The Lake County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed October 2022 as Florida Native Plant Month to recognize the beauty and ecosystem value of native plants as well as the volunteer work done by the Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) to benefit the citizens and environment of Lake County.
Commissioner Sean Parks presented the proclamation to representatives of the two Lake County FNPS Chapters at the October 24th BCC meeting: Lake Beautyberry and Passionflower. The proclamation recognized both chapters' work to preserve, conserve and restore the native plants and native plant communities of our County and State.
Neta Villalobos-Bell, President of the Lake Beautyberry Chapter, thanked the Commissioners on behalf of FNPS and the many Lake County residents who care about a healthy and balanced environment. Additionally, she thanked the Lake County staff who battle invasive plants and restore habitat on County parklands.
Neta also spoke about some of the activities of FNPS volunteers in the County: support for habitat management projects; native plant rescue and relocation; advocacy and support for policies to preserve and increase open space and conservation lands; and providing educational opportunities. At the meeting Commissioners received a copy of the FNPS “Good Citizen Guide to Natural Florida”, a useful FNPS educational publication which helps residents learn about and preserve Florida’s natural treasures.
Photo courtesy of the Lake County FL Office of Communications. Left to Right: Neta Villalobos-Bell (LBB President), Lavon Silvernell (LBB), Commissioner Sean Parks, Melanie Simon (PF President), Nadine Foley (LBB)