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Dedicated to preservation, conservation and restoration of Florida's native plants and their communities.
The sandhills of Hernando County are showy in fall in the Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. Florida paintbrush (Carphephorus corymbosus) help paint the scene.
It's natural to love Hernando County
The Hernando Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society shares information with citizens who are interested in learning about Florida's native plants, their ecosystems, and all aspects of biological diversity.
Together, we learn how landscaping with native plants has a minimal affect on the environment. By using native plants, chemicals are eliminated, maintenance is reduced, water is conserved, and habitat is provided for wildlife.
Plant enthusiasts become acquainted with plant species that make their home in Hernando, and the types of conditions they prefer. Whether you best appreciate these plants in the natural landscape or the home landscape, we know you'll enjoy the Society.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 6, 2025 – 6:30 PM
South Brooksville Community Center, 601 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34601
Monthly Meeting and Public Program
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve: A Big Picture of Management
by Anne Blanchard, Southwest Florida Water Management District
The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve is one of central Florida’s premier natural areas. “The Swamp” contains tens of thousands of acres of contiguous habitat that includes pine flatwoods, sandhill, cypress swamps and river swamps. The area is the headwaters for four major rivers and replenishes the Floridan aquifer. Anne will discuss the history of “The Swamp” and how the Southwest Florida Water Management District protects and manages this vital natural area to benefit the local flora and fauna (including people!).
Anne Blanchard became a Certified Burn Manager while working as a Wildlife Biologist at Chassahowitzka WMA.
About our Speaker
Anne has been in the field of public conservation lands management since 2013. She has a bachelor’s degree in wildlife Ecology and Conservation from UF and a Master’s Degree in Forest Resources and Conservation, also from UF. She started off her career as a park ranger for Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources where she worked on the coastal preserves. While there, she was introduced to prescribed burning and found her passion. She moved over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation a few years after that to work as a Wildlife Biologist at Chassahowitzka WMA. This position allowed her to hone her prescribed burning skills, and it was while working here that she became a Certified Burn Manager. In 2018 she moved over to the Southwest Florida Water Management District where she is currently employed. She has managed various land for the District and currently oversees Starkey and Weekiwachee Preserves.
Logistics – Our regular monthly meetings are held on the first Monday of most months. They are notorious for intriguing topics and a great light supper. Arrive at the South Brooksville Community Center at 6:30 pm for snacks and socializing; the formal meeting and program starts at 7:00 pm. The South Brooksville Community Center is located at 601 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34601. Contact us at hcfnps@gmail.com
About our Programs
The Mission of the Florida Native Plant Society is to champion the preservation, conservation and restoration of Florida's native plants and the habitats where they live. Each month the Hernando Chapter FNPS recruits expert speakers to explore our areas of interest. Talks range from native bees to beautyberries, hydrology to horticulture. Programs are free and open to the public.
About our venue. Join us at the South Brooksville Community Center, 601 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34601. This facility is on the East side of Brooksville proper at the apex of Jefferson (US 98) and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
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2025 Calendar of Monthly Meetings and Public Programs
We are busy gearing up for 2025. Our schedule follows – please mark your calendar! We look forward to the good times and good learning in the coming year. These are the first Mondays of the month, except for New Year's Day and September due to Labor Day.
January 6
February 3
March 3
April 7
May 5
June 2
July 7
August 4
September 8 (moved back due to Labor Day)
October 6
November 3
Get to know us,
get to know your county
Get to know us,
get to know your county
Our meetings are held the first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. At each meeting we discuss native plants and native plant ecosystems. Subjects range from hummingbird gardening to black bear habitat.
Each meeting has delicious snacks, and friendly company, native plants on display, and an information table. Please join us for a meeting.
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October is Florida Native Plant Month
October is a special month for all of us who cherish Florida’s natural heritage—Florida Native Plant Month! Across the state, chapters, communities, and advocates are celebrating the many species of native plants that shape our landscapes, sustain our wildlife, and preserve Florida’s identity.
Ways to Celebrate Native Plant Month
Plant a native – Add a wildflower, shrub, or tree this October.
Join a field trip – Explore Hernando’s natural habitats with fellow members.
Volunteer at a workday – Help restore and maintain local gardens and preserves.
Spread the word – Bring a friend to a meeting or share why natives matter.
Advocate – Stay engaged on local development issues to protect native habitats.
UPCOMING OCTOBER 2025 EVENTS
OCT 3 – TIDE FOR A CAUSE – 6:00 -9:00 PM
Tidal Brewing Company, 14311 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill
Launch Native Plant month at the Tide for a Cause Release Launch Party: Go Native! Get the weekend started with a refreshing liatris lager! Members of the Hernando Chapter, Florida Native Plant Society, will share information about our county’s fabulous native flora.
OCT 6 – PUBLIC PROGRAM: THE GREEN SWAMP – doors open 6:30 PM
South Brooksville Community Center, 601 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Brooksville
Presenter: Anne Blanchard, SWFWMD, sponsored by the Hernando Chapter Florida Native Plant Society
Anne will discuss the history of “The Swamp” and how the Southwest Florida Water Management District protects and manages this vital natural area to benefit the local flora and fauna (including people!).
OCT 11 – CROOM TRACT FIELD TRIP – 9:00 AM
Meet at the Withlacoochee State Forest Tucker Hill Day Use
Leaders: Heather Sharkey & Vince Morris, Florida Forestry
Come explore the Croom tract’s diverse upland habitats, where fall wildflowers and native wildlife are abundant.
OCT 14 – NATIVE PLANT MONTH DECLARED – 9:00 AM
Hernando County Commission Chambers, Brooksville Courthouse. The Hernando Board of County Commissioners will officially proclaim October as Florida Native Plant Month at the start of their regularly scheduled meeting.
OCT 22 – GREEN DRINKS IN HERNANDO COUNTY – 6 - 8 PM
Marker 48, 12147 Cortez Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34613
Sponsored by the Sustany Foundation.
Connect with others who are passionate about sustainability and the environment. Let’s raise our glasses to a greener future together! Please Register at www.sustany.org
OCT 25 – CHASSAHOWITZKA WMA FIELD TRIP – 9:00 AM
Leader: Renae Nowicki Ph.D., Ecohydrologist
Discover the rich habitats of the Chassahowitzka WMA, one of Hernando and Citrus Counties’ most diverse natural areas. Explore pine flatwoods, wetlands, and sandhills, where fall wildflowers, birds, and wildlife abound. Meet at the main entrance parking area on Hiway 19, just north of Hiway 476, Centralia Rd.
Visit the Garden
Nature Coast Botanical Garden,
Florida Native Plant Demonstration Garden
1489 Parker Ave, Spring Hill, FL 34606
We encourage you to visit the Florida Native Plant Demonstration Garden during all seasons. There are many opportunities to study Florida's native flora.
For example:
The buzz on pollinators. The populations of many pollinators have declined due to loss of habitat and the plants that they depend on for food. The garden highlights native wildflowers you can plant in your yard to attract and support butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
Attracting wildlife. Wildlife requires cover, food and water, and depends on native grasses, shrubs and trees to help provide. You can plan to attract and protect the birds and bunnies through creating natural areas for biodiversity to thrive and achieve its natural balance. The garden provides examples.
The right plant for the right place. Several areas of the Native Plant Garden feature plant species that are found growing in the sandhill and hammock ecosystems of Hernando County. See how you can bring the natural beauty of the Nature Coast into your home landscape and learn about native species that may work best for the conditions on your site.
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Join us in the field
Join us in the field
We also offer guided field trips to help celebration the natural beauty that is Hernando County. We hope you'll decide to join in!
Embrace the Mission
Embrace the Mission
Preserve
Preserve
Hernando County is home to a wide variety of natural areas from coastal scrub to the sandhills of the Brooksville Ridge to the cypress swamps of the Withlacoochee. Our fieldtrips explore the diversity of our landscapes and their habitats.
Conserve
Conserve
Through research and advocacy the Society seeks to ensure that natural landscapes are set aside to protect native plants and their habitats. Join us as we speak out for native plants and the wildlife that depends on them.
Restore
Restore
Returning Florida's native plants to the human landscape is a critical action for increasing biodiversity and protecting pollinators and other wildlife. Our planting projects help point the way.
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