BROWARD COUNTY COMMISSION

NEWS RELEASE

Parks and Recreation Division ▪ 950 N.W. 38th St., Oakland Park, FL 33309

Phone: 954-357-8100 ▪ Fax: 954-561-5359 ▪ www.broward.org/parks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: January 25, 2012 Phone: 954-357-8115

From: Michael Mills E-mail:

Return of the Native

- Find native flora – at nature center’s plant sale -

WHAT: In subtropical South Florida just about anything you stick in the ground has a good chance of growing, which is why so many plants classified variously as non-native, invasive, or exotic can thrive. Such plants may have been introduced intentionally. Australian pines, for example, were originally planted throughout the region as shade trees and windbreaks; now they’re out of control in many areas. Likewise melaleucas, which were once recommended as ornamental landscape trees but are now considered a nuisance plant.

Other times unwitting home landscapers cultivate the wrong kinds of plants, thanks to misinformation from such seemingly reliable sources as books, friends, nurseries, and the Internet. A home landscape including, say, areca and Chinese fan palms, wandering Jew vines, lantana shrubs, flowering four o’clock and ground orchids, and such trees as schefflera, weeping fig, mimosa, and orchid trees might seem like a good plan, but all these plants wreak varying degrees of havoc on the native environment. Even such fruit trees as mango, guava, and sapodilla come with their own sets of problems. And forget about tossing out houseplants that have outgrown their containers – they can easily take root and spread until they run amok.

That, simply put, is the potential problem. Non-native, invasive, and exotic plants can go wild in our yards, parks, and natural areas and on our roadsides and canal banks. The vast majority pose no serious threat, but some grow out of control, competing with native vegetation and gradually displacing it, forever altering ecosystems that have developed over millions of years.

The most notorious invasive plants – the aforementioned Australian pines and melaleucas, along with Brazilian pepper – have long been targeted by intensive campaigns to curb their spread. But you can also do your part simply by paying closer attention to what you grow in your own yard. Don’t trust older editions of landscaping guides, which may contain outdated information, and don’t buy plants just because they’re pretty or your friends or neighbors recommend them. And by all means don’t put indiscriminate faith in the Internet, which is rife with misinformation.

The key is educating yourself on what you put into the ground and what you do with it once it’s planted, and for help with that you can turn to Broward County parks. From 9 a.m. to noon. on Saturday, February 1, Anne Kolb Nature Center in Hollywood will have a Green and Growing Plant Sale, which emphasizes the right kinds of plants to grow in your home landscape. The event will also include a Family Gardening Program at 10 a.m. with speaker Karin Fields.

WHERE: Anne Kolb Nature Center

751 Sheridan St., Hollywood 33019

954-357-5161

WHEN: Saturday, February 11

9 a.m.-noon

WHO: For all ages.

For more information, call the nature center at 954-357-5161. Anne Kolb is accessible via Broward County Transit Route #12.

Follow us on Facebook and YouTube.

Founded in February 1956 and accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, Broward County Parks and Recreation Division manages nearly 6,500 acres, encompassing 18 regional parks and nature centers, six neighborhood parks, and 21 natural areas at various stages of development. Facilities include water parks, campgrounds, a target range, a stadium, a skate parks, an observatory, mountain bike trails, an educational farm with stables, and a velodrome and other sports facilities. Hours and fees vary by location. For more information, visit www.broward.org/parks.

Find Yourself – At a Broward County Park

# # #

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in County programs, services, and activities must contact the Special Populations Section at 954-357-8170 or TTY 954-537-2844 at least 10 business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event to request an accommodation.