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Updated May 7 , 2008. May newsletter posted

Upcoming Meeting in Dade

Tuesday, May 27, 7:30 p.m. at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Corbin Building, 10901 Old Cutler Road.  Free and open to the public.

“Place Names in South Florida’s National Parks” - Larry Perez, National Park Service.

Larry Perez, author of Words on the Wilderness: A History of Place Names in South Florida’s National Parks, will share some of the colorful stories in the history of the Everglades, Biscayne and Dry Tortugas National Parks and Big Cypress National Preserve.   In addition to the natural beauty of the parks, the parks also preserve a deep cultural history reflected in place names.  Larry’s book delves into the origin of names for places like Chatham Bend, Gannet Strand, Ochopee, Cape Sable and Dildo Key.  

Larry is a lifelong resident of Miami and a long-time interpreter and ranger in Miami-Dade Parks and the National Park Service (presently at Everglades National Park).  He is a graduate of Florida International University (and current graduate student), the writer and producer of Everglades by Car: A Narrated Audio Tour of Everglades National Park, and  author of the Journal of Florida’s Watchable Wildlife: Reptiles and Amphibians, and many articles.   Learn more at www.WordsOnTheWilderness.com.

Refreshments begin at 7:15; merchandise sales are before and after the program (cash/checks only).  Check out our brand new chapter t-shirts and denim shirts as well as a wide selection of books, ID cards, tote bags and other items.

The Dade Chapter FNPS Annual Meeting will also be held. This very short business meeting will include election of board members for 2008-2010 terms and a vote on a proposed amendment of the bylaws to require annual instead of quarterly Treasurer’s Reports to the membership.

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Upcoming Field Trips

Saturday, May 31: County Line Scrub.  This property (purchased under Dade’s Environmentally Endangered Lands Program) is one of the county’s few preserved scrub sites and has some unusual plants, including Dade County records.  Some species present that you don’t see every day are Myrtle oak, Chapman’s oak, Rolf’s oak, Piedmont black senna, Florida’ elephant’s foot. At the end of the morning, those so inclined will discuss a possible visit to the nearby Dolphin Center Scrub Park.  We last visited County Line Scrub in October 1996.

• Leaders: Steve Woodmansee (DCFNPS) and Sonya Thompson (Miami-Dade Parks, Natural Areas Management).
• Directions: For detailed directions please see the printed newsletter.
• Difficulty: Moderate.  Open, sunny, hot habitat; walking on sand.
• Bring/wear: Drinks, sun protection.  The habitat is quite open, but close-toed shoes are always recommended.  Long pants recommended for walking out of the open areas.

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Upcoming Keys Activities

Keys Branch activities will resume in November!

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Featured Announcements
(see newsletter for details and more activities)

Chapter Workday at Everglades National Park

June 7, 9 a.m.-noon. Help with our native plant habitat landscaping maintenance around the Coe Visitors Center.  Drinks, gloves and hand tools are provided, but you may want to bring your own and also snacks to share and a water bottle. Bring sun protection.  Enjoy the afternoon in the park - your car gets in free after the workday.  Contact Patty Phares with questions or to carpool (305-255-6404, pphares@mindspring.com).

TWO new chapter shirts!   

(1) T-shirt. Once again Wes Jurgens has generously donated one of his beautiful watercolors for our new DCFNPS t-shirt.  His design includes Tillandsia and orchid species, maidenhair fern, peacock and zebra longwing butterflies and other creatures hidden in the foliage.  Our chapter logo is on the left sleeve. The shirts are 100% Organic Cotton.  They will be for sale at Dade Chapter meetings at Fairchild and cost $13 (tax included).  Both men’s and women’s sizes are available in S, M, L, XL and XXL.  The ladies shirt has a relaxed neckline and shorter sleeve.

(2) Blue denim shirt with embroidered chapter logo: lightweight, prewashed cotton, buttondown collar, pocket, XS to 3X large.  Short-sleeve $25, long-sleeve $28, incl. tax / delivery).  Available at chapter meetings in Dade.

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Many more exciting activities in our Newsletter!

Where do I obtain native plants?