Ixia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society

08/19/2026

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census on August 21-22, 2026 is a coordinated citizen‑science effort run by the University of Georgia Extension. It engages residents of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi in counting pollinators to build long‑term data on pollinator activity and health.

The way the census works is choose a pollinator plant and for 15 minutes record on a count sheet how many pollinators visit the plant. Then enter your data on the Census website at the conclusion of your count. This count can be done in your own yard, in parks and anywhere pollinators are found visiting plants.

Go to https://gsepc.org/ to learn more about the Census and print your count sheet. This is also where you will go to enter your counts.

Duval County Master Gardener Volunteers will be hosting counts in multiple locations throughout the city.

-Garden Club of Jacksonville: 10 a.m., August 21, at 1005 Riverside Ave.
- Mandarin Garden Club: 9:30 a.m., August 21 and 22, at 2892 Loretto Road. This location is having a Pollinator Palooza event with vendors, a food truck, face painting, a plant sale and seminars. The event ends at 2 p.m. both days.
- St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Garden: 9 a.m., August 21, at 1924 N. Laura St.
- UF/IFAS Urban Demonstration Garden: 9 a.m. to noon, August 21, at 1032 Superior St.
- Castaway Island Preserve: 4 p.m., August 21, at 2921 San Pablo Road S.
- UNF Botanical Garden: 10 a.m., August 22, at the Student Union, 1 UNF Drive. Park in Garage 38 and meet at the Union at 9:45 a.m.

Citizen Science at Work

08/06/2026

Field Trip Alert! We’ll be at Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve this Saturday 8am. Everyone is welcomed!

When: August 8th, Sat. 8am
Where: Julington Durbin Creek Preserve
13130 Bartram Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223
Meet at the kiosk at the picnic tables.

Ixia Chapter Director at Large Adam Arendell will take you on a four-mile loop to explore the pine flatwoods in search of late summer wildflowers, shrubs and grasses. This will be a great opportunity for you to learn about Florida native plants and how to make plant identification.

Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve is a 2,031-acre nature preserve operated by the St. Johns River Water Management District and the City of Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department. The preserve has over 450 plant species documented by FNPS members, including the rare Bartram’s Ixia wildflower.

Participants should dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes and bring insect repellent, sunscreen, water, snacks and any other items you may need for an outdoors walking event. A hat or cap is also recommended.

The event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required.





Florida Native Plant Society

07/30/2026

Check out the Ixia Chapter August 2026 newsletter. Note that the workday in Native Park will be on a different date this month. We have a field trip and native plant presentation scheduled in August. And, if you are an artist, August 15 is the deadline to submit your proposal for Floribunda art show in October.

06/22/2026

The Ixia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, in collaboration with CoRK Arts District, is excited to announce that planning is underway for the return of Floribunda this October!
Celebrating Florida’s unique biodiversity through art, Floribunda brings together artists whose work is inspired by native plants, natural landscapes, and the wild beauty of Florida. If you missed the opportunity to participate last time, now is your chance!

The Call for Artists is officially open now through August 15. Artists will be notified by September 1st if their work has been selected.

Are you an artist, or do you know one, who incorporates native plants, nature scapes, or wild Florida into their work? We would love to see your submission.

Applications and details are available at:
https://ixia.fnpschapters.org/floribunda

Link in bio.

Help us spread the word, we look forward to celebrating Florida’s natural environment through art once again this fall!

06/18/2026

Kudos to an awesome group of voluneers who maintain a thriving Florida native plant plant garden at the Mandarin Garden Club

05/19/2026

Wildflower Field Trip at Bayard Conservation Area!

Join the Ixia Chapter for a guided field trip to find our namesake wildflower, the rare and endangered Bartram’s Ixia (Calydorea caelestina), in bloom.

This conservation area managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District features riverine bottomland hardwoods, pine flatwoods, and sandhill habitats protecting nearly seven miles of the St. Johns River along the eastern edge of the property.

During the trip, we’ll explore pine flatwoods and wet savanna habitats that support a remarkable diversity of endemic and fire-dependent plants and wildlife.

Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for sunny conditions. Sun protection, bug spray, and a full water bottle are recommended.

The event is free and open to the public. No RSVP or registration is required.

Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZcHicvThBabXoRdg9

We’ll meet in the parking area off SR 16, west of Shands Bridge.

Website Link: https://www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/bayard/

05/08/2026

Check out these upcoming volunteer events with the St. Johns Riverkeeper.

05/08/2026

Nassau County Master Gardener Volunteer plant sale on Saturday, May 9. It looks like they will have lots of native plants for sale.

Our Spring Master Gardener Plant sale will take place on Saturday, May 9 at the Rebecca L. Jordi Extension Office (85831 Miner Road) in Yulee. The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Remember, cash or check only! Plan to carpool if possible.

Here are just some of the plants we will have available!

We can’t wait to see everyone!