"Saving Florida's Roadside Wildflowers"

Florida Native Plant Society ~ Sea Rocket Chapter ~ Serving Central & North Brevard County March 2016 The purpose of the Florida Native Plant Society is to promote the preservation, conservation, and restoration of the native plants and native plant communities of Florida. ~ Sea Rocket ~ Board of Directors President Lois Harris lois6459@att.net Vice President Armand De Flippo armanddf@rcn.com Treasurer Vacant at this time Secretary David Humphrey brevcracker@gmail.com Chapter Representative Greg Hendricks gatorgregh@gmail.com "Saving Florida's Roadside Wildflowers" Hear Lisa this March 23, at 6:30 for the Monthly Sea Rocket meeting., at The Enchanted Forest. Lisa Roberts has been the Florida Wildflower Foundation s executive director since 2008. Under her direction, the Foundation established its annual Florida Wildflower Symposium and the popular Seeds for Schools, Viva Florida and La Florida Community Plantings grant programs; launched an improved educational website and wildflower research literature database. Before joining the Foundation, Lisa is a certified Florida Master Naturalist and a member of the Florida Native Plant Society, Florida Audubon and The Nature Conservancy. When she's not tending to her native landscape and wildflower garden, she enjoys kayaking, hiking and oil painting on location to capture natural Florida. Committees Membership Education/Outreach Shari Blissett-Clark jclark109@cfl.rr.com Nursery Lois Harris lois6459@att.net Hike Leader Paul Schmalzer, PhD paul.a.schmalzer@nasa.gov Newsletter David Humphrey brevcracker@gmail.com Hospitality Vacant at this time March 2016 page 1 Highway 41, North of Lake City FL

(Note: All future planning can change presently. If in doubt, verify the date and times are accurate.) Every Saturday: GUIDED NATURE HIKES - 10:00am - For information call 321-264-5185. Every Wednesday: FNPS Sea Rocket Chapter Nursery Workday 9am-12noon, email Lois at lois6459@att.net for further info and schedule. March 2 March 9 March 12 March 16 March 19 March 23 March 23 March 26 with FTA to Orlando Wetlands Park Meet at West entrance of Lowe's parking lot at I-95 and Hwy 50 in Titusville at 8:30 AM. Hike with FTA to Pine Island Trail March 9 Meet at West entrance of Lowe's parking lot at I-95 and Hwy 50 in Titusville at 8:30 AM. National Plant a Flower Day. Have you planted a flower today? Hike with FTA to Harmony Trail Meet at Sams Discount Club at 4255 West New Haven in Melbourne at 8:30 AM. Great Outdoors Spring Festival and Plant sale. This is a first for Sea Rocket and The Great Outdoors for this festival. The festival will be fro 10am till 2 pm Hike with FTA to Micco Scrub Trail Meet at Sams Discount Club at 4255 West New Haven in Melbourne at 8:30 AM. Sea Rocket Chapter Meeting. "Saving Florida's Roadside Wildflowers". The meeting begins at 6:30 pm at Enchanted Forest Sanctuary. We are thrilled to have Lisa Roberts, Executive Director of the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Lisa has accomplished many projects to get the word, seeds, and plants out into their native environments. Don t forget about the plant swap at every meeting. Bring in a native plant and swap it out for another native plant. Scottsmoor Flatwoods Sanctuary Field Trip. 9 am to 12 pm. Hosted by Dr Paul Schmalzer. See page 7 for all the details. March 30 Hike with FTA to Econ River Trail Meet at Lone Cabbage Fish Camp on Hwy 520 and the St. Johns River at 8:30 AM. Don t forget to check out other EEL Sites and volunteer organizations for more Free Family Fun. Enchanted Forest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enchantedforestsanctuary?fref=ts SAMS HOUSE : http://www.brevardcounty.us/eelprogram/home Barrier Island Center: http://www.brevardcounty.us/eelprogram/areas/barrierislandsanctuary Keep Brevard Beautiful: http://keepbrevardbeautiful.org/ Florida Trail Assn Hike Schedule: http://jjehikesced.blogspot.com/ March 2016 page 2

FNPS Sea Rocket Chapter General Meeting Minutes 2-24-16 Board Members present: Lois Harris, Armand DeFilippo, Greg Hendricks, Dr. Schmalzer, David Humphrey Guest Speaker: Ann Cox, FNPS President Welcome & Call to Order: Lois Harris, President, called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm BUSINESS: Approval of General Meeting Minutes: A motion was made to approve the September meeting minutes, The motion was seconded, and passed unanimously. Financial Report: Our Treasurer position is open, so Lois reported on our financial position. We have $3,612.69 in checking; $2,500.10 savings for a total of $6,112.79 ANNOUNCEMENTS: Refreshments this evening were provided by Armand and Marlys. Thank you all for providing these snacks for our enjoyment. Elections were held: Lois Harris remained President Armand DeFilippo remained Vice President Treasurer position remains open David Humphrey was newly elected as Treasurer Greg Hendricks remained as Chapter Representative All candidates were approved without comment. UPCOMING EVENTS: February 27: Hands on trimming experience offered by Sally Scalera, Horticulturist the Florida extension Service March 12: Planting the terraced berm with KBB grant money. March 19: Great Outdoors 1st Annual Spring Festival and Plant sale 10am to 3pm March 26th: Dr Schmalzer will be hosting a field trip to Scottsmore Flatwoods April 22: Earth day celebration at KSC Visitors Information Center. This is not a plant sale. April 23: Earth day Celebration at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary - This is a plant sale from 10 am till 3 pm. OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next BOD Meeting will be at NYNY in Titusville on March 8, at 5:30 pm Treasurer: this position is still open. Please contact Lois Harris if you are willing to serve as Treasurer. Lois closed the business meeting at 7:27 pm Our Guest Speaker, Ann Cox, President of FNPS, spoke on "How the FNPS works". Ann is very passionate about FNPS, and reminded us of our Mission to conserve, preserve, and restore native plant communities of Florida. We do this by encouraging land managers to control invasive exotic plant species, minimize impacts to existing native plant communities, and by promoting native plant landscaping within our communities. She took us on a tour of the FNPS.org web site. The FNPS web site is a powerful tool for all FNPS members to better engage in Society activities, and to utilize the scientifically-researched, and proven data provided. Dr. Cox brought out that FNPS is not a political action organization, and as a non-profit organization, we strive to provide information and knowledge to decision-makers so that proper actions can be taken. However, when political action is required, the members are encouraged to pick-up the phone, or pen, and let their voices be heard. FNPS supports, and is a respected participant in the state of Florida public land reviews, which are mandated by state law on all public lands greater than 1000 acres in size. Matt Hayden was the winner of a beautiful gaillardia to grace his Dune of Death. Congratulations Matt and Lara. Submitted by David Humphrey March 2016 page 3

How can you tell a young saw palmetto from a young Sabal palmetto? I was put to the test the other day and failed. As unbelievable as that may sound it is true none the less. So I want to prevent others from falling into this trap. A young Cabbage Palm (Sabal palmetto) looks like a young saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), there is no trunk or fruit, nothing to differentiate the two plants. To my surprise I was shown the differences between the two plants and will forever be able distinguish one from the other. I'm going to use the botanical lingo, and will try to break it down into understandable English. The first thing to look for is to locate the costa or mid rib extension of the leaf stalk or petiole. The Sabal Palm has a mid rib, or botanically speaking is costapalmate. The identity of the plant can also be determined by the petiole itself. The petiole of the Sabal Palmetto is smooth. I'm sure there are other ways, but for a quick look these two will work. When the leaves are all coming out of the ground with no trunk in sight the Saw Palmetto looks very similar to a Sabal Palmetto. Again check for a costa. The saw palmetto does not have one. What the saw palmetto has is called a hastula. The hastula is defined as "A piece of plant material at the junction of the petiole and the leaf blade " All the leaf segments radiate from the hastula. Also carefully check the petiole for saw teeth. I say carefully because the "teeth" will cut you painfully. It is called Saw Palmetto for a very good reason. ~ Dave Here is an imponderable for you to ponder There are some sabal palms that have boots, and some that do not. As shown they can be in close proximity to one another. They are the same species, yet one will have leaf boots and another will not. What do you think the reason or reasons could be? I m not sure there is an answer. If you have an answer email me at I ll publish your answers. ~Editor Davebrevcracker@gmail.com There is new invasive plant coming your way. I received an email from Sandra Webb, member of Osceola County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA), it goes as follows; I would like to caution you and the rest of your readers about a "look alike" to Mistflower - Conoclinum. It is Praxelis, a newly discovered rank invasive, which smells like cat urine and has opposite branching and flowering. It comes up everywhere, and is especially invasive since it looks and acts like the Conoclinum and people think they have the "real thing", so they leave it alone, allowing it to proliferate. I can tell you it is EVERYWHERE here (Oceola Co.), and if not there yet, it is on the way. ~ Sandy Editors note : Praxelis is native to South America. Conoclinum Praxelis leaf is deeper lobed & more pointed. March 2016 page 4

Why FNPS, and so many other conservation groups? The answer is actually very simple. I ve attached two pictures. Pick the one that gives you greater happiness, peace, and / or joy. If you like the picture of Urban sprawl then FNPS now rated by a summer Stink Factor. This is a bad thing, and is a direct result of over building without a plan for the future. Trees give us oxygen to breath, breathing is important. The world is in a dither about Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Well, Trees absorb Carbon Dioxide and give us oxygen. Amendment 1, Florida Dean Saunders pursues ways to capture and conserve the state s natural beauty. is likely not your best choice to join. If you picked Dean Saunders painting, you would be on track to join the FNPS, and/or other conservation groups to fight the moneyed developers to prevent, or slow, the urban sprawl that is affecting the natural beauty of Florida. Growth is inevitable. Uncontrolled growth is not inevitable, it can be prevented. FNPS (www.fnps.org), Florida Wildflower Foundation (http://flawildflowers.org/) Florida Audubon Society (http://fl.audubon.org/) and many others, have all taken the fight to Tallahassee to convince our political decision makers to decide for Florida's future rather then short sighted, quick money projects. FNPS, and Sea Rocket specifically, will continue to promote conservation efforts through our specific charter, promoting native plants, instead of exotics that can damage the delicate balance between nature and urban support. Our aquifers can supply only so much water. The land and waterways can only absorb so much waste. Salt intrusion is a problem already. Fertilizers and pesticides are killing the Indian River, once world renowned for fishing and hunting is Urban Sprawl Forever Funds, is just another slush fund for our elected officials to use for their pet projects. The port continues to push for a rail line from the port to mainland Florida. How is that accomplished? Over the Indian River Lagoon and through the woods of currently protected wildlife preserves. http://www.noportrail.com/ Call or write your legislators and join FNPS to help us fight the battle for Florida s future. ~ Dave For membership information: P. O. Box 278, Melbourne, FL 32902-0278 Phone: 321-271-6702; Fax: 321-951-1941; March 2016 page 5

Community Corner News for and about your Chapter Dr. Schmalzer reports that he has added nine (9) species to the South Lake species list of Identified vascular plants. There are currently 132 species on the list now. Super Bloom in Death Valley This picture was a super bloom in 2005. This year (2016), the conditions may be just right to produce another super bloom. There are so many seeds waiting for the right time that when the rains are good, and the weather right, these seeds all come up at once. It is an eye popping sight when Death Valley puts on a Super Bloom, and then it is gone. We had a victory in Brevard County just recently. The Audubon Society have been pushing to get the County Commission to table an effort to designate a new land fill in the St Johns river flood plain. Letters were sent, emails were sent and the eco community stood up. The commissioners voted unanimously to table this issue. See The Florida Today article for all the details. http://fl.audubonaction.org/site/messageviewer?em_id=66275.0&pgwrap=n. All of these efforts to lessen the impact of increasing urbanization help keep Florida green and a healthy place for our families and children to grow up in. I m encouraged that government can be reasoned with. March 2016 page 6

Scottsmoor Flatwoods Sanctuary Field Trip Wednesday, March 26, 2016 0900 1200 Dr. Paul Schmalzer will be hosting Scottsmoor Flatwoods Sanctuary. This is a 2008 acquisition by the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program with assistance from The Nature Conservancy. Vegetation is primarily scrubby flatwoods, mesic flatwoods, cypress strand, hammocks, and marshes. Prescribed burning has been conducted since acquisition. Directions: Meeting site is Parrish Park (Brevard County) which is about in the center of the eastern section of the Sanctuary. Take I-95 North to Exit 231 (County Road 5A/Stuckway Road). Go right (East) on CR- 5A about 1 mile to US 1. Go right (South) on US 1 about 1.1 mile to Magoon Road. Go right (West) on Magoon Road to the end (about 0.2 mile). Parking is available at the county park. Bring hat, sunscreen, water, and insect repellant. Types of Issues Addressed by FNPS General areas considered to be of statewide FNPS significance Any Florida legislative action that affects our state environmental land acquisition program known as Florida Forever, which includes Florida Communities Trust and/or any other state agency funded through Florida Forever (DEP). This includes, but is not limited to, any legislation affecting funding of the program. It also includes the urgent need to fund the Florida Forever program. All state and local land acquisition efforts for preservation and conservation. Any statewide policy changes that enhance improve or further natural resource system protection within recognized preserves and/or reserve or state park refuge. Development issues that are regional or have statewide significance in that they affect a change in Florida policy towards land acquisition, natural resource systems or waters of the state, but only if the issue clearly relates to the FNPS mission to preserve, conserve and restore native plants and native plant communities. Any state legislative, state agency or state university action that would affect the viability (or lack thereof) of native plants and native plant communities. This includes, but is not limited to, state policy on exotic invasive species, water conservation, listed plant species, and cataloging of native plant communities. March 2016 page 7

Fiddlewood Citharexylum fruticosum sith-ar-recks-sil-lum froo-tick-oh-sum I d sure hate getting this scientific name on a spelling bee. I can handle Fiddlewood much easier. Years ago the fiddlewood was prized for its density and used to make musical instruments thus the common name of fiddlewood. Native to south Florida and the Caribbean, fiddlewoods are about 15 feet tall, but It has been known to grow upwards of 30 feet. A fiddlewood can take salt, drought, and sun and many soil types, but it does not like the cold. Frosts can cause fiddlewood to lose it s leaves. A hard freeze may very well end its long life. I happen to know that the Cocoa- Rockledge Garden Club has at least two beautiful fiddlewoods. Both these smallish trees have seen two light frosts this year, and yet they still retain their crowns. The leaves are a dark lustrous green all year. Untrained the fiddlewood will produce multiple trunks taking on a shrub appearance. If the stems are cut away to a single stem the plant will grow into a tree. It will My Thumb! Cocoa-Rockledge Garden Club Fiddlewood. Taken 2-14-16 make an excellent privacy hedge, even for a second story or raised platform. Planted about eight feet apart it will fill in. Grown in full sun it will be full and thick. It takes to trimming very well showing new growth shortly after trimming. Fiddlewood will bloom from summer to fall giving the bees and butterflies a long lasting nectar source. In winter berries will ripen from green to red to black giving the birds a winter treat. ~ Dave Hosting the Sea Rocket Newsletter since 2001; www.nbbd.com North Brevard Business & Community Directory www.abouttitusville.com Florida Native & Edible Plants, Landscape Consultations, Workshops, & More! www.naturewiseplants.com 321-536-1410 green images Florida Native Landscape Plants 1333 Taylor Creek Road Christmas, Florida 32709 407-568-1333 greenimage@aol.com March 2016 page 8

The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary Education Center 444 Columbia Blvd, Titusville, FL 32780 321-264-5185 Driving Directions to the Sanctuary: From I-95 Northbound: take SR-407 Exit 212 east 2.7 miles to SR-405 intersection. Turn right onto SR-405 and go east 1.9 miles (the Sanctuary entrance is on the left 0.4 miles past Sisson Road) From I-95 Southbound: take SR-50 Exit 215 east. Turn left onto SR 50 and turn right onto SR-405 (2nd light) Travel 3.6 miles (the Sanctuary entrance is on the left 0.4 miles past Sisson Road) From U.S. HWY 1: go west 0.5 miles on SR-405 in south Titusville. Sanctuary entrance is on the right. Florida Native Plant Society For membership information, address change: P. O. Box 278, Melbourne, FL 32902-0278 Phone: 321-271-6702; Fax: 321-951-1941; Email: Info@fnps.org/www.fnps.org Sea Rocket Chapter mailing address: 444 Columbia Blvd, Titusville, FL 32780 The April 27 Program Dr. David Hall to present: Native Shrubs for Central Florida Landscaping www.fnps.org Sea Rocket Chapter 444 Columbia Blvd, Titusville, FL 32780 GO GREEN! RECEIVE YOUR NEWSLETTER VIA EMAIL AND SAVE SOME GREEN! GO GREEN! March 2016 page 9