Melissa at Sweet Bay Nursery, Parrish, FL. �� Cindy Shore
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State-wide Impact Through Local Action
95% of our volunteer hours were at the local level, spearheaded by our 31 Chapters and their passion for
*Volunteer hour value determined by the state of Florida Click to view the 2025 Value of Volunteer Time Report Inclusive of FNPS land managment of conservation land for endangered species preservation, population monitoring, habitat restoration for endangered species, plant rescues, plant species population monitoring, plant surveying, plant vouchering, and preservation of declining endangered species through partnerships
Conservation sites are Chapter-reported and are not inclusive of all conservation activities state-wide
Conservation
Saving Florida’s Endangered Plants
Clasping Warea at the Warea Area in it’s native habitat. �� Valerie
Clasping Warea (Warea amplexifolia)
Partner: Putnam Land Conservancy
Funding: Florida Wildflower Foundation & the Florida Forestry Service
In January, the Putnam Land Conservancy delivered a Land Management Plan for the Warea Area and began the process of applying for funding to carry out necessary land management activities
In February, Lynda Davis and Susan Carr met onsite with Chad Allison and Kai Sucsy to review the Land Management Plan. During the visit, they observed an increased population of Warea amplexifolia on the property, likely a result of earlier prescribed burns, hardwood management, and seeding efforts conducted by Juliet Rynear and Deborah Curry
Torreya (Torreya taxifolia)
Principal Conservationist: Lilly Anderson-Messec
Conservation Intern: Maddie Snuggs
Partners: Atlanta Botanical Society
Funding: Florida Wildflower Foundation & Florida Forestry Service
FNPS surveyed seven private properties, locating 14 new Florida torreya trees, a federally listed endangered species, and assessing their condition We advised landowners on protective measures and received permission to install and monitor seed trials on three sites, using 22 cages built by staff FNPS continues to track habitat changes and their impact on Florida torreya through field data and by supporting ABG’s long-term post-Hurricane Michael monitoring of 40 trees in Torreya State Park. Wealso assisted landowners with best practices, including invasive species control, erosion prevention, and prescribed fire resources
Lilly Anderson-Messec with a Torreya resprout. �� Lilly Anderson-Messec
Anderson
Dicerandra modesta �� inaturalist ID: @lwridge
Dicerandra cornutissima �� Valerie Anderson
Conservation
Saving Florida’s Endangered Plants
Since 2019, FNPS has received annual grant funding to support research and habitat restoration for two federally endangered mint species, Dicerandra modesta (Blushing Scrub Balm) and Dicerandra cornutissima (Longspurred Balm), in collaboration with the Crandall Fire Ecology Lab at the University of Florida Conservation efforts include detailed demographic monitoring, restoration plantings, and outreach events like Dicerandra Day to raise awareness. While Longspurred Balm has several robust populations, Blushing Scrub Balm is restricted to a single site and requires more aggressive restoration to combat its ongoing decline.
Blushing Scrub Balm (Dicerandra modesta)
Principal Conservationist: Valerie Anderson
Partner: Crandall Fire Ecology Lab at the University of Florida
Funding: Florida Forestry Service
Blushing Scrub Balm is an assumed single-site endemic species, with its only known population living on the Horse Creek Tract of the Lake Marion Creek WMA just east of Davenport, FL.
Given the continuing population declines for Blushing Scrub Balm, early in the year, we conducted a restoration planting in the powerline-gasline right-of-way at Horse Creek with local ecotype grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs sourced from The Natives, Inc
Our aim for this planting was to restore the right-of-way to a condition where Blushing Scrub Balm will return and thrive while also reducing the source of invasive species seeds that are invading the main D. modesta populations on either side of the right-ofway.
Longspurred Balm (Dicerandra cornutissima)
Principal Conservationist: Valerie Anderson
Partner: Crandall Fire Ecology Lab at the University of Florida
Funding: Florida Forestry Service
Longspurred Balm is more widely distributed, with several robust populations on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway near unincorporated Marion Oaks, FL and scattered populations on private land.
Monitoring was completed by Dr Rae Crandall and her students
Outreach
To raise awareness about conserving endangered Dicerandra species, FNPS launched Dicerandra Day, an annual event that connects members with researchers and engages them in hands-on conservation The event was well-received in 2023 and successfully repeated in 2024 Alongside ongoing outreach and monitoring, FNPS plans to intensify restoration efforts for Blushing Scrub Balm on the Horse Creek Tract to boost its survival in the wild.
Advocacy
The Society plays an active role in advocating for the conservation of native plant species and for the habitats, or natural communities, that support them in nature. Our advocacy takes many forms, including engagement with elected officials, government agencies, private businesses, landowners, partner organizations and a wide variety of other stakeholders With guidance provided by the Policy and Legislation Committee, we:
Engaged with the Florida Legislature to promote legislation that was consistent with our mission and to oppose legislation that was contrary to our efforts to conserve native plants.
A successful campaign to protect the right of citizens to challenge environmental permitting decisions of governmental agencies by requiring the challenger to pay the attorney fees of the agency if they did not prevail in their challenge – even if the courts determined the challenge was not “frivolous”
We closed the door on a “Surplus Lands” bill that sought to sell off state-owned conservation land while simultaneously helping to secure $200 million to fund the protection of environmentally significant natural areas
Issued Action Alerts to enlist the assistance of our members in advocacy, including a successful campaign to end the hastily announced Great Outdoors Initiative, which proposed the development of incompatible facilities like golf courses, hotels and pickleball courts in nine state parks. This effort included organizing a press conference on the steps of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s headquarters in Tallahassee
(Left to right): Jane Rapp, Cindy Wilson, Linda Eastman, Linda Croyle, and Carol Schaming �� Fellow Advocate
(Left to right): Carly Batts, Linda Eastman, Anne Cox, and Marjorie Shropshire �� Fellow Advocate
Education
Blushing Scrub Balm (Dicerandra modesta)
Education plays a vital role in FNPS’s mission to conserve Florida’s native plants and natural habitats By increasing public awareness and understanding of native species, ecosystems, and threats like habitat loss and invasive species, our educational efforts inspire action and stewardship. Whether through workshops, outreach events, school programs, or interpretive materials, we empower individuals and communities with the knowledge needed to support conservation from their own backyards to statewide advocacy. Education not only builds a foundation for long-term environmental change but also cultivates the next generation of conservation leaders
Position Statement
Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) face numerous challenges, including habitat loss, climate change, and the spread of Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE), a harmful protozoan parasite One major concern is the presence of overwintering milkweeds particularly nonnative species like tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) which do not die back seasonally in warm climates This year-round availability can disrupt monarch migration cues and promote the buildup and transmission of OE, increasing infection rates and weakening populations.
In 2024, FNPS joined multiple conservationist in opposing the use of A. curassavica in Florida by pubishing position statement titled “Position on Monarchs and Milkweeds”. This position statement was prepared by the FNPS's Science Committee and is endorsed by the Florida Wildflower Foundation, the Florida Association of Native Nurseries, and the Xerces Society
Publications
THE PALMETTO
Our flagship journal, The Palmetto, delivered three stunning issues this year, sharing indepth stories, scientific insights, and native plant inspiration with all FNPS members These beautifully curated editions continue to spark engagement, and past issues remain accessible to all on our website preserving decades of Florida plant knowledge.
SABAL MINOR
With a digital circulation of 5,797 and an impressive 48.13% open rate, our bi-monthly Sabal Minor newsletter keeps members informed and connected. From conservation updates to upcoming events, it’s a vital link between FNPS and our passionate community
WEBSITE GROWTH
Our digital reach is stronger than ever Website traffic surged by 28% this year, totaling 963,935 visits reflecting growing interest in native plant resources and conservation across Florida and beyond.
Education & Engagement
LUNCH & LEARN
Our Lunch & Learn series continues to thrive as a cornerstone of FNPS’s virtual programming In 2024, more than 20,000 live viewers tuned in to 12 dynamic sessions, each offering expert insights into native plant science, conservation, and habitat stewardship all during the lunch hour
TERMINOLOGY TUESDAY
Now a fan favorite, Taxa/Terminology Tuesday captivated over 17,000 YouTube viewers across 43 informative episodes in 2024, with even broader reach on social media. The runaway hit, “What IS Pollination?!”, sparked curiosity and engagement like never before, underscoring the power of clear, accessible science communication.
2024 Revenue
Revenue was lower in 2024 due to a leadership transition and the absence of conference income during our 2024 conference planning year. Despite this, FNPS stayed focused on our mission and strengthened our foundation for future growth. With a new Executive Director and Operations Manager, and an exciting statewide conference planned for 2025, your support today fuels a vibrant future for Florida’s native plants
Expenditures
In 2024, our expenditures exceeded revenue as we invested in essential operations, staff transitions, and preparations for our upcoming statewide conference. These strategic investments were necessary to ensure long-term stability and program excellence. We’re committed to transparency and fiscal responsibility, and with your support, we can continue building momentum and expanding our impact across Florida.
Cypress Swamp
Location: Cypress Swamp Trail at Highlands Hammock State Park �� Ann Redmond
