Cuplet Fern Florida Native Plant Society

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Sanford, FL
Cuplet Fern Florida Native Plant Society

Formed to help residents of Central Florida understand the value of our native plants and native plant communities 🌿😊 Like and Follow!

Cuplet Fern is named after a regionally rare plant naturally occurring in only 3 counties (all in Florida) in the lower 48 United States. We are a non-profit environmental conservation organization and a gardening group that promotes the usage and awareness of Florida’s native plants. Some plants are rare, endemic, endangered, or precinctiv to Florida. Other plants have ranges that overlap into th

e Caribbean basin, Central, South, and North America. This is the primary reason why Florida ranks very high on plant biodiversity and makes this region of the world so very special. Cuplet Fern has made its mark in offering internships, field trips, programs, and special events. We work closely with other environmental organizations to further the conservation, preservation, and restoration of Florida’s native plants and native plant communities. Explore with us- membership to Cuplet Fern is your ultimate show of love and support- no matter where in world you are.

09/10/2026

🌿 Native Plant Sale & Nature Center Open House 🌸

🌱 Transform your garden and support local conservation! Join the Cuplet Fern Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society for our upcoming Native Plant Sale & Nature Center Open House with Seminole Natural Lands!

Discover a diverse selection of Florida native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees—perfect for attracting butterflies, songbirds, and native pollinators to your yard! This event features our signature Mini Garden in a Tray selection!

🗓 Event Details
🗓 Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
⏰ Time: Plant Sale: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Nature Center Open House: Starts at 9:00 AM
📍 Location: Ed & Imogene Yarborough Nature Center, 3485 N. County Road 426, Geneva, FL 32732

🛒 Important Shopping Information
⚡ First-Come, First-Served: Popular species go quickly! Plan to arrive early if you want first dibs.
💳 Payment Methods: We accept both cash and credit cards.
🛒 Pro Tip: Bring your own cart or wagon to easily haul your green treasures to your vehicle.

💚 Planting for a Cause: Eco Camp Scholarships
Every purchase makes a direct difference in our community! Proceeds from Cuplet Fern fundraisers support our Eco Camp Scholarships in partnership with the Seminole County Natural Lands Program. Your support helps local children from low-income families attend nature camp, explore local wildlife, and foster a lifelong passion for conservation.

Connect with our native plant experts, tour the Nature Center, and take home resilient plants that thrive naturally in Central Florida. We look forward to seeing you there! 🌿✨

09/03/2026

🌾 Native Seed Harvesting & Garden Upkeep | UF/IFAS Seminole 🌿
Join Cuplet Fern for a hands-on morning of native seed collection and garden demonstration maintenance at the UF/IFAS Seminole County Extension!

🔬 Botanical Spotlight: Fall Anthesis & Regional Ecotypes
In Central Florida, autumn marks the arrival of fall anthesis- the flowering stage of a plant's lifecycle. Iconic native species like blazing stars (Liatris), goldenrods (Solidago), silk grass (Pityopsis), partridge pea (Chamaecrista), and native warm-season grasses (Sporobolus, Andropogon) reach peak bloom during this period.
Harvesting seeds immediately following anthesis ensures the collection of viable, genetically robust seeds from locally adapted ecotypes uniquely suited to Florida's environment.

📦 Supporting the Cuplet Fern Seed Bank Initiative
All collected seeds will directly fund the new Cuplet Fern Seed Bank Initiative, helping safeguard regional genetic diversity, supply local habitat restoration projects, and build inventory for future community propagation.

🗓️ Event Details
• Dates: September 7, 2026 & October 5, 2026
• Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
• Location: UF/IFAS Seminole County Extension (250 W. County Home Rd, Sanford, FL 32773)
• Meeting Spot: FFL Demonstration Garden arbor (located to the left/west of the main building)

🤏🪏 Key Activities
• Seed Harvesting: Identifying and gathering ripe seed heads from native wildflowers and grasses.
• Garden Upkeep: Weeding, light pruning, and general maintenance of our Florida-Friendly Landscape Demonstration Garden plot.

🎒 Recommended Supplies
• Hand pruners, trowel, and gardening gloves
• Sun hat, sunscreen, and water bottle
• Optional: Small bucket or paper collection envelopes

📌 Note: Please check in at the garden arbor upon arrival with Susan C. to complete a standard liability waiver prior to participating.

All skill levels are welcome! Come gain hands-on experience in native plant conservation with Cuplet Fern while supporting regional biodiversity.

08/25/2026

🌿 Preserving Our Natural Areas: A Recap of Last Night's Presentation 🌿

David Bear, President of Save Rural Seminole, gave a presentation to our nonprofit, as part of our "Protecting Paradise" summer program series to a great turnout of people from all walks of life.

To help us continue hosting impactful environmental leaders and expanding conservation education in our region, please consider supporting our 5-part "Protecting Paradise" series by donating.

💚 Support our local efforts at www.CupletFern.org/donate

David shared invaluable insights into grassroots conservation, the legal and public plight of conservation areas in our region, and the ongoing advocacy to preserve Seminole County's rural boundaries. His presentation was a powerful reminder of how collective action and resident voices protect the Florida we call home.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this evening of networking, education, and community advocacy! We fundraised 2 Eco-Camp scholarships last night to benefit children ages 7-12.

08/16/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of a longtime and cherished member of the Cuplet Fern family, Mary Rowell.

Mary was a passionate advocate for Florida's environment and a deeply dedicated member of our native plant community. Her love for nature was beautifully reflected in her own life, where she enjoyed cultivating a native plant garden at her home in Lake Mary. Her commitment to conservation and her presence at our community events over the years truly exemplified the mission of the Florida Native Plant Society.

For those who wish to honor Mary's legacy, her family has requested that donations be made in her memory to Cuplet Fern to support the local native plant advocacy and education efforts she cared so deeply about.

If you would like to make a tribute donation, you can do so securely through our website at CupletFern.org/donate We are tracking contributions in memory of Mary Rowell so we can ensure an acknowledgment is sent to her husband, Steve.

Alternatively, contributions can be made via check payable to "Cuplet Fern" with "In Memory of Mary Rowell" written in the memo line at our listed P.O.Box on our Cuplet Fern website.

We are grateful for Mary’s years of support, friendship, and dedication to Florida's native plant communities. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Steve and the entire Rowell family during this difficult time.

07/19/2026

Protect Florida's future with us 🌿

Join us on July 20th at 6:30 PM at the Seminole IFAS Auditorium in Sanford for a special installment of our "Protecting Paradise" summer program series.

We are honored to host Paul Owens, President of 1000 Friends of Florida, for his featured presentation: “What Kind of Future will we Choose for Florida?”.

Seving Seminole and West Volusia, Cuplet Fern understands that smarter growth and strong water protections are inextricably linked to the native plant communities we strive to conserve. Paul’s expertise in state-level planning and policy advocacy provides a vital perspective on how we can protect the biodiversity of our local ecosystems for future generations.

Evening Schedule:

- 6:30 PM: Networking and Potluck 🥗
- 6:55 PM: General Announcements & Native Plant Descriptions
- 7:20 PM: Featured Presentation by Paul Owens 🎤
- 8:15 PM: Q&A Session

Come learn how sustainable growth can shape the future of Florida's unique natural heritage. We look forward to seeing you there!

05/14/2026

Exciting news! 📢 Join us for the kickoff of our "Protecting Paradise" summer program series, featuring Graham Williams! 🌿

Graham, a Land Manager for the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and a past Cuplet Fern board member, brings extensive experience in managing Florida's diverse habitats and is a vital advocate for native plant and wildlife conservation. His expertise includes monitoring sensitive species and managing bird nesting programs for imperiled species.

Don't miss his presentation on the remarkable 25-year history of Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) conservation at the Hal Scott Regional Park and Preserve. Graham will share insights on the crucial role of land management and prescribed fire in helping this endangered species thrive. 🔥🐦

📅 Before the talk, we will be hosting a community potluck! 🍽️ To ensure everyone can enjoy safely, please remember to clearly label your dishes, noting any common allergens or dietary restrictions. We also politely ask that you make sure your culinary creations are presented beautifully! ✨ We can't wait to see you there!

05/02/2026

Join us tomorrow, May 3rd, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the beautiful Lyonia Environmental Center in Deltona for the final iteration of our 2026 Cuplet Fern Spring Book Club series!

We look forward to discuss "Nature's Action Guide: How to Support Biodiversity and Your Local Ecosystem" by Sarah Jayne. This book is a special resource, featuring a forward by the renowned Doug Tallamy. What makes this guide unique is its focus on transforming ecological anxiety into tangible local impact; it moves beyond theory to provide a roadmap for restoring the complex web of life right in our own backyards. It is an empowering call to action for anyone looking to make a measurable difference for our Florida pollinators and wildlife.

We are honored to have local author and fellow Cuplet Fern member, Fred Wascura, lead this session. Fred’s friendly facilitation and teaching style are first-rate, and we expect a cozy, small-group atmosphere perfect for meaningful conversation.

Whether you are just starting your native plant journey or have specific questions about Central Florida’s unique ecosystems, we invite you to stop by and participate. This event is free and open to the public.

Cuplet Fern looks forward to seeing you there!

04/28/2026

🦉 Explore the Wild After Dark at Lake Harney Wilderness Area! 🌿

Join Cuplet Fern and Seminole County Natural Lands for a special evening of "after-hours" citizen science! We are gathering this Friday, May 1st, to document the unique crepuscular and nocturnal species that call this property home.

Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just getting started, come help us observe the transition from twilight to night as part of the Lake Harney 2026 Spring Bioblitz!

📍 Location: Lake Harney Wilderness Area
⏰ Cuplet Fern Meet-up: 6:30 PM (to catch that magic twilight hour!)
🔦Official Event: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

✨What to Bring & Wear:
- App: Have iNaturalist downloaded and ready to go on your smartphone.
- Gear: Bring a flashlight or headlamp for when it gets dark.
- Clothing: Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants for trekking.
- Safety: Flashlight and Insect repellent is highly recommended! 🦟 🔦

The official event is a casual, self-guided opportunity for serious bioblitzers to get some unique night observations. We can’t wait to see what "nocturnal critters" we find!

Address

250 W County Home Road
Sanford, FL
32773

Telephone

(352) 658-3677

Website

https://www.cupletfern.org/donate

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