Dade Chapter meeting: “Protect Our Wetlands: Local Action, Statewide Impact” - Melissa Fernandez, Executive Director of FNPS

Come early or stay late to enjoy refreshments, socialize and browse the merchandise and raffle tables.  The raffle follows the program.  The program is usually also live-streamed and recorded on YouTube. 

See our Online Store https://dade.fnpschapters.org/onlinestore/  for plants and Chapter- branded shirts, tote bags and mugs which you can order for pickup at the meeting (or for plants, pick up at the nursery in Pinecrest if desired).  Merchandise and probably some plants are also available for purchase at meetings.

“Protect Our Wetlands: Local Action, Statewide Impact”

- Melissa Fernandez, Executive Director of FNPS

South Florida’s wetlands, from the Everglades to Biscayne Bay, shape the health of our environment and our communities. In this talk, Melissa will share highlights from the Everglades Coalition Conference and insights from her graduate research on seagrasses in Biscayne Bay to explore how policy and on-the-ground practices affect plant biodiversity and water quality. She will connect these changes to ecosystem resilience and human health, and discuss how local engagement helps drive meaningful impact across the state.  

Dr. Fernandez is a scientist, lifelong educator, and environmentalist who serves as the Executive Director of the Florida Native Plant Society. Florida-born and raised in Miami-Dade County, her work is rooted in a deep personal connection to the landscapes and communities of this state. Trained in environmental chemistry and pathology, Melissa brings a big-picture perspective to conservation—connecting ecological health with community well-being. She leads statewide efforts to protect Florida’s native plants and biodiversity by strengthening community-led conservation, partnerships, and on-the-ground work across Florida.

• Refreshments: You are invited to bring light finger foods and to help set up and clean up afterwards.  

• Raffle contributions: Thank you for your native plants or plant-related items! 

    >>> PLEASE LABEL EACH PLANT with at least the common name written on paper, tape or stake (more info is encouraged).

• Online viewing: www.youtube.com/channel/UCmassuC5-OsAX2KsRYQ6X5A. You will see only the computer-based portions of the meeting, with the presentation starting about 8:00, after announcements and plant raffle discussion.  Chat will be enabled. We regret that circumstances sometimes arise that prevent online viewing and thus recording.

• Watch past presentations: Use the YouTube link above or at DadeFNPS.org (at bottom of home page), Click Videos or Live for all available recordings. 

• Questions:  DadeFNPS@gmail.com

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