Published on May 3, 2022
Passionflower was one of 15 host organizations at the Lake County Conservation Symposium on April 30, 2022. These organizations met at Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustis to learn about each other and collaborate and form partnerships to protect our county's amazing natural resources.
Published on Feb 11, 2022
Over 1,000 native plants rescued so far this year! As development in Central Florida continues to reduce pristine native habitat areas, plant rescues are vital to preserve genetic diversity and create (or supplement) native plant communities in conservation areas. We only rescue on sites where landowners give us permission to remove plants, and the plants we have rescued have gone to Lake Louisa State Park, Oakland Nature Preserve, and the Little Italy restoration area at Lake Apopka's North Shore. The added benefit for rescuers is the great opportunity to see native ecosystems up close and learn about native plants that are not cultivated or sold at nurseries.
Published on Oct 31, 2021
Published on Sep 12, 2021
Lavon Silvernell gave a magical presentation, filled with fascinating pictures and stories,about the small creatures that live in our gardens. Some are winged and iridescent and flit in the flowers. Some are furry and fierce and live underground. Some engage in epic battles and brew volatile gasses to spray on their enemies. Learn how you can provide the plants and conditions they need to add magic, drama, and (most important) biodiversity to your landscape.
If you missed the presentation you can watch the Fairies, Trolls and Dragons recording.
Published on Jul 23, 2021
Volunteers braved the sun and heat to put over 100 plants, many of them threatened or endangered species rescued from Clermont development sites, in the ground at a Lake Louisa State Park restoration area. Go Native Plant Warriors!
Published on Jul 21, 2021
Passionflower members gathered to tour Pam Adam's yard - winner of the 2021 FNPS Residential Landscaping Award. With plant lists in hand, small groups toured the property - a great way to see what mature native plants look like - and then relaxed and chatted in the shade with infused water and light refreshments.
Published on Jul 9, 2021
Working at the Ranger Station Garden at Lake Louisa State Park and rescue plants being "hardened" for planting in park restoration areas. Watch the video.
Published on Jun 10, 2021
Peggy Cox presented a program about the Green Swamp - the "Liquid Heart of Florida" - right here in Lake County. Learn its history, how it feeds our rivers and lakes (including the Clermont Chain of Lakes), provides flood protection, and recharges the aquifer to supply our household water. Learn how the area is also ecologically important since it contains native habitat that is home to a wide diversity of native plant life and provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife including mammals, birds, and butterflies. This "Area of Critical State Concern" needs protection if we want to continue to have a readily available water supply and enjoy the many recreational opportunities our beautiful county provides.
Watch a recording of The Incredible Green Swamp presentation and look at the Lake County Water Atlas to find out about the status of our water resources.
