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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Why Native Plants Matter
August 23, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Riverside Park Presbyterian Church, 849 Park Street, Jax 32204
"Why Native Plants Matter” explores the essential role of native plants in sustaining healthy ecosystems, supporting wildlife, and preserving Florida’s natural heritage, while highlighting the role we can play by planting native plants in our landscapes.
This presentation is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required.
Location link: Google Maps Location
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Why What You Plant in Your Landscape is Important
August 30, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Buckman Bridge Unitarian Universalist Church
8447 Manresa Avenue, Jax 32244
Jane Higgins, an Ixia volunteer, will give a presentation of Dr. Doug Tallamy's program titled Why What You Plant in Your Landscape is Important. Dr. Tallamy is a renowned entomologist at the University of Delaware. In this presentation, you will learn about the science that shows how wildlife is completely dependent on native plants for their survival.
For more information about Dr. Tallamy, please visit his website at HNP – Homegrown National Park – Regenerate Biodiversity.
This presentation is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required.
Location link: Google Maps Location
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Native Park Workday
September 5, 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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Chapter Meeting
September 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: Fire and Water: Public Lands Management from the St. Johns River Water Management District's Perspective
Speaker: Chris Kinslow, Land Resource Specialist, St. Johns River Water Management District
The St. Johns Water Management District is one of five districts in Florida that manages groundwater and surface water resources in Florida. The District covers an 18-county region in northeast and east-central Florida and protects over 40 public lands most of which are open to recreational use including Bayard Point Conservation Area, Black Creek Ravines Conservation Area, Gourd Island Conservation Area, and Julington-Durbin Preserve.
Chris Kinslow has worked for the District for over 14 years in land resource management and administration. He will tell us about the role the District plays in protecting our public lands in Florida.
Our chapter meetings are free and open to the public. No RSVP or registration is required. Bring a friend or two!
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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BioBlitz at Blue Cypress Park
September 12, 10:00 am to Noon
Blue Cypress Park, 4012 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32277
Discover the Biodiversity of Blue Cypress Park with the St. John's Riverkeeper and the Ixia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.
Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the natural world, this event is your chance to explore a local ecosystem, discover the incredible diversity of life around us, and contribute to real conservation science. We’re inviting volunteers, citizen scientists, and nature lovers of all ages to help document the plants, animals, and fungi found throughout Blue Cypress Park.
What is a Bioblitz?
A Bioblitz is a fast-paced, collaborative biodiversity survey where participants work together to find, identify, and document as many species as possible within a designated area.
No special expertise is required. Just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm for nature!
Join Us Saturday Morning
The main gathering kicks off Saturday at 10:00 AM and will be led by Adam Arendell, Director of the Ixia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. Adam will guide participants around the loop trail, pointing out interesting species and helping you get the most out of your observations.
You’re welcome to explore at your own pace, whether you want to join the group or venture out on your own.
Document Your Discoveries with iNaturalist
All observations will be recorded using the iNaturalist smartphone app, a free platform that helps people identify and document species while contributing valuable data to scientists and conservationists.
New to iNaturalist? No problem! We’ll provide a quick introduction to the app, along with tips for making high-quality observations.
Before you arrive, please create an iNaturalist account if you don’t already have one - https://www.inaturalist.org/
Come explore, learn, and help document the natural world right here in our own backyard!
RSVP here - https://stjohnsriverkeeper.org/event/2026-09-bioblitz-with-the-native-plant-society/
Location Link: Google Maps Location
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7th Annual Talbot Tidewater Celebration
September 26, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Ribault Club, 11241 Fort George Road, Jax 32226
Come out, join in the fun and enjoy a range of free outdoor adventures in one of the Jacksonville’s spectacular natural spaces. The Talbot Tidewater Celebration is a great opportunity for trying out recreational activities as well as learning from nature and community exhibitors.
Hosted by the Friends of Talbot Islands State Parks, this event is being held on National Public Lands Day, a day of service and exploration of the outdoors.
The Ixia Chapter will be leading nature walks along a portion of the Fairway Loop Trail out to Mount Cornelia and back at 10:30 am and Noon. During the walk, plants will be identified and you will hear about the history of Fort George Island.
For more information go to https://www.talbotislands.com/Talbot-Tidewater-Celebration
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
Floribunda, an art show celebrating Florida’s unique biodiversity, is presented by the Ixia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and CoRK Arts District.
Join us for a wonderful evening in celebration of Florida’s native flora and wild places. This curated roster of contemporary artists will feature some aspect of Florida’s natural history, flora, and fauna. A portion of sales will be donated to the Ixia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.
Location Link: Google Maps 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: Regional Reslience Action Plan
Speaker: Fara Ilami, Regional Resiliency Manager, NE FL Regional Council
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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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)
The Ixia Chapter and other volunteers will be helping the Friends of Boone Park South on their Fall Cleanup Day. Some of the tasks will include invasive plant removal, removal of fallen limbs, trash pick-up, mulching and removal of debris from homeless camps.
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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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
