Tarflower Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society

10/17/2026

🌿 WHERE ART MEETS NATURE

🎨 POLASEK NIGHTS: INTO THE WILD
Tuesday, October 20 | 6–8 p.m.
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, Winter Park

Celebrate art, nature and conservation with FNPS Tarflower Chapter and Orange Audubon, featuring Clyde Butcher’s extraordinary landscape photography.

Admission: $10 members | $15 nonmembers
🔗 https://polasek.org/events/

A portion of the proceeds benefits the new Orange Audubon Nature Center at the Apopka Birding Park.

⸻

🌼 BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY DAY
Saturday, October 24 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park

Celebrate Florida’s native plants and wildlife with:

• Native plant sales
• Guided hikes and workshops
• Wildlife exhibits and children’s activities
• Vendors, food and live music

Proceeds support upland habitat restoration.

🌎 Two events. One shared appreciation for Florida’s natural heritage. We hope to see you there!

The museum is staying open late for Polasek Nights: Into the Wild on Tuesday, October 20. Explore Clyde Butcher: America the Beautiful after dark, set to the sounds of the Everglades. A portion of proceeds supports local wetlands conservation, continuing Butcher’s decades of work protecting Florida’s wild places.

Polaroids, a cash bar, and the gardens at night.

Tickets at the link in bio.

10/15/2026

🤗🤲🌱❤️

10/15/2026

Backyard Biodiversity Day — October 24, 2026

Celebrate Florida’s native plants and the remarkable biodiversity of our own backyards! The Florida Native Plant Society’s Tarflower Chapter presents Backyard Biodiversity Day on Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park.

This family-friendly event features a Florida native plant sale, educational workshops, guided hikes, expert speakers, wildlife exhibits, children’s activities, local vendors, food and live music.

Proceeds benefit upland habitat restoration projects.

When: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park
Presented by: Florida Native Plant Society, Tarflower Chapter (Orange County)

Discover how native plants support wildlife, foster biodiversity and connect us to Florida’s natural heritage. Bring your family and friends for a fun, inspiring day outdoors—and help support habitat restoration that benefits Florida’s wildlife and communities for years to come.

10/12/2026

What a lovely way to celebrate a life so generously lived!

Today, October 12, we have the privilege of gathering to honor Peggy Sias Lantz and receive a special recognition from Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings.

Our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Demings and his staff for the resolution honoring Peggy Sias Lantz Day and the proclamation recognizing National Public Lands Day, both dated September 26, 2026.

And how fitting that we gather during Florida Native Plant Month!

Peggy gave so generously of her knowledge, talents and love of Florida’s natural world. These recognitions mean a great deal to those of us who knew her, learned from her and continue the work she held so dear.

With gratitude to everyone who helped make this possible.

10/12/2026

10/12/2026

10/12/2026

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

Let it be known throughout Orange County!

On Monday, October 12, 2026, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings will officially proclaim Peggy Sias Lantz Day, honoring her remarkable contributions to conservation, environmental education, literature, the arts and our community.

And how fitting that this recognition takes place during Florida Native Plant Month!

Peggy was a founding member of the Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS), established in Winter Park in 1980. Elected to its interim Board of Directors at the Society’s first conference at Rollins College in 1981, she also founded The Palmetto, serving as its editor for 15 years. Alongside her husband, Don, she helped establish our Tarflower Chapter.

Her interests and contributions were wonderfully diverse. Peggy served as president of Orange Audubon Society, edited The Florida Naturalist and joined the Oakland Nature Preserve Board of Directors in 2007. An author of ten books, naturalist, educator, musician and music director, she brought a remarkable range of talents to her community, with a gift for connecting people through nature, music and a shared love of learning.

Her knowledge of edible wild plants also earned her a special place in Florida’s herbalist community. The Florida Herbal Conference established an award in her name, with Peggy as its inaugural recipient and Phyllis Stopford receiving the honor the following year.

The proclamation will be presented during a private, invitation-only ceremony in the Mayor’s Conference Room at the Orange County Administration Building, with representatives of FNPS, the Tarflower Chapter, Oakland Nature Preserve and friends gathered in her honor. How especially meaningful that Phyllis will be joining us.

“A little goes a long way when many do a little.” — Peggy Sias Lantz

Such simple words, and so much wisdom. Peggy understood that knowledge is meant to be shared, small acts matter and caring for the natural world is something we do together.

What a privilege to help celebrate a woman who gave so generously of her knowledge, talents and love of Florida.

Three cheers for Peggy! Let the good work continue.