FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lynn Artz, 850-320-2158; lynn_artz@hotmail.

com

FDOT, Panhandle Wildflower Alliance work together for Florida wildflowers

In response to concerns over the mowing of blooming wildflowers on roadsides in Gulf, Wakulla and Franklin counties, the Florida Department of Transportation has altered its mowing regime to allow native flowers to continue to flourish. Mowing was halted in early September at the request of Florida Wildflower Alliance members, who advised FDOT that flowers were in peak bloom. Maintenance is now resuming, with only narrow safety strips being mowed along most roads a practice that will let flowers elsewhere in the right-of-way set seed for their next spectacular bloom. We support FDOTs efforts to make roadsides safe by mowing these narrow strips on highway shoulders and providing good sightlines, said Lynn Artz, Wakulla County Commissioner. It is up to all of us to work with our friends at FDOT and in county maintenance units to help them understand how modifying their mowing practices can help to preserve wildflowers. Floridas native flowers are a valuable regional commodity for many reasons. They provide nectar to butterflies, including tens of thousands of Monarch butterflies that migrate annually to the region. Wildflowers also support crop pollinators that put food on our tables; curb water use in landscapes; beautify communities and roadsides; reduce water, noise and air pollution; provide wildlife habitat, and maintain a healthy environment for us all. They contribute to the regions economy by drawing visitors and residents who want to enjoy their beauty. To learn more about Floridas wildflowers or to request a brochure on Eastern Panhandle wildflower sites, visit www.FlaWildflowers.org/learn.php. To learn about Viva Florida 500 events, visit www.VivaFlorida.org. The Panhandle Wildflower Alliance is a loosely structured group focused on education and conservation efforts that increase awareness of wildflowers and their vital nature to ecosystems as well as the regions financial health. Photo by Eleanor Dietrich: State Road 65 in the Apalachicola National Forest. ###