Meet Naples Native Plants

The Naples Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society (also known as “Naples Native Plants”) was formed in 1994 with a mission to preserve, conserve, and restore native plants in Collier County. What exactly are native plants? Why are they so important? And who are some of the people striving to conserve them?

Native plants naturally occur in Florida. They can be found in wilderness areas (like Big Cypress National Preserve) or in your neighborhood. Slash pines, cabbage palms, and cypress trees are native plants that are very common throughout Collier County.

Everything is connected in nature, which means the presence of native plants is crucial to the survival of our local butterflies, birds, and other unique wildlife. Native plants provide shelter, nesting materials, nectar, fruits, and more for all native animals. When native plants are replaced by exotic ornamental landscaping, wildlife have a more difficult time finding these resources.

Sharing this information with Collier County residents and visitors is of prime importance to Naples Native Plants, a small non-profit organization composed of over 115 members (and growing). Eight board members take the lead in educating the community about Florida native plants by offering guest lectures, field trips, plant sales, landscaping consultations, and more.

Here, the board members of Naples Native Plants would like to introduce themselves and highlight some of their favorite native plants in Collier County:

Andee Naccarato grew up in Naples and serves as President and Programs Chair. One of her favorite native plants is a wetland wildflower called Bartram’s Rose Gentian. Andee says, “the electric pink petals are an invigorating and welcome sight on any hike or wet walk!”

Another board member who calls Naples his hometown is Evan Barr, Vice President and Plant Sales Chair. Evan is passionate about adding native plants to residential landscapes. Although it’s hard to choose, one of Evan’s favorite native plants is the diminutive Twinflower, a low-growing groundcover with purple flowers.

Karyn Allman originally moved to Naples in 1999. Currently serving as Secretary and Outreach Chair, she has been a member of the Naples Chapter for over 12 years. Karyn has lots of experience managing natural areas, including wetlands, where her favorite native plant grows. Karyn says she loves Buttonbush because its flower clusters look like “big, white, fluffy globes!”

The Naples Chapter’s Treasurer is Becky Troop, who moved to Naples in 1991. As a Master Gardener, Becky enjoys gardening with plenty of native plants. She will also take a hike through a wetland for a chance to see the famous Ghost Orchid.

Connie Nagele, Membership Chair, relocated to Naples in 2004. Another avid gardener, Connie has created or reinvigorated butterfly gardens in local parks. She enjoys observing the pollinator action on Spotted Beebalm, an interesting wildflower with green and lavender-colored leaves.

The Chapter Representative is Kara Driscoll, a Florida native who first joined the Society while attending college in Tallahassee. Kara represents our local chapter at statewide meetings of FNPS. As a graduate researcher of Florida’s native milkweeds, those well-loved host plants for monarchs top Kara’s list of favorites.

Two board members, Liberty Gibson and Wade Gurley, volunteer remotely as Co-Conservation Chairs after living in Naples for over 10 years. Liberty has a background in horticulture and singles out Cocoplum as one of her stand-out native plants. Wade Gurley is a biologist who enjoys Wild Pennyroyal, a mint-scented wildflower found in Collier County’s pinelands. 

As you can see, the overlapping passions and diverse experiences of the leaders of Naples Native Plants contribute to the success of this mission-driven organization.

Are you a gardener or outdoor enthusiast who would like to learn more about Naples Native Plants? Visit FNPSNaples.org to learn about upcoming opportunities. Individual memberships start at $35 per year. Board members are elected annually by the general membership. Questions about native plants? Reach out to Naplesnativeplants@fnps.org.