Invasive Exotic Plants on Nature Lands

The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM at The Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd/US 41, Land O’ Lakes, 34639, between SR 52 and SR 54. The subject of the February 8, 2022 meeting is “Invasive Exotic Plants on Nature Lands” presented by Michael Terry. This presentation will focus on the invasive plant species on the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (SWFWMD) Upper Hillsborough Tract – 6,978 acres that protects the upper reaches of the Hillsborough River. This river’s floodplain provides natural storage of floodwaters, acts as a filtration system for runoff and serves as an important link in protecting wildlife habitat in the Hillsborough River greenway corridor. Mike will identify some of the invasive plant species on the property, describe the damage they cause, and explain what is being done to remove these invasives from this property.

Michael is the Senior Vegetation Management Specialist in the Operations and Land Management Bureau with SWFWMD. He has been with the District for 37 years, working with terrestrial and aquatic exotic vegetation. His duties include working with private contractors on SWFWMD lands to oversee their exotic treatment and helicopter surveys for Old World Climbing Fern. He also works control burns and wildfires as needed.

Meetings of the Chapter are free, and all interested parties are invited to attend and bring questions about their yard. There will not be any refreshments or drinks available, so everyone needs to bring their own. Please wear a mask! Telephone inquiries are taken by Molly at (813) 469-9597.

Chapter website: http://www.pasconativeplants.org.