittier Committees Webmaster: Vacancy Facebook: Shari King Newsletter: Kathleen Poole Meetup: Deborah Green Plant Propagation Coordinator: Jane Miller Cuplet Fern Chapter Florida Native Plant Society PO Box Altamonte Springs, FL Meeting Location: 200 Fairmont Drive Sanford, FL Request for Board Candidates Election time for the Cuplet Fern Chapter is right around the corner and the chapter is looking for some volunteers to step up and throw their hat into the pool. Cuplet Fern is looking for candidates to fill the Cuplet Fern board positions listed below. Members are requested to review the duties of the various officers. For a copy of the Chapter By-laws listing the officer duties, contact Neta Villalobos-Bell. Before recommending someone, confirm they are willing to serve. Please provide your recommendations to Beth Jackson or Neta Villalobos-Bell at the April meeting or via below. Voting on the slate of nominees will be at the May annual meeting. We wish to provide this opportunity for others to serve. Beth Jackson (bethflw@aol.com) Neta Villalobos-Bell (netavb@cfl.rr.com) Officers may be elected for a period of two (2) years. Only members in good standing may be officers. 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 Vice-President Treasurer Chapter Representative Youth Scholarship Coordinator

The City of Altamonte Springs Presents the 9th Annual Sunday, April 24 / 10

150-acre nature preserve that protects our wildlife and ecological systems.

will inspire our youth, while celebrating the beauty of planet Earth.

SPECIAL EXHIBITORS*: Seminole County Master Gardener Program Florida Fish

UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program The Haven for Injured and

Entertainment Guided Ranger Tours Altamonte Springs Science Incubator Kids

Interaction Take a ranger-guided tour and enjoy a continental breakfast

2 The City of Altamonte Springs Presents the 9th Annual Sunday, April 24 / 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Known for its scenic views, Lake Lotus Park is a beautiful 150-acre nature preserve that protects our wildlife and ecological systems. Come explore the park and enjoy a day of family-friendly activities that will inspire our youth, while celebrating the beauty of planet Earth. This event is FREE and open to the public. SPECIAL EXHIBITORS*: Seminole County Master Gardener Program Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Friendly Landscaping Program UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program The Haven for Injured and Orphaned Wildlife Wekiva Basin Banding Station Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens *Scheduled to appear. ACTIVITIES: Nature Exhibits Food and Beverages Archaeological Dig Live Entertainment Guided Ranger Tours Altamonte Springs Science Incubator Kids Activities and Educational Tours Fishing Instruction Live Animal Interaction Take a ranger-guided tour and enjoy a continental breakfast catered by Dunkin Donuts. Space is limited. To pre-register, call (407) (407) Lake Lotus Park Road Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

Altamonte Springs 9 th Annual Earth Day Event The Cuplet Fern Chapter will participate in the Altamonte Springs Earth Day event.

Biocontrol Florida s biodiversity is made remarkable by the plants and animals that depend on one another for survival.

When new species are introduced, natives can be outsourced and the natural balance risks being disrupted [1]. Biocontrol is one method to help restore a balanced environment.

3 Altamonte Springs 9 th Annual Earth Day Event The Cuplet Fern Chapter will participate in the Altamonte Springs Earth Day event. Our table will be placed near the butterfly garden installation where we will explain the benefits of planting natives and having a butterfly garden. Biocontrol Florida s biodiversity is made remarkable by the plants and animals that depend on one another for survival. This delicate yet imperative relationship maintains a healthy natural environment, where the population of plants and animals are balanced. When new species are introduced, natives can be outsourced and the natural balance risks being disrupted [1]. Biocontrol is one method to help restore a balanced environment. Exotic species have been introduced to Florida both accidentally and intentionally. Most threatening to the natural balance are plants from tropical and sub-tropical regions which are suited to Florida climate and often take root in this foreign land [1]. These non-native species do not serve as a significant food source for Florida organisms and are able to outcompete native plants for resources [1]. When an exotic species that is not affected by predators or pathogens becomes established, then the population will grow uninhibited and can potentially become invasive. Approximately one-third of vegetation found in Florida s natural lands is exotic, and roughly 11% of those species are considered invasive [2]. Biologists have long struggled to prevent the exotic populations from encroaching on endemic habitats. Manual methods, such as applying chemicals, hand pulling and burning, may help tame invasive populations but are often not a reliable long term solution [3]. As an alternative, scientists spend years researching predators (insects, pathogens, and fish) to target specific invasive species in a method called Biocontrol. This method relies on the predator to consume or destroy the exotic species, restoring ecological balance [1] In 1905 Dioscorea bulbifera, the air potato, was introduced to Florida and with no natural predators the exotic vine quickly Continued on page 6

Econ River Wilderness Area February Field Trip The Econ River Wilderness Area is one of several Seminole County Natural Lands sites the public is

The 3 mile marked trail system takes the visitor through large oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, sandhill, bay swamp and rich wetlands that serve as a

The area is open for hiking, biking, equestrian and ideal for birding and photography.

Before going to any wilderness area be sure to check the web site for maps, directions and always stay on the trail.

With her background in Florida ecosystems and environmental sciences she helped us to identify the major differences in pine species and understand

Walking through oak hammock with understory of saw palmetto, grasses and sandy areas covered in leaf litter and lichens, you may see evidence of

Here the two major types of vegetation are the pine and saw palmetto. You may notice the black discoloration on the pine trees.

4 Econ River Wilderness Area February Field Trip The Econ River Wilderness Area is one of several Seminole County Natural Lands sites the public is able to visit and explore. This site consists of 240 acres and is located on Old Lockwood Road in Oviedo. The 3 mile marked trail system takes the visitor through large oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, sandhill, bay swamp and rich wetlands that serve as a filter before going into the beautiful Econlockhatchee River system. The area is open for hiking, biking, equestrian and ideal for birding and photography. Local university and colleges use this site as an outdoor laboratory. Before going to any wilderness area be sure to check the web site for maps, directions and always stay on the trail. The day started out with a cool and sharp breeze. Our trail leader was Patti Smith, UF Certified Florida Master Naturalist. With her background in Florida ecosystems and environmental sciences she helped us to identify the major differences in pine species and understand the dynamics of this delicate ecosystem. We began our walk through a scrub habitat, with pennyroyal, passion flower and shiny lyonia. Walking through oak hammock with understory of saw palmetto, grasses and sandy areas covered in leaf litter and lichens, you may see evidence of gopher tortoise burrows. Continuing along the trail, the elevation seems to open up into a pine flatwoods habitat. Here the two major types of vegetation are the pine and saw palmetto. You may notice the black discoloration on the pine trees. This area shows the marks of a controlled burn. Management of this community encourages vegetation to support gopher tortoises and species dependent on their burrows. We continue along the trail towards the Econ River. The soil is now brownish-black and there is some standing water with maples, sweet gum trees and Sabal Palms. The palms may be covered with shoestring fern. All of a sudden the view opens and you see the river and white sand banks. Here you may see alligator, otter and an occasional heron gliding over the tannic water

5 36 th Annual State FNPS Conference Welcome from Don Spence, Conference Chair. The Volusia Chapters are looking forward to welcoming you to the Daytona Beach Resort and Conference Center in Ormond Beach May 18 22, I am a native of Volusia County and have lived in Ormond Beach most of my life. Although we lack the diversity of tropical south Florida, and the floral influence of the Appalachian/piedmont ecosystems of the panhandle, there are many beautiful places to see in Volusia County. From estuaries to swamps, bayheads to rivers, flatwoods to scrub, we think our field trip selections will provide you with the opportunity to see some of the beautiful diversity that eastern central Florida has to offer. It is because of Florida's unique biodiversity that I was interested in finding conference speakers that would address the connection of small scale native landscaping to large tracts of land, linked together through corridors. initiative called Citizen Scientists, where we have been tracking the populations of the rare plant, Deeringothamnus rugelii (yellow squirrel banana pawpaw, aka Rugel s pawpaw), which is endemic to Volusia County. One of our field trips this year will have the participants visit various sites around the county to count the number of plants. We also have several workshops planned onsite for Thursday. One of the workshops is near and dear to my heart and is entitled Introduction to Landscaping with Native Plants. As someone who has worked with native landscape design and installations and as a member of the FNPS landscape awards committee, I am very please to announce a workshop designed to help those of you who are just beginning the process of designing and installing native landscapes. The workshop will be taught by Renee Stambaugh and we encourage you to bring a sketch of your landscape so that she Continued on next page Our Friday keynote will be Dr. Tom Hoctor, Director of the University of Florida s Center for Landscape Conservation Planning. He will be talking about legislative policy related to protecting large tracts of land and the importance of connected greenways. The topics of our other speakers will range from the ethics of how humans impact this planet, butterflies and wildflowers, the health of bees, tree care, plants of the everglades, environmental education, invasive plants, landscape ecology, protection of water resources, and rare native plant conservation. Our conference committee has put together 22 field trips, which includes 2 landscape tours, 3 kayak trips, 2 pontoon boat trips, 2 eco-buggy excursions, 1 truck-bed trip, and 11 hikes. Over the past several years, the Pawpaw Chapter has been promoting an - 5 -

6 Biocontrol continued from page 3 became a threat to native plants [2]. The infamy of this invasive species grew almost as rapidly as the plant itself and is a major concern for the Department of Agriculture [2]. A biocontrol program was launched to find a predator that would consume or destroy the air potato. Scientists returned to Asia where D. bulbifera is endemic and found a small beetle that could survive by eating the invasive plant [4]. Extensive research was performed to ensure that the beetle would not further disrupt the ecological balance. In 2012 the air potato leaf beetle was finally released to feast on the air potato. Scientists note that the beetle mostly consumes the soft tissues found on the leaves and growing tips which creates difficult growing circumstances and can hinder the plant s biological processes [5]. Every year between May and October, during peak air potato growth, new batches of the beetle are released [1]. The air potato leaf beetle is very selective in its diet and only consumes D. bulbifera even excluding all other species of Dioscorea [3]. Research done by the University of Florida has found that beetle establishment in release sites has lead to reduced height of vines, decreased bulbil production, and most importantly, an increase in native vegetation [3]. Seminole county is one of the release sites for this remarkable and successful form of biocontrol. Through this biocontrol program, professionals were able to contribute to the restoration of Florida s ecological balance. The air potato leaf beetle is an investment for our future and a vital part of the preservation and conservation of our natural lands. To find out more about the amazing air potato leaf beetle check out the USDAs website: ufl.edu/airpotatofiles/aboutairpotatoprogram.shtml [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] 36 th Annual State FNPS Conference continued from page 5 can help you find the right place for the right plant, based on where you live, your aesthetic goals, and unique characteristics of your site. Our conference room rate is good through the 29 th of April. One room studios are $97 per night, while the larger suites are available for $127 per night. The conference center is on the beach and we have negotiated free wifi and parking for your stay. We have onsite socials planned for Thursday and Friday, and a Saturday night offsite social at the Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences. We look forward to seeing you soon. For more information: fnps.org/conference/

Upcoming Meetings All meetings are free and open to the public Creating a Rain Garden Using Native Plants April 11, 2016, 7PM 407-302-7616 Redirecting stormwater runoff into a shallow depression in

7 Upcoming Meetings All meetings are free and open to the public Creating a Rain Garden Using Native Plants April 11, 2016, 7PM Redirecting stormwater runoff into a shallow depression in your yard will allow the water to slowly filter back into the ground, help pollutants from reaching our local streams and lakes, and reduce flooding. Taryn Sudol, UF/IFAS Seminole County Extension Agent, will show us how to properly create a shallow depression rain garden and use appropriate native plants that can tolerate the fluctuating water level. Wekiva River A Designated National Wild & Scenic River May 9, 2016, 7PM The Wekiva River was designated a Wild & Scenic River October 2000 through the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. A coordinated federal, state, and local management committee, the Wekiva River System Advisory Management Committee, determined and implemented the management plan for the Wekiva River. Eighteen partners consisting of federal, state, local, and private organizations hold membership on the committee. This partnership arrangement ensures coordinated front-end planning and long-term oversight of this outstanding resource; day-to-day operations are left to the current land managers. Virginia Oros, Wild & Scenic Ambassador, will detail how this process works and how this delicate and outstanding natural resource is protected. Plant Families Identification Tips and Tricks June 13, 2016, 7PM UCF professor, Elizabeth Harris, discusses basic taxonomic traits of common plant families. With a Ph.D. from LSU focusing on the notoriously complicated Asteraceae Family, Dr. Harris has mastered simplifying the complex, providing us with traits and habits shared between family members. This information is extremely useful for quick identification in the field. Dr. Harris passion and energetic approach to teaching is sure to make this meeting one to remember. Healthy Forest July 11, 2016, 7PM Healthy forests include a balance of features from soil fertility to fire frequency in order to support the successful interrelationships of plants and animals. Dana Sussman, Senior Forester of Florida Forest Service, will explain what can disrupt this balance and how the forest service uses certain strategies to maintain a healthy forest. Through recognition of ecological interrelationships they can best manage natural resources for the public good. Landscapes, Leaders, and Light Moments at FNPS Conferences August 8, 2016, 7PM Phyllis Gray is an active friend of the board and long term Tarflower Chapter member. A former Orlando Sentinel associate food editor, she also edited the Chapter newsletter The Tarpaper for 10 years shortly after joining the chapter. She is an excellent photographer and records many field trips as well as the annual FNPS conferences. She will share highlights from those conferences enticing and encouraging everyone to attend. Come join us for a recap of conferences past, wishing you were there. Her enthusiasm should light a fire.

Upcoming Field Trips and Activities 3 rd Annual Central Florida Native Plant Sale March 31 April 2, 2016 407-302-7616 (Thursday, March 31: 2 7PM; Friday, April 1: 2 7PM; Saturday, April 2: 8AM 7PM)

8 Upcoming Field Trips and Activities 3 rd Annual Central Florida Native Plant Sale March 31 April 2, (Thursday, March 31: 2 7PM; Friday, April 1: 2 7PM; Saturday, April 2: 8AM 7PM) Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee. Sponsored by four native plant chapters: Cuplet Fern, Tarflower, Pine Lilly, Conradina and FANN, Florida Association of Native Nurseries. A large selection of trees, shrub, and perennials will be available. Come early for best selection. Florida Native Plant & Wildlife-Friendly Yard Tour April 16, 2016, 9AM 2PM Self-driving tour of seven landscaped yards in Seminole County. Tickets can be purchased at WildBirds Unlimited, 5687 Red Bug Road in Winter Springs, with Paypal at and on the first day of the tour at Dix.Hite + Partners, 150 W Jessup Avenue in Longwood. Each yard is unique in design and selection of Florida native plants, all with the purpose of attracting our native wildlife. Each homeowner will share information about their own yard on a walkout. This is the 2 nd annual tour sponsored by Cuplet Fern and Tarflower Native Plant Chapters and Orange Audubon Society. $5/person fee. Rock Springs Run May 14, 2016, 9AM CR 433, Sorrento (From the North/East on I-4 take exit 101C and turn right onto SR 46 West. On SR 46 West go about 7 miles and you will cross the Wekiva River. About 3 miles further, the entrance to the preserve is on the left side of the road.) Trip Leader: Florida State Park Staff This property was purchased in 1983 to preserve habitat restoration and watershed protection in the Central Florida area. Additional purchases in 1993 and 1995 have formed a vast wilderness in Orange and Lake Counties. Rock Springs Run State Reserve is 14,000 acres of a wide variety of plant communities typically found in Central Florida. Our trip leader will discuss as we observe these many communities on a tram ride. Space is limited on the tram. $3 entrance fee to the State Reserve. Reservations required. No trips for July or August. Seminole County Gardening Expo The Cuplet Fern Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society participated in the Spring event held at the Seminole County Extension Services facility on March 5, This event consisted of a variety of plant vendors, county and regional representatives providing the public with techniques for water conservation, literature for plants that are water wise, rain barrel and aquaculture, Natural Lands displays, herb gardening and tropical trees. Throughout the day there were speakers that presented topics ranging from landscape friendly to the right plant in the right place. Our Chapter provided a variety of native plants for sale as well as bird boxes and bird migration information to the public. The event was sponsored by the Master Gardener UF, IFAS Extension and Seminole County

Celebrate Arbor Day with us!

April 2013 Volume 2, Issue 13 Celebrate Arbor Day with us! Bejaria racemosa, the Tarflower or Flyweed is native to Florida. This plant attracts hummingbirds and can been seen around the nature trails.