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TheFlorida Native Plant Society (FNPS)is a non-profit organization formed in 1980. Its mission is to promote the preservation, conservation, and restoration of the native plants and native plant communities of Florida.TheDade Chapter Florida Native Plant Society (DCFNPS) was founded in 1982 and is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. It is one of more than 35 FNPS chapters around the state and includes residents of Monroe County.DCFNPSpromotes the mission ofFNPSthrough education and conservation activities. We promote the use of native plants in landscapes to support wildlife, enhance native biodiversity, reduce the introduction of non-native pest plants, and conserve water.While some members are botanical, environmental, or nursery professionals, most of us are just "regular" people who enjoy nature or gardening and have concern for the environment.The monthly newsletter, Tillandsia, is sent by email to members and contains announcements of activities, volunteer opportunities, and articles about native plants and the South Florida environment.DCFNPS activities include:Monthly meetings where we learn, share plants, meet other plant enthusiasts, and enjoy refreshmentsField trips for "botanizing" and enjoying South Florida's environmentVisits to native plant gardensOutreach at public eventsVolunteer workdaysMeetingsare held at 7:30 on the 4th Tuesday of each month except July, August, and December at Pinecrest Gardens. Meetings are free and open to the public.In July, DCFNPS members and their guests are invited on a weekend evening to visit the garden of a chapter member to see native plant landscaping and socialize with a potluck dinner.Our outreach highlight of the year is "Native Plant Day" in March. This free public event is filled with exhibits, walks, plant sales, and activities for everyone – plus some of the best speakers to introduce the public to native plants and local nature! The location rotates among several parks around the county.DCFNPS also supports the FNPS mission through:Native restoration planting at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center at Everglades National Park. Maintenance workdays are held every other month.Sponsoring a state FNPS conservation grant award funded in part by donations in honor of our chapter founders, Don and Joyce Gann.Providing financial support for and participating in FNPS conservation advocacy.Supporting and collaborating with other environmental organizations.FNPS holds a statewide annual conference in May (in a different region each year); publishes the quarterly FNPS magazine, The Palmetto, and a bimonthly newsletter, Sabal Minor; awards grants for research and conservation; presents awards to outstanding native plant landscaping and restoration projects; and is actively engaged in advocacy, education, and critical conservation efforts.Please join FNPS for all the benefits of state FNPS and chapter membership, including the knowledge that you are supporting native plants and native plant communities!