WHEREAS:

The Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS), established in 1980, began in

Winter Park, Florida as a group of educators, scientists and
conservationists concerned about the loss of Floridas native plants, as
well as with the introduction of non-native species of plants to indigenous
areas; and

WHEREAS:

It became the mission of the FNPS to promote the preservation,

conservation and restoration of native plants and native plant
communities; and FNPS now consists of 37 chapters and 3,500 members
statewide; and

WHEREAS:

This year, Ixia, the local chapter of FNPS, marks the 5th anniversary of its
adoption of Native Park, located in Jacksonvilles Riverside Avenue Historic
District; and

WHEREAS:

Established in 1923 by the Avondale Garden Circle, Native Park was

planted to increase public awareness about the indigenous plants of North
Florida; and this haven for native species has endured for more than 90
years, sometimes through periods of drought, freezing and hurricane
activity; and

WHEREAS:

Since Ixias adoption of Native Park, over 130 native species have been
added to the existing 37 already growing there; and with the help and
care of the FNPS and Ixia, Native Park was the first City of Jacksonville
park to receive an Outstanding Park Award, presented by the Riverside
Avondale Preservation Society and the St. Johns Riverkeeper.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LENNY CURRY, by virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor

of Jacksonville, Florida, do hereby proclaim October 2015 as

JACKSONVILLE NATIVE PLANT MONTH

in Jacksonville and encourage all citizens to join me in recognizing the value
of our native plant species, the heritage of our unique Northeast Florida
landscape and the hard work of the dedicated volunteers who help maintain
our natural treasures.
In witness thereof, this 25th day of September
in the year two thousand and fifteen

Mayor

CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA