This is the most up-to-date listing of upcoming events for the Ixia Chapter. For a calendar of all events of the Florida Native Plant Society and its chapters, click on this link FNPS CALENDAR. You can also access all of FNPS's past Lunch & Learn series at this link LUNCH & LEARN ARCHIVE.
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Native Park Workday
October 3, 9:00 am to Noon
Native Park, 3306 Park Street, Jax 32205
We have monthly workdays, usually on the first Saturday of the month, in our adopted Native Parks to remove weeds and perform other maintenance. Come anytime and work for an hour or two. Bring gloves, water and any other refreshment & snacks you like. Dress for the weather & wear closed toed shoes. You will learn about native plants and meet people with shared interests in gardening and native plants.
We will also be harvesting seeds for our Seed Collective Project. Come out and learn how you can participate in collecting and sharing native plant seeds.
No RSVP is required; free and open to the public. Tours of the park are also available.
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Floribunda Art Show Opening Reception
October 3, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
CoRK Arts District, 2689 Rosselle Street, Jax 32204
The Ixia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and CoRK Arts District are pleased to present Floribunda – Celebrating Florida’s Unique Biodiversity, a group exhibition bringing together over 100 contemporary artists whose work explores Florida’s native flora, wildlife, natural history, and wild places.
Curated by Crystal Floyd, Adam Arendell, and Betsy Harris, Floribunda offers a creative exploration of the remarkable biodiversity found throughout Florida. Through a diverse range of artistic practices and perspectives, the exhibition invites viewers to consider the plants, animals, ecosystems, and natural landscapes that make Florida ecologically unique.
The exhibition will open with a public reception on Saturday, October 3, from 6:00–9:00 PM at CoRK Arts District, 2689 Rosselle Street, Jacksonville. The exhibition will remain on view through October 25, 2026.
A portion of proceeds from artwork sales will be donated to the Ixia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, supporting the chapter’s efforts to promote the preservation and conservation of Florida’s native plants and natural communities.
The opening reception will feature food by Foodie Stop, drinks by Kava & Co., beer from Bold City Brewery, and music by DJ John Drum.
Free and open to the public. No RSVP required.
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Old Growth Forest Network Dedication of
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
October 10, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
6217 State Road 21, Keystone Heights, FL
You are invited to join the Old-Growth Forest Network and Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park to celebrate the induction of a very special part of the Florida Trail into the Network!
The Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) is creating a map of mature, protected forests, and the people who steward them. Gold Head Branch State Park has been selected as the Clay County, Florida representative as a site with incredible remnant old-growth longleaf pine forest. There will be brief remarks by OGFN and park staff before a moderately difficult, guided interpretive hike to view the old-growth longleaf on the trail.
Admission fees are: $5 per vehicle (two to eight people). $4 single-occupant vehicle and motorcycles. $2 pedestrian, bicyclist, additional passengers. Attendees are encouraged to prepare with full water bottles, sunscreen and hats, appropriate footwear for a moderate hike, and anything else that would make the approximately 2-hour event comfortable. We plan on this event moving forward rain or shine, so please plan accordingly!
We are requesting that interested participants register for this free event.
Registration Link: Register
Google Maps Link: Google Map Location
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Chapter Meeting
October 14, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Garden Club of Jacksonville, 1005 Riverside Avenue, Jax 32204
(social period 6:00-630 - presentation begins at 6:30)
Topic: Wildlife Forensics
Speaker: Jolie Friedrich, City of Jacksonville, Parks Naturalist Supervisor
Join us to hear COJ Parks Naturalist Supervisor and Ixia Chapter Director Jolie Friedrich talk about the fascinating subject of wildlife forensics.
This lecture will talk about forensic techniques and why the application of forensic science is important to wildlife management. Some of the information gained can be relevant for how we manage our landscapes to improve outcomes for wildlife.
Our chapter meetings are free and open to the public. No RSVP or registration is required. Bring your friends. Guests are welcome.
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Field Trip – Howell Park
October 15, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Howell Park, 810 Seminole Rd, Atlantic Beach
The Atlantic Beach Environmental Stewardship Committee has invited us to join them for an interactive guided walk through Howell Park, one of Atlantic Beach’s hidden gems.
Along the way, you’ll meet biologist Jessica Spencer and home chef Mike Franqui, and stop to taste, explore and discover some of the remarkable plants and wildlife hiding in plain sight. Together, we will:
- Sample yaupon tea
- Learn to make natural insect repellent
- Compare native and invasive plants, bingo-style
- Discover butterfly host plants
Members of the Ixia Chapter will also be on hand to answer your questions about native and invasive plants.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to help us plan:
https://coab.us/FormCenter/Planning-Zoning-Forms-9/ESC-Event-RSVP-Form-108
Free and open to the public.
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Native Plant Hike with Timucuan Parks Artist in Residence Crystal Floyd
October 17, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Fort Caroline National Memorial, 12713 Fort Caroline Road, Jax
Join Artist in Residence Crystal Floyd and Naturalist Betsy Harris on a plant hike on either the Hammock or Spanish Pond Trail. During the hike you will have an opportunity view and learn about the varieties of native plants in the Timucuan Preserve.
During your visit you can also view the Evidence of Life exhibition of mixed-media pieces, textile works and insect & plant specimens that were created by Crystal Floyd during her residence at the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The show will be on view in the visitor center through November. The visitor center hours are 9 am to 4:40 pm Wednesday through Sunday.
This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP or registration is required. Participants should dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes and bring insect repellent, sunscreen, water, snacks and any other items you may need for an outdoors walking event. A hat or cap is also recommended. Meet at the visitor center.
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Boone Park South Fall Cleanup Day
October 17, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Boone Park South, 3725 St Johns Ave, Jacksonville 32205
(corner of Van Wert Ave & St Johns Ave - meet at the playground)
Join Friends of Boone Park South, Ixia Chapter and other volunteers at Boone Park South for their fall cleanup day. Some of the tasks include picking up fallen limbs, invasive plant removal, trash pickup, mulching around plants, and more.
You should bring gloves, water, and any other useful gardening tolls.
All ages welcome. There will be something everyone can do. No RSVP required. Free and open to the public.
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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The Living Garden: Designing With Nature
October 22, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Cummer Museum, 829 Riverside Ave, Jax 32204
Experience the Cummer Museum’s historically significant gardens and living collections through a new lens with renowned landscape designer Larry Weaner. Drawing from decades of work in ecological garden design, Weaner will explore how thoughtfully designed landscapes can create beauty, resilience, and biodiversity. Through stories, images, and practical insights, you’ll discover how natural processes can inspire more dynamic and beautiful gardens.
This presentation is part of Cummer’s Art in a Living World Lecture Series that explores how art lives beyond the gallery walls - shaping the places we inhabit, the objects we create, the stories we preserve, and the communities we build.
Tickets are $25 per person and $40 for non-members and includes museum admission.
Link for more information and tickets: https://www.cummermuseum.org/event/the-living-garden-designing-with-nature-larry-weaner-2/
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Chapter Meeting
November 11, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Garden Club of Jacksonville, 1005 Riverside Avenue, Jax 32204
(social period 6:00-630 - presentation begins at 6:30)
Topic: Overview of the University of Florida Herbarium
Speaker: Alan Franck, Herbarium Collection Manager, University of Florida Herbarium
Our chapter meetings are free and open to the public. No RSVP or registration is required. Bring a friend or two!
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Winter Social
December 9, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Garden Club of Jacksonville, 1005 Riverside Avenue, Jax 32204
(social period 6:00-630 - presentation begins at 6:30)
Details will be provided later
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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2027
Chapter Meeting
February 10, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Garden Club of Jacksonville, 1005 Riverside Avenue, Jax 32204
(social period 6:00-630 - presentation begins at 6:30)
Topic: The Extraordinary Caterpillar
Speaker: Video followed by Q&A
Our chapter meetings are free and open to the public. No RSVP or registration is required. Bring a friend or two!
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Chapter Meeting
March 10, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Garden Club of Jacksonville, 1005 Riverside Avenue, Jax 32204
(social period 6:00-630 - presentation begins at 6:30)
Topic: University of Florida Native Nursery
Speaker: Gage LaPierre
Our chapter meetings are free and open to the public. No RSVP or registration is required. Bring a friend or two!
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Chapter Meeting
April 14, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Garden Club of Jacksonville, 1005 Riverside Avenue, Jax 32204
(social period 6:00-630 - presentation begins at 6:30)
Topic: Empowering Your Landscape with Native Plants
Speaker: Karen Janszen, Native Plant Consulting
Our chapter meetings are free and open to the public. No RSVP or registration is required. Bring a friend or two!
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Chapter Meeting
May 12, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Garden Club of Jacksonville, 1005 Riverside Avenue, Jax 32204
(social period 6:00-630 - presentation begins at 6:30)
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Speaker: Pamela Eutsler, Master Gardener Volunteer
Our chapter meetings are free and open to the public. No RSVP or registration is required. Bring a friend or two!
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Chapter Meeting
June 9, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Garden Club of Jacksonville, 1005 Riverside Avenue, Jax 32204
(social period 6:00-630 - presentation begins at 6:30)
Topic: Attracting Butterflies to Your Yard
Speaker: Ginger Ayer, Master Gardener Volunteer
Our chapter meetings are free and open to the public. No RSVP or registration is required. Bring a friend or two!
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Chapter Meeting
September 8, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Garden Club of Jacksonville, 1005 Riverside Avenue, Jax 32204
(social period 6:00-630 - presentation begins at 6:30)
Topic: Save Our Swales & Plant Diversity
Speaker: Dr. Scott Jones, UNF Professor of Biology
Our chapter meetings are free and open to the public. No RSVP or registration is required. Bring a friend or two!
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Chapter Meeting
October 13, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Garden Club of Jacksonville, 1005 Riverside Avenue, Jax 32204
(social period 6:00-630 - presentation begins at 6:30)
Topic: Gopher Tortoises
Speaker: Dr. Vanessa Trujillo, UNF Conservation Biologist
Our chapter meetings are free and open to the public. No RSVP or registration is required. Bring a friend or two!
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Chapter Meeting
November 10, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Garden Club of Jacksonville, 1005 Riverside Avenue, Jax 32204
(social period 6:00-630 - presentation begins at 6:30)
Topic: Wildflowers of the Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve
Speaker: Adam Arendell, Ixia Chapter Director
Our chapter meetings are free and open to the public. No RSVP or registration is required. Bring a friend or two!
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Chapter Meeting
December 8, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Garden Club of Jacksonville, 1005 Riverside Avenue, Jax 32204
(social period 6:00-630 - presentation begins at 6:30)
Topic: Winter Social
Our chapter meetings are free and open to the public. No RSVP or registration is required. Bring a friend or two!
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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Looking for great native plant content? Check out all of FNPS's past Lunch and Learn series at this link.
The map below shows the location of Native Park
