Learn about native plants by taking a stroll along the native plant trail

Join us for a casual stroll along our native plant trail at the UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Extension Office from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20. The Extension Office is located at 3098 Airport Road in Crestview.

During the quarter mile walk we will view the variety of native plants listed in the Master Gardener prepared tri-fold brochure and hear a brief description of the trail’s history. We will also view how the trail has provided the raw material for our compost project that has eliminated the need to purchase organic material for soil improvement and mulches.

In the event that the weather will not allow us to take this journey, we will view a PowerPoint presentation of pictures taken during the trail’s development.

Master Gardeners Bob Bayer and David Stever will be our guides along the native plant trail.

The trail currently involves a quarter mile walk, which transitions through an upland forest and a bottomland site along a clear creek, and ends in a shady upland area.

The native plant trail is a teaching tool used to increase awareness and encourage use of north Florida native plants.

We encourage the preservation of native plants. Ecological preservation is an outstanding reason to consider using native plants. With the increasing destruction of natural environments for urban and agricultural use, many plant species have declined in numbers and range. As the Gulf Coast area continues to grow in population, we need to put careful thought into the way we are developing our landscapes. We need to consider the great wealth of native plants with which we are naturally blessed.

There is no cost to attend this educational event but space is limited so registration is required. Please call the Extension Office at 850-689-5850 to register.

Larry Williams is the Extension horticulture agent with the Okaloosa County Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida. Contact Larry at 689-5850 or email lwilliams@co.okaloosa.fl.us.