Citrus County Native Plant Society October Activities

By Florida's Original NatureCoaster™ • Posted on September 22, 2018

We would like to invite members of the community to celebrate “Native Plant Month” in October. The Florida Native Plant Society is working to preserve, conserve and restore Florida’s native plant populcations. The Citrus Chapter of FNPS has special events planned.

The Citrus County Native Plant Society would like to invite members of the community to celebrate “Native Plant Month” in October. The Florida Native Plant Society is working to preserve, conserve and restore Florida’s native plant populations. The Citrus Chapter of FNPS has the following special events planned.

Citrus Native Plant Society’s Chapter Meeting: “Wildflowers & Wetlands Plants”

Our October program will be Tuesday, Oct. 2^nd at 7 PM (Barbara’s Bits starts at 6:15) “Wildflowers & Wetlands Plants” presented by Jodi Lanier and Barbara McCormick . This program was presented in May at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. If you missed the presentation because the room filled to capacity very quickly this is an encore presentation. The location of our meeting is the Crystal Oaks Civic Center, 4958 W. Crystal Oaks Dr., Lecanto, FL 34461. Our meetings always include a “Plant of the Month” presentation, a segment on “What’s Blooming” and a chance to leave with a native plant or two. Anyone with an interest in native plants is welcome to attend. For more information, see our chapter’s website: citrus.fnpschapters.org or our Facebook page, CitrusNativePlantSociety or email citrusnps@gmail.com.

“Plant Identification Basics”

Saturday, Oct. 6^th from 10 AM to Noon with Extension specialist James Stevenson. The location is the Crystal River Preserve State Park Visitor’s Center located at 3266 N. Sailboat Ave., Crystal River.

Limited seating is available and this free event is open to the public so don’t delay in reserving your spot. RSVP to citrusnps@gmail.com. Note: more information about this program at: http://citrus.fnpschapters.org/index.php?id=2018octoberevents

“Weeding Day”

Our monthly weeding day will be Wednesday, Oct. 10th from 9-11 at Churchhouse Hammoack location (across the street from the Crystal River Mall). We plan to pull weeds and do some trimming and plant some fresh native plants in the butterfly garden. Bring your gardening tools, bug spray and water to drink. (NOTE: This is a change from the 2^nd Tuesday of the month to the 2^nd Wednesday of the month.) Anyone who would like to assist is welcome. You do not have to be a chapter member.

Self-guided Interpretive Walk

Sunday Oct. 21 at 9 am, join the Citrus Native Plant Society on a of a portion of the Citrus tract, Withlacoochee SF we have visited before and will be impacted by the Suncoast II extension. Meet at the Oak Park North trailhead parking lot off CR 480, 3.6 miles east of the Shoppes of Sugarmill Woods at US-19 and US-98. On this hike we will follow trails close to the future Suncoast Pkwy extension to look at what native plants we can find, as well as the remains of the Etna Turpentine Camp. Because of the imminent construction of the road there has been a relocation of endangered natives in the Parkway construction path, and we will have a chance to see and discuss the impacts of this road on the Withlacoochee SF. Natives to be expected include: Golden Aster, Silk Grass, Paw Paw, Lupine, Adams Needle, Paint Brush, Gopher Apple, Sand Blackberry, Winged Sumac, Parsely Haw, Elephants Foot, Partridge Pea, Wild plum, Black Cherry, sand oak, turkey oak, live oak, and many more. This walk will be on forest trails including equestrian trails and some forest roads, and can be moderately difficult going over somewhat uneven trails and dense woods. The plan is to walk for about two hours and cover about 2.5 miles of trail, but may be changed based on participant inputs. Goal is to be done before Noon. RSVP with Ben by email (bfberauer@aol.com), or text or call 727-217-5971.

Fall Native Wildflowers Field Trip

Wednesday, Oct. 24, 8:30 AM with new CRPSP Biologist, Scott Matthewman at the Crystal River Preserve State Park. We will be riding in one tram to a flatwoods deep within the CRPSP that was burned in February. This is limited to the first 20 who sign up. You must RSVP that you want to attend this native plant walk, and for directions to where we meet. Limited walking on uneven wooded terrain involved. Wear closed toe shoes, and bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Email Ben Berauer at bfberauer@aol.com, or call or text him at 727-217-5971, if you want to join us. This field trip will be offered to the public in a few days so if you have an interest, RSVP NOW!!

“Step-by-Step to a Florida Native Yard”

Presented by Ginny Stibolt Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 AM to Noon. The location is the Crystal River Preserve State Park Visitor’s Center located at 3266 N. Sailboat Ave., Crystal River.

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