Connect to Protect
Fairchild’s Connect to Protect Network 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.
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:
- Be a citizen scientist, providing information back to the network via occasional email polls. See our 2019 survey results.
- Learn about nature through our monthly newsletter, group hikes, expert lectures, and more.
- Pine Rockland Starter Kit. New members may pick 5 free plants (10 for schools) grown by Fairchild native plant experts.
- Yard sign. Click here to see our optional free sign.
- Lower maintenance costs and increased wildlife presence.
Pine rockland resources
- Gann (2007) Guidelines for creating a pine rockland
- Moas (2016) Creating a native pine rockland “meadow” in Miami
- Moyroud (1997) South Florida slash pine
- Shaw, C. (1975) Pine and Hammock Forestlands of Dade Co
- Brown & Cooprider (2010) All about our native cycad, the Coontie
- Escobedo et al. (2010) Ecosystem Services of Miami’s urban Forests
- Possley et al. (2018) Management Plan for the Richmond Pine Rocklands
- FNAI (2010) Pine rockland description
Get more plants!
Nurseries we recommended
Click the buttons below to visit the websites of local native plant vendors. You can also purchase pine rockland plants at periodic sales hosted by Fairchild Garden or Tropical Audubon Society.
Garden help:
Design, installation and maintenance
These professionals have our recommendation for installing and maintaining pine rockland 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.
Florida Roots, Inc.
Steven specializes in Florida native gardens. Contact him at floridarootsinc@gmail.com or 786.277.8739.
Jojo’s Garden
Joey specializes in Florida native gardens. Contact him at jojosgardenmiami@gmail.com
adam & eve architecture & garden
adam & eve specializes in the design of native landscapes and modern homes. Contact Buck: 786.291.4824
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 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.
Photo credits:
Banner image by Eliana Ardila Kramer.