With the Chapter’s camping/field trip to Torreya State Park in north Florida behind us, I just have to stop and say what a fun time we had! It was a very memorable and special weekend; getting to know people better and enjoying the beauty of nature at the same time. It was a bit cold at night and a bit rainy on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, but the beautiful scenery this time of year far out passed the few inconveniences we encounterered (See article in this issue, along with some great pictures on our Facebook site.)
It is now time to look ahead to what the spring and summer hold. One of our most important events of the year, the annual Spring Plant Sale is just around the corner—April 17th. This is always a special event for us, not just because it is the main fundraiser for our chapter, but also because it is a wonderful educational opportunity and a way to reach the general public to make them aware of the benefits of landscaping with natives. It also is a great way for our members to learn more about the attributes of natives as well, both by attending some of the “minitalks’ (see Plant Sale Flyer/ Agenda), and by helping customers write up their orders.
As our economic times create more and more need for us to live sustainably, using native plants in our landscapes and saving native habitats and ecosystems is becoming more important than ever. The education we provide through programs, field trips, literature, and scholarships may seem like a drop in the bucket, but it IS important. It will be up to groups like ours to remind our government officials that healthy habitats require the benefits that nature gives us. Natural areas preserve the natural functions of watersheds, serve to recharge the aquifer, and save trees and shrubs which convert carbon dioxide to oxygen. Natural areas also provide the food and habitat necessary for pollinators, the creatures that pollinate our food sources. Without the balance that occurs within a healthy natural environment, this world of ours will quickly unravel. It is important for us to provide a ‘voice of reason’ and make sure that message is not forgotten as our society tries to find ways to spend less. We also need to remind them that as people cut back, our natural areas are going to be more and more important for recreation. It is way less expensive for a family to spend a day hiking, camping or picnicking than it is to go to the movies or to Disney World. Write to your politicians… regularly and often.
Alexa
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Pinellas Chapter of the Florida
Native Plant Society — Last Updated April 9, 2010 Direct web site comments/corrections/suggestions to Pinellas FNPS Webmaster —Return to Top of Page— |