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Connect to Protect

Fairchild’s Connect to Protect Network enlists South Florida residents (Miami & The Keys) to plant native plants in order to connect the few remaining isolated fragments of pine rockland–a globally critically imperiled plant community. Planted areas can include private yards, rights-of-way, and public lands such as schools or community parks. Installing native pine rockland plants increases the probability that bees, butterflies and birds can find and transport seeds and pollen across developed areas that separate pine rockland fragments, improving gene flow and genetic health of native plant species.

Download our printable Connect to Protect Network brochure

 

Become a member / Contact Us

Joining Connect to Protect is easy!  We only require that you are located in Miami-Dade or Monroe County, have an email address, and can maintain pine rockland plants on your property for at least two years. Persons without access to garden space are welcome to join as Email-only members.  To join, simply email your name, address, and telephone number to ConnectToProtect@fairchildgarden.org.  Schools and businesses, please provide the name of your institution and the name and email two additional coworkers who support joining the network.

Membership benefits:

  • Citizen Science: All members have the opportunity to act as citizen scientists, providing information back to the network. Participate as often as you like via email polls, smartphone apps, etc.  See for yourself, with the results of our 2019 membership poll.
  • Learn about nature: Members can learn more about the biodiversity in their own backyards through our monthly newsletter, group hikes, expert lectures, and more.
  • Free plants!  New members have the opportunity to receive a free “pine rockland starter kit,” of 5 plants (10 for schools) grown by native plant experts in Fairchild’s nursery.  Plants are distributed at Fairchild’s private nursery, the first Saturday of select months. The schedule is included in our monthly newsletter.
  • Yard sign:  We provide an optional yard sign to signify your property is part of Fairchild’s Connect to Protect Network. Click here to see our sign, which is available free to members, thanks to a generous donation from Florida Power & Light.
  • Lower bills and increased wildlife presence:  Last but not least, members receive all of the benefits that come with planting native plants, such as lower water and maintenance bills and increased visits from birds and butterflies.

 

Pine rockland resources

CTPN factsheets:

 

CTPN propagation information: 

 

The Institute for Regional Conservation’s “Natives for Your Neighborhood” page.

Assorted literature

 

For Teachers

 

Get more plants! Recommended nurseries

Click the buttons below to visit the websites of local native plant vendors. You can also purchase pine rockland plants at Fairchild plant sales (in October, November and April, check our calendar!) and at the Tropical Audubon Society‘s periodic plant sales.

Silent Native Nursery     Veber’s Jungle Garden

Plant Creations     Casey’s Corner 

Richard Lyons Nursery

Donations welcome

We gladly accept large and small donations from individuals or companies.  Donations help to purchase pots and soil, fund staff time, and keep CTPN free.  You can donate directly to the program on this page: click here. In the “Comments” field, mention that your donation is for Connect to Protect.  You can also contact Jennifer Possley directly about donations, at jpossley@fairchildgarden.org. Recent supports include the Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Florida Power & Light.  Thank you!!!!!