What: Broward Native Plant Propagation Project: A Florida 4-H Broward County pilot initiative
Where: Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Road South, Coconut Creek
When: Thursday, March 6, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Media RSVP Contact: Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu or 954-242-8439.
About:
Florida 4-H Broward County is spearheading a youth-led ecological restoration project at Fern Forest Nature Center with students and faculty from St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
Fern Forest Nature Center, spanning over 247 acres, is a pristine native plant community in South Florida with more than 200 species, including 30 types of ferns. It faces threats from invasive species but serves as a living laboratory for students and the public to engage in conservation efforts.
Through a hands-on restoration exercise, students will remove invasive plants and plant native species they have grown, gaining real-world conservation experience.
The project, a collaboration among Florida 4-H Broward County, scientists at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, the Florida Native Plant Society, Broward County Parks and Recreation Department and Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is made possible by a $1,500 Cornelia McNamara Grant awarded by the Florida Native Plant Society. The grant supports hands-on research and real-world application of conservation efforts, focused on native plants and habitats, especially those that are rare or at risk.
Led by Alexa Tillett, a 4-H education and training specialist at UF/IFAS Extension Broward County, the project brings together high school students passionate about ecology, conservation and native plants.
Working alongside scientists from UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, students have cultivated native species and studied germination metrics in preparation for this restoration event.
“This is what 4-H is all about—connecting youth with hands-on learning experiences that deepen their understanding and inspire their future careers,” said Tillett. “By working alongside professionals, these students are gaining invaluable skills in ecological management and restoration.”
Students from St. Thomas Aquinas High School’s gardening club, guided by environmental science teacher Sarah Lauretta, will take their classroom lessons into the field along with members of Florida 4-H Broward County and Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden.
“Native plants are imperative for effective ecological restoration in that they are the backbone of most ecosystems, driving the flow of energy through consumption,” said Lauretta. “Through our efforts of learning about growing and planting natives, we hope to make an impact in restoring native ecosystems in Florida.”
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
ABOUT FLORIDA 4-H
4-H is the youth development program of the land-grant university system and Cooperative Extension System. The program provides hands-on educational programs and experiences for youth ages 5 to 18 with the objective of developing youth as individuals, and as responsible and productive citizens. In Florida, 4-H is administered by University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University.
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