Palm Beach County FNPS - Chapter Meeting with FNPS Executive Director MELISSA FERNANDEZ-DE CESPEDES PhD FMN - Keepers of Florida’s Native Plants: Leading the Way in 2026
Description: Florida enters 2026 at a pivotal moment for the future of its native plants. With mounting development pressure, shifting environmental conditions, and growing public interest in restoration, the decisions we make this year will shape the health of our natural landscapes for decades to come. This talk highlights the key challenges and opportunities ahead for native plant conservation—and includes an update on four endangered native plant species FNPS is working to save.
Biography: Dr. Melissa Fernandez-de Cespedes is a scientist, educator, and systems thinker serving as Executive Director of the Florida Native Plant Society. With a Ph.D. in Pathology and an M.S. in Environmental Chemistry, her training bridges disciplines to offer a holistic view of how individual and community health are rooted in ecological health and resilience. A lifelong science educator, Melissa advances native plant protection through community building and science-informed storytelling. She leads statewide efforts to ens…
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:45 PM.
UF IFAS/Mounts Botanical Garden Auditorium.
Morning Botanizing at ROYAL PALM BEACH PINES - SIGN UP REQUIRED!
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094BABAE29AAF5C34-61459573-morning#/
ROYAL PALM BEACH PINES
Saturday, January 24, 2026
9am – 11am
A wetland wonderland in early spring, this 772-acre site includes mesic flatwoods, wet flatwoods, hydric hammock, wet prairie, depression marsh, and dome swamp, with wetland ecosystems covering almost half the area. According to Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management which manages Royal Palm Beach Pines, the natural area attracts many birds, including bald eagle, red-shouldered hawk, and Florida sandhill crane. Other animals sighted include bobcat, southern cricket frog, and eastern box turtle. For botanizers, it's a rare and special treat to spot the elusive tarflower which can sometimes be found at this site!
This event is open to FNPS members.
To become an FNPS member or renew your membership:
https://www.fnps.org/support/membership
Space is limited to 16.
Email Helen/Julia to be put on the wait list, if need be.…
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
ROYAL PALM BEACH PINES NATURAL AREA
Sign up for location info!
Palm Beach County FNPS - Chapter Meeting - CONSERVATION GROUP
Third Tuesday of most months - see calendar for dates and speakers.
6:30pm-9pm
6:30pm - Mingle with plant nerds, experts, and visiting nursery folks. Ask questions, check out plants, share stories, make friends.
7pm - Speaker Program
8:15pm - Rundown and description of plants available for the evening
8:40 - PLANT DRAWING
Meetings are FREE to attend. Bring a friend!
Our chapter's goal is to preserve, conserve, and restore the native plants and native plant communities of Florida. And so we learn about various topics related to native plants, including their importance in providing native habitats, promoting biodiversity, and carving the pathway to sustainability. Check out our calendar to see our upcoming speakers and topics.
Whether you're a seasoned native expert, or just starting your journey, our meetings offer something for everyone.
Learn from experienced members of our community who will share valuable insights on getting involved in conservation, exploring our Natural Areas, and creating y…
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:45 PM.
UF IFAS/Mounts Botanical Garden Auditorium.
National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW)
Monday, February 23, 2026 – Friday, February 27, 2026.
For more info visit naisma.org. Mac Beach Nature Fest - Join FNPS Palm Beach County, volunteer, or just stop by to say hello!
Join us on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 10am to 4pm for Nature Fest, MacArthur Beach State Park’s annual outdoor festival! Come play, learn, support local artisans, and enjoy all that MacBeach has to offer. Nature Fest will feature environmental exhibitors, music, Florida native plant vendors, animal show, food trucks, kayaking, kids zone, live music, and much more! It’s an event you do not want to miss at the only State Park in Palm Beach County! John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is located at 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive in North Palm Beach. The event is free with Park admission.
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach, FL.
For more info visit macarthurbeach.org. Palm Beach County FNPS - Chapter Meeting - CONSERVATION GROUP
Third Tuesday of most months - see calendar for dates and speakers.
6:30pm-9pm
6:30pm - Mingle with plant nerds, experts, and visiting nursery folks. Ask questions, check out plants, share stories, make friends.
7pm - Speaker Program
8:15pm - Rundown and description of plants available for the evening
8:40 - PLANT DRAWING
Meetings are FREE to attend. Bring a friend!
Our chapter's goal is to preserve, conserve, and restore the native plants and native plant communities of Florida. And so we learn about various topics related to native plants, including their importance in providing native habitats, promoting biodiversity, and carving the pathway to sustainability. Check out our calendar to see our upcoming speakers and topics.
Whether you're a seasoned native expert, or just starting your journey, our meetings offer something for everyone.
Learn from experienced members of our community who will share valuable insights on getting involved in conservation, exploring our Natural Areas, and creating y…
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:45 PM.
UF IFAS/Mounts Botanical Garden Auditorium.