“Oh, great tree Your loss makes me weep. But, wait ...

2012 BOARDPresident: Neta Villalobos-Bell407-302-7616Vice President: Sherry Williams Secretary:Day McClanahan Goldsmith Treasurer:Susan Blount-AngermeierPast President (2010): Rick EhleChapter Representative:Deborah GreenDirector/Membership:Graham WilliamsDirector: Beth Jackson

2012 COMMITTEESNewsletter Editor/SocialMedia/Publicity: Shari [email protected]: Charles Miller

Cuplet Fern ChapterFlorida Native Plant SocietyPO Box 150021Altamonte Springs, FL 32715

MEETING LOCATION:Sanford Garden Club200 Fairmont DriveSanford, FL 32773sanfordgardenclub.org

Volume 3, Number 1 :: February/March 2012

A Tribute to the Senator

“Oh, great treeYour loss makes me weep.But, wait, seedlings!Our sorrow is not so deep.”

By Sherry Williams

Seminole County Natural Lands Program

Approximately 3,500 years ago a mighty tree was born. Thistree would survive many natural disasters includinghurricanes, tornadoes and fires. It even survived the loggingat the turn of the 20th century and was one of the oldesttrees in North America.

The Seminole Indians used “The Senator” as a landmark formany years and tourists flocked to see this giant since themid-1800s. The tree got its name from Senator Moses O.Overstreet , who, in 1927, donated six acres that included“The Senator” to Seminole County to be set aside as a parkfor the public to enjoy. In 1929, President and Mrs. Coolidgevisited the tree where he made a speech and dedicated abronze plaque (still present today).

In the 1930s, Seminole County was given a New Deal federalgrant for $9,000 to make improvements to the park, aptlynamed Big Tree Park.The first iron fence was erected by theFlorida Federation of Garden Clubs to keep visitors fromcarving their initials on the tree and protect the smallercompanion tree (this tree is estimated to be around 2,000years old).

Continued on Page 2

Photo by Pat Burkett

“(It’s) hard to believe it's gone,” said Pat Burkett, of theSeminole County Environmental Studies Center.

“Bill (my husband) remembers going here on a field trip infirst grade, from Winter Park Elementary. I took this photoon Sept. 8, in preparation for the Fun Run. Stitched togetherseveral photos. I was standing as close as I could get on theboardwalk.”

Frond Forum 2 February/March 2012

MONTHLY MEETINGTIME CHANGE

Please note that themonthly meeting time hasbeen changed to 7 p.m.

Thank You:Thank you to CliffFrazier from theFlorida ForestService, (left photo)for presenting theJanuary meeting aboutFireWise Landscaping.(And thanks toCharles Miller forthe photo!)

By Neta Villalobos-BellCuplet Fern Chapter President

Kurt Borgham, owner of Weeds Gone, Inc., recently attended his firstCuplet Fern Chapter meeting and signed up for a business membershipsupporting the mission of the native plant society to educate peopleabout Florida native plants.

Weeds Gone, Inc’s philosophy of “Right Plant, Right Place” fits right intoour native plant society philosophy as it does with UF/IFAS Extension“Florida-Friendly Landscaping.” St Johns Water Management District's“Water-Wise Landscaping,” and Florida Department of EnvironmentalProtection’s “Green Industry BMPs (Best Management Practices).”

Weeds Gone, Inc. not only promotes eco-friendly management of weedswithout use of harmful chemicals and pulling them by hand, but isavailable for other eco-friendly residential landscape projects as well. Hecan help remove exotic invasives, such as air potato vine, skunk vine, ortorpedo grass. If you want no grass, he has worked with a client toremove all her grass and replace it with shrubs, trees, and perennials.And, he has helped some people to slowly transition to natives andFlorida-Friendly.

Because of his continuing education and experience he can offer right

plant, right place plant suggestions, correct plant problems such as hedgedecline, investigate and treat disease and pest problems. He even workson shoreline invasive weeds. Kurt typically spreads about 4000 bags ofmulch a year for clients so is very familiar with how to select the correctmulch and use it properly, which is a key component in plants’ health andvigor. Properly spreading mulch can also help avoid termite problems.And, Kurt only charges for his labor, with no markups on materials, butonly his cost, to his clients.

His goal is to educate his clients, whether on a one time project or forhis regular monthly maintenance clients, about eco-and Florida Friendlylandscaping using no or limited chemicals. Kurt's challenge, as it is withmany people, is finding more Florida native plants for sale.

If you’re interested in learning more, or to get a free estimate, visitwww.weedsgone.com.

WEEDS GONE, INC.: Cuplet Fern’s First Business Membership

Continued from Page 1

Up until 1968 there were caretakers on the property that maintained thepark, improved the parking, added picnic tables and operated aconcession. Since then, county staff has managed the property and in1972 began purchasing adjacent lands.

Today, Big Tree Park is part of a 1,500 acre protected corridor stretchingeast to the shore of Lake Jesup.

In 2005, the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners incooperation with the Seminole County Schools held a contest to name

the companion tree to “The Senator.”Students from Geneva ElementarySchool won the contest, naming the tree “Lady Liberty.”

On Jan. 16, a fire of unknown origin broke out in the tree and caused thetree to collapse. Now all that remains of the once mighty tree is a hollowstump.

This would appear to be a very sad ending to an extremely long-livedtree, however, one simply needs to look closely at the ground to see thatthis mighty tree has produced a few seedlings, and considering thelongevity of its parent, the memory and genes of “The Senator” will liveon.


February Chapter Meeting& Field Trip

Monday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.Sanford Garden Club200 Fairmont Drive, Sanford

PROGRAM ::Wonderful WildflowersWildflowers usually begin blooming in South Florida in late February and March.The "spring show" gradually travels northward to culminate with peak bloomingin the Panhandle in mid- to late May. In your yard, planting native wildflowers addcolor, texture, and excitement to any garden palette. On roadsides, they helpcontrol erosion, decrease mowing, and add beauty to the drive. Lisa Roberts,executive director of Florida Wildflower Foundation, will advise us on all aspectsof these Florida jewels, including sale of wildflower seeds.

Saturday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m,Lake Jesup Wilderness Area5951 S. Sanford Avenue, Sanford

FIELD TRIP :: Hike Lake Jesup's Flood Plain HabitatsSherry Williams, biologist and Cuplet Fern Chapter Vice-President, will lead thishike at the Lake Jesup Wilderness Area, an approximately 490 acre site locatedon the north shore of Lake Jesup, west of SR 417.The property was purchasedfor the purpose of preserving significant habitat to aid in the restoration of LakeJesup.There are approximately three miles of trails to get a first-hand look at theextensive flood plain of this lake and the countless species of wildlife that livehere.The majority of trails cross floodplain marsh and hydric hammock, whereusers might observe species such as Anhinga, Bald Eagle, Florida Box Turtle, andAmerican Alligator. Free.

March Chapter Meeting& Field Trip

Monday, March 12, 7 p.m.Sanford Garden Club200 Fairmont Drive, Sanford

PROGRAM :: Principles to Help Design YourOwn Landscape. Whether starting from bare dirtor considering a re-do, learn the basic landscapeprinciples to have a successful and beautiful yard.Gabrielle Milch, UF/IFAS Extension Florida Yards andNeighborhoods Coordinator will cover it all: color,line, form, texture, color, balance, and more.

Saturday, March 17, 9 a.m,Maple Street Natives NurseryMeeting/carpool location be announced

FIELD TRIP :: Trip to Native Plant NurseryCarpool with Cuplet Fern Native Plant Societymembers for a field trip to the Maple Street NativesNursery in Melbourne. Maple Street Natives, a family-owned and operated business, was Brevard County'sfirst native nursery, established in 1987. They offerover 150 species of Florida native plants as well asheirloom, organic, and local vegetable plants. Nopesticides are used in their nursery. Free. 407-302-7616.

APRIL CHAPTER MEETINGMonday,April 9, 7 p.m.Sanford Garden Club, 200 FairmontDrive, Sanford

PROGRAM :: Why and How Plants andInsects Depend on Each Other. DeborahGreen, Cuplet Fern Native Plant SocietyBoard Member, local nature author, andValencia Community College BiologyProfessor, will explain the role of insects'interactions with all other parts of itsenvironment. Interactions and relationshipscan be mutually beneficial or harmful orneither. Take a peek into this fascinating,sometimes hidden, and secret world of insectsand plants.

APRIL FIELD TRIPSaturday,April14, 9 a.m.-noonEnvironmental Studies Center, SpringHammock2985 Osprey Trail, Longwood

Earth Day at Seminole CountyEnvironmental Studies Center :: In lieu of

our monthly field trip, join Cuplet FernChapter for an Earth Day Celebration atSpring Hammock and the EnvironmentalStudies Center. Cuplet Fern will have nativeplants for sale. In addition, the Center will havehikes through the woods and wetlands,museum tours, vendors, and a swamp walkthat does require reservations and a fee. 407-349-0959.

COVERED DISH BARBECUESaturday,April14, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.Home of Robert & Shari KingSee flyer on Page 21 for details.

MAY CHAPTER MEETINGMonday, May 14, 7 p.m.Sanford Garden Club, 200 FairmontDrive, Sanford

PROGRAM :: Seminole State Forest.Cuplet Fern Native Plant Society Chapterhosts Mike Martin, Florida Forestry Service,who will present the distinctive character ofthe approximately 27,000-acre Seminole StateForest and its ecological diversity which

includes almost all of the naturally occurringvegetative communities found in CentralFlorida. There are more than 19 differentnatural communities, each with unique plants,animals and physical characteristics. Forest tripfollowing Sat, May 19.

MAY FIELD TRIPSaturday,May 19 9 a.m.Seminole State Forest South EntranceFrom I-4 exit 101C, go west on StateRoad 46 about 5.7 miles. Park entranceon right shortly after crossing theWekiva River bridge.

Mike Martin, Florida Forestry Service, will leadus through this unique and special area inFlorida. In addition to flatwoods, bottom landforests, and blackwater streams, the area hassand pine scrub, a rapidly disappearingbiological community found predominately inFlorida. The scrub provides important habitatfor many rare and threatened species such asthe Florida black bear and scrub jay. Free.


Nine individuals make up the board of the Cuplet Fern Chapter. Boardmembers serve two-year terms and the board is comprised of Officers(President,Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer), Committee Chairs(Membership, Outreach/Publicity, Newsletter, Website, Plant Sales, andmore) plus the Chapter Representative to the State FNPS organization.

The board plans programs and field trips to promote the education,appreciation, conservation, and use of native plants. Although theyparticipate in events, organize plant sale materials, and further promotethe chapter, they could not do this all without the dedication of itschapter members who also unselfishly volunteer their time.

Because not all Cuplet Fern Chapter members are able to attend thesemeetings nor get to know the board members who represent thechapter, we will highlight each of them in the upcoming newsletters foryou.

Neta Villalobos-Bell - After retiring from atelecommunications career, Neta worked asEducation Assistant for Florida Audubon Society,English Language Instructor for Berlitz LanguageSchool in Germany, Education Assistant forOrlando Museum of Art, and with UF/IFASExtension as Florida Yards & Neighborhoods inSeminole County. She has volunteered withvaried organizations for over 40 years, working

with mentally challenged adults, zoo animals, the Audubon Society andbirds, and native plants.

Neta is a Certified Master Gardener and Certified Florida MasterNaturalist with University of Florida, a Florida Certified HorticultureProfessional with FNGLA (Florida Nursery, Growers, and LandscapeAssociation), and certified in Landscape Best Management Practicesthrough FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection). She iscurrently president of Cuplet Fern Chapter of the Florida Native PlantSociety.

She loves working in her yard which has been on tour for both UF/IFASExtension Master Gardeners and Tarflower Chapter of Florida NativePlant Society. She shares her experience and enthusiasm for nature, itsplants and animals, through presentations to garden clubs, naturecenters, the general public, including TV. She was featured in an Orange

County Government TV series “Wildlife Matters” to promote thebenefits of gardening for wildlife.

Her goal is to help adults and children recognize, appreciate, and protectFlorida’s natural resources.

Neta’s favorite gardening quote is from “Growing Pains” by PatriciaThorpe.

“It is the long term process of making a garden that we must love if weare to persist; it is the lifelong project of watching things grow or notgrow and trying to understand why or why not. It is an eternity ofstudying the relationships among insects and plants, between plants andthe weather, between weather and landscape, between nature andourselves.”

Sherry Williams - Sherry is a Biologist/ParkRanger for the Seminole County Greenways andNatural Lands Division. She received herBachelor's of Science in Marine Biology fromDalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada. Shehas lived and worked in Florida as a biologistsince 1990.

Sherry’s experience in Florida began with studying Atlantic salt marshsnakes for Volusia County Mosquito Control District. Later, she workedfor the Florida Park Service as a District Biologist writing managementplans, was involved in all aspects of prescribed fire, was responsible forinvasive species management at five parks and all other resource relatedissues. Prior to coming to Seminole County, she worked for St. JohnsRiver Water Management District as a Resource Planner, writingmanagement plans and conservation easements as well as assisting landmanagers with resource management activities.

In her present position, she is responsible for the invasives program on10,000 acres of natural lands, passive parks, paved trails and active parks.Sherry is also responsible for the fire, monitoring, and grants programs,and coordinates volunteers for Natural Lands Program. In addition,Sherry serves as the steering committee chair for the Central FloridaCooperative Invasive Species Management Area, as vice president forthe Cuplet Fern Chapter, and is a board member of the Florida ExoticPest Plant Council.

Based on your interest and availability, theCuplet Fern Chapter could use your help.Volunteering and interacting with otherchapter members is an easy way to get toknow more like-minded people and gainmore experience with native plants. If any ofthe following peak your interest, pleasecontact Neta for more information at 407-302-7616 or [email protected].

Chapter Newsletter Article Writer:Submit articles for publication in the "FrondForum” chapter newsletter. Articles may besubmitted at any time throughout the year.Newsletter is published every other month.

Articles should be native plant relevant. Theywill be vetted and published with Editordiscretion.

Event Coordinator: Recruit andcoordinate volunteers for outreach events.Oversee chapter display table at publicevents, including recruitment of chaptermembers, coordination with host agency, andtransportation of display items. Frequency:Varies, but usually six times a year.

Plant Sale Assistant: Assist Plant Sale

Coordinator. Assist with labeling and pricing

plants propagated by chapter members,

preparing plant list, and transportation

coordination to and from plant sale location.

Frequency: Varies, but usually three times a

year.

Program Meeting Greeter: At entrance

table, welcome program meeting attendees,

request them to sign-in, offer free educational

resources, answer chapter and membership

questions. Frequency: Monthly.

GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR CHAPTER

By Faith JonesPresident, Seminole Audubon Society

Crystal Lake Preserve (CLP) is the largesttract of undeveloped land in the City of LakeMary, and is owned by Crystal Lake Preserve,Inc., a Florida non-profit corporationestablished to preserve this land throughconservation and environmental education.Cuplet Fern Chapter of the Florida NativePlant Society and Seminole Audubon Society(SAS) established a partnership with CrystalLake Preserve, Inc. to assist with the ongoingmanagement of this important Lake Maryproperty.

After a number of meetings and site visits withrepresentatives of Crystal Lake Preserve, Inc.,SAS, Cuplet Fern Chapter and the CentralFlorida Cooperative Invasive SpeciesManagement Area (CISMA), work began on amanagement plan. The first priority was toobtain baseline data of plant and animalspecies currently on CLP. Once this was done,

plans were formulated for removal of anyidentified invasive exotics.

Surprisingly, very few invasive exotics werefound; however, there was a number ofcamphor (Cinnamonum camphora) andChinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) trees.Alsofound was an expanding patch of coral ardesia(Ardisia crenata). Central Florida CISMAdonated herbicide to aid with treatment ofthe exotic species. More information on theseand other invasive, exotic plants can be foundat www.fleppc.org

SAS conducted bird and wildlife surveys onCLP and identified 39 avian species includingsandhill cranes, wood storks and northernbobwhite. Other species documented thus faron CLP include gopher tortoise, bobcat andseven species of butterflies.

Since Crystal Lake Preserve, Inc. tookownership of CLP, the property has beenfenced, a required firebreak has been

established, and a few trails have been created.Eventually interpretive trails are envisioned.

Cuplet Fern Chapter will continue to beinvolved, lending their Florida native plantexpertise to this worthy project.

A joint field trip is planned for this spring.Space is limited.To add your name to the list,contact Neta at 407-302-7616.

Condensed from an article in "The Jay", a Publication of theSeminole Audubon Society.

Seminole Audubon partners with Cuplet Fern at Crystal Lake Preserve

Orange Audubon programs emphasize natural history, as well as birds


GET TO KNOW:Seminole & Orange Audubon Societies

By Deborah GreenPresident, Orange Audubon Society

Orange Audubon Society (OAS) has as its mission to promote publicunderstanding of, and an interest in, wildlife and the environment thatsupports it. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, it is a chapterof National Audubon Society and Audubon of Florida. Orange AudubonSociety has about 2000 members throughout Central Florida. From 60to 100 people attend our monthly programs, which are held on the thirdThursday at 7 p.m. at Leu Gardens. Our website iswww.orangeaudubonfl.org and our Meetup site is Orange AudubonSociety. We are also on Facebook.

The monthly field trips emphasize birds but also everything about naturalhistory, and are held the Saturday after the meeting.Additional “LimitedEdition” field trips are held periodically for a small fee that goes to thechapter, and we have bird and butterfly ID classes for a reasonable fee.

Orange Audubon Society's education programs foster the recognition ofthe intangible values in the remaining natural areas of Florida and ourresponsibility for the conservation of the Earth's natural resources.Weprovide elementary classrooms the Audubon Adventures activitynewsletters.We respond to requests to give talks to schoolchildren and

adults when we have members available to speak. Our ConservationCommittee monitors conservation issues, often dealing with newdevelopments, and appears at commission meetings as needed. Theconservation committee chair meets with other conservationcommittee chairs in the Regional Conservation Committee.As a big annual effort, OAS co-sponsors with the city of Orlando theOrlando Wetlands Park Festival, which draws thousands of attendees.Wehave been working for years with the St. Johns River Water ManagementDistrict on the possibility of a nature center on the north shore of LakeApopka, and members are active in efforts to protect the lake. ThisFebruary OAS is helping to initiate the First Annual Old Florida OutdoorFestival in Apopka on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 11 and12).(www.oldfloridaoutdoorfestival.com). We will be doing both bustours,T-shirt and book sales, and hoping to recruit new members. OASalso sponsors an annual photo contest, called the Chertok Nature PhotoContest after the family that made the original endowment to supportit. This contest and the annual awards ceremony, with potluck, areextremely popular. OAS provides financial support to the Audubon Birdsof Prey Center and other local wildlife rehabilitators.

Cuplet Fern Chapter Representative Deborah Green currently serves as president of OrangeAudubon and has been Program Chairperson for 10 years. She considers Audubon to be aclose partner to FNPS in getting people out to enjoy and learn about nature.


By Neta Villalobos-BellPresident, Cuplet Fern Chapter

When Cuplet Fern Chapter first formed andenvisioned the ideal meeting place, it wassomewhere in a natural setting with trails.That place was the Environmental StudiesCenter (ESC) building at Spring Hammock offCR 419 in Longwood. Unfortunately, thebuilding is only open during school monthsand not the summer, so after a few meetingsthere the Chapter had to find another“home.”

Even the Chapter name “Cuplet Fern” isclosely tied to ESC. Hank Whittier, then UCFProfessor and supporter of ESC, found theendangered cuplet fern (Dennstaedtiabipinnata) at ESC.And now it is our logo.

Cuplet Fern and ESC are still associated andsupport each other.We participate in eventsthere, such as the upcoming Earth Day EventApril 14, where we will sell Florida NativePlants propagated by our members. CupletFern has provided support regarding plantingsas well as financial support.

It is hard to imagine ESC has been inexistence since the 1970s. The new ESCbuilding was completed in 2004, a projectstarted through the efforts of “Friends of theEnvironmental Studies Center” (Friends).They persuaded the School Board to pursueconstruction from Seminole County PublicSchool construction funds. The ESC is aSeminole County Public School Facility that islocated at Spring Hammock Preserve, ownedand managed by Seminole County LeisureServices.An unusual arrangement indeed!

The Center houses an office, staff workroom,multipurpose room for workshops, classes,and meetings. It was in this room that theCuplet Fern Chapter began. In the middle ofthe building is an amazing Natural HistoryMuseum of live animals, taxidermy animals,and displays of skulls, bones, and habitats. It isused as part of the fifth grade curriculum,along with its famous “mud walk.”

The Friends also raised funds to offer freeprograms, events, interpretive walks to thepublic and purchased additional needs, such asfilling the bee hive, and a refrigerator forspecimens. However, with current county andschool budget cuts, all fundraising activitiesare now focused on meeting the basicoperational costs to run the target audienceof fifth graders in Seminole County.

Although the Seminole County schoolsystem’s Natural History Museum is not opento the public, except during special events, thesix miles of trails through five habitats in thisSeminole County Public Park is worth a trip.Starting from the entrance at 28 feet abovesea level, you can experience upland habitatsand walk down towards Lake Jesup at fourfeet above sea level to wetlands, swamp andthe lake. The Preserve is fed through littleartesian springs that seep up in many places.

Then, there are also cultivated areas to seenative plants closer to the ESC building. TheWater Conservation Garden was installedand is maintained through a grant to SeminoleCounty Environmental Services, WaterConservation. This demonstration gardenshows different irrigation methods to savewater plus showcases water-wise plants,including natives.

The Butterfly Garden is under renovation.Originally, it was planted by the TarflowerChapter, FNPS. Currently, a grant is beingpursued jointly by the Friends and a SeminoleCounty UF/IFAS Master Gardener. They areputting together a Master Plan for the gardendesign. The back area of the building wasovertaken by the exotic invasive cogon grass.When eradication is completed, this area will

return as another section of butterfly gardennative plants.

Examples of native plants to see in thegarden: gopher apple, red bay, dune sunflower,beach goldenrod, Hercules club, corky-stempassionvine, lyre-leaved sage, three types ofSt. John’s wort, muhly grass, bee balm,rosinweed, sand blackberry, CarolinaJessamine, elderberry, wild petunia, and more.

Take a walk in the woods. Enjoy the beauty ofthis natural area daily sunrise to sunset. Jointhe “Friends” through membership or make adonation to keep the ESC open so all fifthgrade students in Seminole County canattend the two-day nature activities andenvironmental program. We all know howimportant it is that our children experiencethe outdoors in Florida’s naturalenvironment.

For more information. visitwww.environmentalstudiescenter.org orwww.seminolecountyfl.gov/parksrec/naturallands/hammock.aspx

(Thanks to Pat Burkett, President, Friends of theEnvironmental Studies Center and Carolyn Milhan,TOA/Environmental Studies Center for their help with thisarticle.)

SPOTLIGHT ON: Environmental Studies CenterAt Spring Hammock Preserve - the original meeting place of Cuplet Fern Chapter

Cuplet Fern President Neta Villalobos-Bell presents a $200 donation check to"Friends" President Pat Burkett and their board. The donation is a portion ofmoney collected from a Cuplet Fern native plant sale held at the EnvironmentalStudies Center. Present at the presentation are (from left) Amy Weick, NetaVillalobos-Bell, "Bear", Pat Burkett, Amy Givens, Tammy Potosky, Anna-MarieCote, Sarah McLendon, Seward Jones, and Brian Nipe.

The Chuluota Wilderness Area (CWA) is an approximately 620 acre

property located in the southeast corner Seminole County. It is

surrounded on three sides by state owned land - the Charles H.

Bronson State Forest.

This site’s remote location and variety of native plant communities

makes it an excellent destination for hiking, bird watching and wildlife

study. As you enjoy the natural surroundings, keep your eyes open for

some of the resident wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, gopher tortoise

and the eastern diamond-back rattle snake.

The trail system at CWA consists of two main loop trails (east and

west) that are marked with red blazes and unmarked trails that can be

used as short cuts or additional areas for exploration.The west loop,

located closest to the entrance, traverses high xeric habitats such as

sand pine scrub and xeric oak scrub and is approximately 2.6 miles

round-trip. The east loop takes you through the mesic pond pine

flatwoods, mixed hardwood swamps and along the east boundary of the

property.The east loop is approximately 2.7 miles long and often floods

during the wet season.

NATURAL LANDS SPOTLIGHT:Chuluota Wilderness Area

"In aa rremote ccorner oof tthe wwor ld"



“Welcome to Chuluota Wilderness Area.” I exclaimed to the four

participants who showed up in 40 degree weather for the Jan. 14 hike

(truth be told, I thought I would end up hiking the property by myself

for about an hour and call it a VERY COLD day). These brave souls

were as tough as nails and ready for an informative (yet brisk) hike.

We began our hike on the Florida Trail that runs through the property

(this trail is designated for hikers only and runs the entire length of

Florida). We observed a recently burned area (prescribed fire) and

discussed the benefits of fire on the plant and animal communities in

Florida. We saw Florida rosemary, an imperiled plant, found only in sand

pine scrub; scarlet calamint, an endemic scrub plant; we discussed the

different types of pine trees on the property (sand pine, longleaf, pond

pine and slash); we talked about uplands and wetlands and the change

in species; and we were able to see an area where fire had been

excluded for many years and the palmettos had grown 8 to 10 feet tall.

It was a great day to be outdoors and fun was had by all!

JANUARY FIELD TRIP:Chuluota Wilderness AreaStory by Sherry Williams Photos courtesy of Shari King


Cuplet Fern Chapter President Neta Villalobos-Bell’s home was one ofseveral featured on the FNPS 2011 Annual Conference - Garden Tour.Here is the information she prepared for the tour attendees.

Native Landscape Philosophy and Purpose:To integrate appropriate native plants into a neighborhood setting inorder to provide wildlife habitat from bugs to birds; set an example fornative plant landscape possibilities by showcasing color, texture, anddiversity; achieve low maintenance and sustainability practices byimplementing “Florida-Friendly Landscape Principles” (below).

Right Plant, Right PlaceAs with any other plant, plant characteristics dictate where the plant islocated: sun/shade, moist/dry soil, mature height/width, slow/fast grower,wildlife value, deciduous/evergreen.

Water EfficientlyOnce established, native plants only need supplemental watering.

Fertilize AppropriatelyNo fertilizer is used on plants. Once a year on the turf.

MulchNatural oak leaves and pine needles from the neighborhood are gatheredfrom neighborhood curbside yard waste pickup and used in the yard.This is usually twice a year. Melaleuca mulch, a sustainable product, isused as top dressing in the front for aesthetics.

Attract WildlifeProviding a place for resident or migrant wildlife because of habitat lossis critical, hopefully not in isolation but linking one neighbor’s yard toanother. I have permission to “garden” in my neighbor’s yard to the right.

Manage Yard Pests ResponsiblyUsing no chemicals increases potential beneficial insects and wildlife tohelp control pests. Monitoring for pests and taking action before itbecomes a problem is important and spot treating with least toxic

HOME OF KEN BELL & NETA VILLALOBOS-BELL - SANFORD


methods, such as squishing, soap andwater solution.

RecycleReuse leaf litter as mulch.

Reduce Stormwater RunoffDownspouts are channeledunderground to water other yardareas.

Protect the WaterfrontLawn clippings are blown back ontothe lawn

HistoryWhen we moved into the house in 2000, the front yard was all grass,except for three plants at the front window: loropetalum and sago palm.These were too large for the area and required constant pruning. Theywere removed and the bed gradually increased over the years to itscurrent border strip near the sidewalk.

Of six irrigation zones, only two are on to water the strip of grass.Within these two zones, some sprinkler heads are capped, not needed.

Oak trees died at the sidewalk andbetween the neighbor’s yard on theright. One was replaced in front andthe other was replaced with largerocks and stepping stone pathway.Native trees and shrubs wereplanted between my yard and theneighbor’s.

Both side yards were all grass whichwere gradually removed over yearsand planted.The two irrigation zonesfor the side yards have been turned

off for about three years.The pine trees on the right are pre-existing.

The back yard was all grass except for the two citrus trees in the rearcorners. At the time we moved in, the back three irrigation zones wereturned off to kill the grass.They are still off. Soaker hoses were used toestablish the trees and shrubs. Only smaller plants are hand watered asneeded.

The yard has changed, evolved, and matured and is always changing. I buynew plants. Some die. I transplant them or give them away. Buy a newbench or add a rock garden.

“What I like about my yard isthat I can work in it when I havethe time or feel like it. There’snothing that has to be done on aregular schedule, except mowingthe grass.” - Neta Villalobos-Bell

75 percent of the yard plants are native:

African Iris Dietes iridioidesAgave Agave spp. Beach Sunflower* Helianthus debilisBeauty Berry* Callicarpa americanaBlueberry* Vaccinium DarwiniiBlue-eyed Grass* Sisyrinchium arundinaceaCacti Various spp.Catbrier* Smiliax spp.Chinese (Drake) Elm Ulmus parvifoliaConeflower* Echinacea purpureaClimbing Aster* Aster carolinianusCoontie* Zamia pumilaCypress, Bald * Taxodium distichumCoral Honeysuckle* Lonicera sempervirensDahoon Holly* Ilex cassineDianthus Dianthus spp.Dutchman's Pipe* Aristolochia spp.East Palatka Holly* Ilex vomitoriaFennel, Bronze Foeniculum pupurascensFiddlewood* Citharexylum fruticosumFlatwoods Plum* Prunus umbellateFlorida Anise* Illicium floridanumFlorida Violet* Viola floridanaFringe Tree* Chionanthus virginicusHaw, Summer* Crataegus flavaHerbs: Rosemary, Cilantro, Parsley, Oregano,

Lavendar, Basil, ChamomileHolly Fern Cyrtomium falcatumHorsetail* Equistem hyemaleLaurel Oak* Quercus hemisphaericaLemon Bacopa* Bacopa carolinianaLilly Turf Lirope spicataLive Oak* Quercus virginianaLizard's Tail* Saururus cernuusLong Leaf Pine* Pinus palustrisLoropetalum Loropetalum chinenseMexican Sage Salvia leucantha

Muhly Grass* Muhlenbergia capillariesNeedle Palm* Rhapidophyllum hystrixOrange Trees Citrus spp.Passionvine* Passiflora spp.Pentas Penta spp.Penstemon, Beards Tongue* Penstemon spp.Pineland Lantana* Lantana depressaPlumbago Plumbago auriculataPonytail Palm, Bottle Palm Beaucarnea recurvataRedbay* Persea borboniaRed Buckeye* Aesculus paviaRed Maple* Acer rubrumRose, Climbing Rosa "Clotilde Soupert"Sabal Palm* Sabal palmettoSassafras* Sassafras albidumSaw Palmetto* Sereona repensSaw Palmetto, Silver* Serona repens "Silver"Sea Grape* Coccoloba uviferaSimpson's Stopper* Eugenia fragransSociety Garlic Tulbaghia violaceaSpiderwort* Tradescantia ohiensisStokes Aster* Stokesia laevisSt. Johns Wort * Hypericum reductumSucculents Various spp.Sweetbay Magnolia* Magnolia virginianaTickseed* Coreopsis leavenworthiiTillandsia Tillandsia spp.Tropical Sage* Salvia coccinaVanilla Plant* Carphephorus odoratissimusVerbena Verbena spp.Virginia Creeper* Parathenocissus quinquefoliaWalter's Viburnum* Viburnum obovatumWhirling Butterflies Gaura spp.Wild Coffee* Psychotria nervosaWinged Elm* Ulmus alataYarrow* Achillea millefoliumYaupon Holly* Ilex vomitoriaYaupon Holly "Schilling's"* Ilex vomitoria "Schillings"Yaupon Holly,Weeping* Ilex vomitoria "Pendula"

NETA’S PLANT LIST


National Invasive Species Awareness Week is February 26-March Here are 10 ways you can get involved!

Scenes from the 2011 December Chapter Meeting/Holiday Party (Photos by Shari King)

For more shots, by Charles Miller, please go to the Cuplet Fern Facebook Page.

SWEETWATER OAKS GARDEN FAIRSunday, March 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.Sweetwater Square, 900 Fox Valley Drive, LongwoodFree Admission and Parking Sabal Point ElementarySchool, and local office buildings. (Only handicappedparking will be available at Sweetwater Square)

(Cuplet Fern Chapter will have a booth and be selling plants atthis event.)

The Sweetwater Oaks Garden Club will again host the AnnualSweetwater Oaks Garden Club Garden Fair and Floral DesignExhibit. Over 50 vendors will be participating; they will be sellingplants, shrubs, roses, orchids, decorative garden and yard art, andmuch more. There will be children’s activities,educational exhibits, food, raffles andentertainment. Members of the Garden Club willpresent a Floral Design Exhibit. They will also beselling raffle tickets, and offering Silent AuctionItems. Children will find special activities just forthem. The Central Florida Zoo will be presentfrom 12-2 p.m.

The Garden Fair will provide an opportunity tobuy unusual, exotic and quality garden and yarditems, a place to talk with Master Gardeners aboutgardening issues, an opportunity to see flowerarrangements done in an artistic fashion, and aplace to socialize with friends,while supporting ourworthy causes.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Wekiva YouthCamp, Habitat for Humanity, HorticulturalScholarships, and other club projects.

Please support this community effort. Space is stillavailable for vendors selling Garden-related items.www.swogc.info

FLORIDA WILDFLOWER & GARDENFESTIVALRecipient of the Florida Secretary of State’s Awardfor Outstanding Special Event Saturday, March 24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.West Indiana Ave., Downtown DeLandFree Parking and Admission

Family-friendly programs, demonstrations,wildflower and general gardening vendors andmore! In addition to wildflower and gardening

education, the festival features vendors who provide information,wildflower and gardening-themed products, and arts and craftsrelated to general gardening, native plant gardening, gardening forbirds, butterflies and wildlife, habitat creation, homeimprovement, environmental conservation, recycling and “green”living. http://mainstreetdeland.org/flwildflowerfest

EARTH FEST 2012Saturday,April 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Lake Concord ParkFree Admission

(Cuplet Fern Chapter will have a boothat this event)

City of Casselberry and Casselberry’s Friends of the Park will behosting Earth Fest 2012. The celebration’s goal is to provide apositive venue and unique opportunity for participants to learnabout their environment, while sponsors, vendors and artisan’sshowcase their Earth friendly products and services.


Melaleuca Mulch For SaleMelaleuca mulch is an environmentally friendlyalternative to cypress mulch that retains water, repelspests, and looks good. For everything wrong withcypress mulch, see FNPS’ Cypress Mulch brochuredownloadable from our website under docs.

In contrast to ecologically important cypress, themelaleuca tree is a serious pest species in SouthFlorida. The Army Corp of Engineers sprinkled theseeds around the edges of the Everglades in the early1920s as a way of drying the then-hated “swamps.”Both through its prolific seeds, which germinatereadily, and through vegetative reproduction,melaleuca out competes native vegetation. Toeradicate it in Everglades National Park and southFlorida preserves takes a tremendous expenditure,and efforts must be ongoing.

In case anyone is confused, the Ti tree (a.k.a. tea tree)that is sold as Tea Tree Oil is a different species,Melaleuca alternifolia, and is harvested in its nativeNew South Wales. Our invasive species is Melaleucaquinquenervia, was introduced from Australia to dryup the Everglades.

The University of Florida discovered that our invasivemelaleuca is resistant to termites and nematodes andthat mulch made from it retains these properties.

Forestry Resources, Inc. out of Ft. Myers is the solemanufacturer of melaleuca mulch, which it markets asFlorimulch in 2 cubic foot bags. According to theirwebsite www.gomulch.com, the company’s efforts

have removed this invasive tree from approximately1600 acres of South Florida. Florimulch is producedfrom the heartwood of the tree which avoids theseeds. The mulch is also composted for severalmonths, which further ensures that seeds will notgerminate.

Several years ago, Albertsons carried Florimulch, butit is now difficult to buy it outside of southwestFlorida. Recognizing its value, the Osceola CountyMaster Gardeners have secured the distributionlicense for Central Florida.

The Cuplet Fern Chapter hasmelaleuca mulch available at the

price of $3.50 per 1.5 cubic foot bag.To put in your order, email Charles Miller at

[email protected]

“Oh, great tree Your loss makes me weep. But, wait ...

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