Fairchild’s Connect to Protect Network is a citizen science program that enlists South Florida residents to plant native plants in order to connect the few remaining isolated fragments of pine rockland— our globally critically imperiled ecosystem. Installing native 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 the prospects for survival of our region’s unique native plant heritage. The program is run by the Garden’s Conservation Team.
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 pesticide-free pine rockland plants on your property for at least two years. 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 names and email addresses of two additional coworkers who support joining the network. Do you still have questions about membership? Check out our Membership FAQs
Once you have built great wildlife habitat in your yard, some of South Florida’s rarest butterflies and moths may come for a visit. Keep your eyes peeled for these rare gems, our 5 Most Wanted rare pine rockland pollinators: Bartram’s scrub-hairstreak, faithful beauty, Florida duskywing, lesser wasp moth, and yellow-banded wasp moth. We are tracking which of these appear in urban yards. Click the flyer on the right to learn more.
For a handful of species, we can never get enough seed and rely on homeowners to help provide them. Currently, our greatest needs are for pineland croton, torchwood, Biscayne prickly ash, and yellowwood. Members can drop seeds off at our nursery or mail them to us. Click the flyer on the right to learn more.
Are you wondering which pine rocklands are open for a visit? Here are our top recommendations:
Preserves that are FREE to visit, have facilities and at least some portions that are ADA accessible.
Larry & Penny Thompson Park *
Ron Ehman Park
AD Barnes Park
Preserves that are FREE to visit but lack facilities, staff, ADA trails, and/or parking.
Florida City EEL preserve
Goulds EEL preserve
Pineshore EEL preserve
Navy Wells EEL preserve
Rockdale EEL preserve *
Preserves with admission fees; these have staff, facilities, and parking.
The Deering Estate * (see the pineland on guided nature tour).
Click the buttons below to visit the websites of local native plant vendors we recommend. You can also purchase pine rockland plants at periodic sales hosted by Fairchild Garden or Tropical Audubon Society, or check to see which native plants are currently available on Fairchild’s virtual plant sale.
These professionals have our recommendation for installing and maintaining native plant gardens. We gladly feature businesses that (1) have installed or upgraded at least 5 Florida native plantings, (2) do not install non-native invasive species, and (3) provide at least two clients who will vouch for their skills, work ethic and professionalism.
Steven specializes in Florida native gardens. Contact him at floridarootsinc@gmail.com or 786.277.8739.
Joey specializes in Florida native gardens. Contact him at jojosgardenmiami@gmail.com
adam & eve specializes in the design of native landscapes and modern homes. Contact Buck: 786.291.4824
NaMa specializes in the design and installation of South Florida native outdoor environments. Contact Natalia and Mauricio at 305.713.3596 or namanatives@gmail.com
We do use plastic pots in our nursery, but we hope they are not single-use plastic! CTPN members often return donated plant pots to us, for reuse them in the nursery. We gladly accept undamaged pots during any distribution day for new member Starter Kits. If you can reuse them at home, that is great, too!
CTPN relies in large part on funds donated by individuals or companies. Donations help to purchase pots, soil, and yard signs while keeping CTPN free for all members. To donate, contact Jennifer Possley at 305-667-1651 ext. 3514 or jpossley@fairchildgarden.org. Online credit card donations are quick and easy.
Banner image by Eliana Ardila Kramer.
Pine rockland preserve photos from left to right by Jennifer Possley, Lydia Cuni, and Jennifer Possley
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