About

THE PROBLEM

75% of our native plant species are not grown commercially.

Most communities have little or no access to native plants or ecological landscape services.

Limited availability of native plants is a major obstacle to restoring nature.

OUR MISSION

We're working to expand the availability of native plants and native plant professionals so communities everywhere can be truly sustainable.

We seek to create a strong native plant industry by:

increasing awareness of native plant business and career opportunities
facilitating funding, business and technical assistance to native plant businesses
supporting education and networking for native plant growers and landscape professionals

Our programs serve:

students
emerging professionals
career switchers
native plant startups
established nurseries interested in growing native plants.

We're working in Florida now and will expand to other regions as we are able, applying native plant business experience and strong ties with industry groups such as FANN, the Florida Association of Native Nurseries.

More about our work

OUR VISION

Restored Biodiversity

Landscapes are filled with life because native plants are used everywhere, in urban, suburban, rural, and restored landscapes.

Widespread Availability

Native plant businesses are thriving, innovating, and expanding. Demand for native plants is strong and consistent, and the plants readily available.

Widespread Expertise

Native plant growers, native landscape professionals, and restoration experts are available in every community.

Native Plant Careers

Native plants and ecological landscaping are the norm and young people and career switchers are eagerly pursuing native plant careers.

THE IMPACT

There is a deep joy that comes from planting natives, seeing and learning how nature works, and knowing that you're supporting it. Native plant enthusiasts are rightfully passionate, and native plant nurseries often become cherished community institutions. One native plant enthusiast approached her local nursery owner to find out how she could help. Her support led to our founding by the Florida Association of Native Nurseries (FANN). We work with FANN to bring new and young people into the native plant business, to create stronger, more consistent demand for native plants, and to develop a native plant industry that can meet that demand.

Board of Directors

Bruce Turley

President

About Bruce

Former garden center owner, native plant horticulture & landscape expert, 45+ years industry experience, conservationist. Bruce successfully built a cadre of native plant landscape professionals and transitioned a traditional garden center to native plants and its fourth generation of ownership. Bruce is a member of the Pinellas Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, serves on the Board of Directors of the West Klosterman Preserve, and is past president of the Florida Association of Native Nurseries.

Alyssa Lavoro

Vice President

About Alyssa

Educator, former wholesale nursery and landscape services manager, Florida Nursery Growers & Landscape Assoc. Certified Horticulture Professional, Habitat Steward and Florida Master Gardener. Alyssa is a member of the Broward Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of Native Nurseries, where she assisted with continuing education programs for landscape professionals. She mothers two young boys and too many free-range chickens.

Tom Heitzman

Treasurer

About Tom

Owner of Sweet Bay Nursery, a retail native plant nursery south of Tampa FL. Avid nature lover and conservationist, Tom has won numerous awards for community volunteer service, nonprofit leadership and native landscape designs. In the native plant business for nearly three decades, Tom has inspired many newcomers to the industry. He is a member of the Serenoa Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, active with Manatee Audubon and served on the Florida Association of Native Nurseries board for several years, as treasurer and co-president.

Terry Piper

Secretary

About Terry

Avid birder, naturalist and conservationist. Co-founder and former co-owner of a habitat restoration wholesale native plant nursery. Served on county planning council and soil conservation district. Successfully lobbied for mandatory minimum native plant requirements for commercial landscapes. A past president of the Florida Association of Native Nurseries, Terry served on FANN board for nearly a decade. She is a member of the Tarflower Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and serves on the Orange Audubon Board of Directors.

Jerry Fritz

Director at Large

About Jerry

Conservationist, hunter, poet and grandfather. Former tree farmer and native plant nursery owner for nearly three decades, Jerry has owned and operated multiple small businesses and worked in management for other companies. At his tree farm, Jerry specialized in producing hard to find native trees in sizes and specifications suitable for street and roadside planting. Jerry is a member of the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, active volunteer with the Knights of Columbus, and past president of the Florida Association of Native Nurseries.

We're a small nonprofit eager to expand our volunteer board.

We're particularly interested in individuals with experience in building new businesses, markets and industries to serve people and communities that value nature, public health and sustainability.

We are inclusive and welcoming.

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