Perhaps you’ve strolled along the Gordon River Greenway or explored the intimate forest of the Naples Preserve and felt the sensory experiences conjured by the presence of Southwest Florida’s native plants. But, do you actually know which plants are native? Some well-known examples include sabal palms (Florida’s state tree), slash pines, and bald cypress trees.
In total, Florida boasts over 3,000 species of native plants. Native plants form the backbone of our natural ecosystems, from coastal mangrove wetlands to inland high and dry scrub habitats. A plant is considered to be “native” to our state if records indicate that it was present before European explorers made landfall (over 500 years ago) and started trading goods (including plants) between the Old World and New World.
The Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS), including the local Naples Chapter, has a mission to preserve, conserve, and restore Florida’s native plant communities. The Naples Chapter is composed of nearly 100 members who are passionate about getting to know Collier County’s native plants in natural settings and including native plants in their home landscapes. Florida native trees, shrubs, and flowers help connect those pieces of natural Florida that remain and provide valuable natural resources to diverse wildlife species, including butterflies, songbirds, and more animals who share our land. In contrast, non-native ornamental plants (although they may be beautiful to our eyes) usually provide little for our native wildlife.
The Naples Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society (also known as Naples Native Plants) offers free public meetings (currently on Zoom) that feature guest speakers representing the fields of native plant botany, gardening, ecology, and conservation. Chapter members are eligible for free native landscaping consultations from knowledgeable volunteers who identify existing plants and suggest additional native plants that would thrive in the homeowner’s garden. New members may join online at FNPS.org and will be eligible to receive one free native plant from Cutting Horse Eco-Center, a native plant nursery in Bonita Springs managed by the Coccoloba Chapter of FNPS.
Naples Native Plants is primarily led by 11 volunteers who focus on providing a variety of opportunities for native plant education, such as expert presentations, field trips, hands-on volunteer experiences, and outreach appearances, including local Earth Day celebrations in April 2021. The positive impact of this small non-profit organization is magnified by partnering with Naples Botanical Garden, Cypress Cove Landkeepers, Collier County Parks and Recreation, and the Coccoloba Chapter in Lee County.
Connect with Naples Native Plants online by visiting FNPSNaples.org.
Facebook @FNPSNaples
Direct inquiries may be sent to Naplesnativeplants@fnps.org. New members are always welcome, especially individuals and businesses who are eager to embrace the natural beauty of native plants.