The Mangrove Chapter had its origins in the Charlotte Harbor Native Plant Advisory Council. The aim of this organization was to preserve and utilize native plants to preserve Florida's natural environment in the face of rapid development. J. David Lambert, Charlotte County Horticultural Agent started the Council using key members and leaders of a network of organizations including area garden clubs, the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida, the League of Women Voters and the Audubon Society. The group met with builders and developers, encouraging and advising them to use landscaping designs that protect such natural resources as water and wildlife. They restored native vegetation at a museum, libraries and parks; worked with schools and teachers and community leaders; and sponsored highly successful Charlotte Harbor Native Plant Conferences which had speakers from all over the state.
In 1986, the members of the Charlotte Harbor Native Plant Advisory Council established the Charlotte Harbor Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. Marley Watko was the first President. In May, 1986, the Chapter had about 35 members, a newsletter, field trips with plant identification in the field, and meetings with speakers.
Early Chapter Logo
On March 12, 2002, at the Executive Committee meeting a motion was made, seconded and passed that the name of the Chapter be changed to the Mangrove Chapter. The name of the newsletter was already the Mangrove Messenger, and most other chapters use the name of a native plant. The change was presented to the membership at the meeting and officially approved by the State Board of the Florida Native Plant Society.
