A Look Ahead at 2026

Pictured above: Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) visiting Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) by Emily Bell

In 2026, the Florida Wildflower Foundation celebrates a meaningful milestone — our 25th anniversary. As we reflect on the impact our supporters, partners and programs have made over the last quarter century, we’re also looking ahead to the future of native plant conservation in Florida. This anniversary year marks a moment of both celebration and momentum, and we look forward to sharing more details about anniversary activities in the months ahead.

As the year begins, the Foundation is stepping into our most ambitious chapter yet — a year of growth, stewardship and lasting impact, bringing Florida’s native landscapes to life for communities across the state.

A major focus of this momentous year is the Florida Native Seed Partnership, a first-of-its-kind initiative for Florida. This partnership brings together growers, researchers, land managers and conservation partners to address a shared challenge: demand for native seed far exceeds supply. This gap limits the feasibility of large-scale wildflower and habitat restoration projects across the state. In 2026, partners will focus on strengthening connections and laying the groundwork for a future where Florida native ecotype seed is both available and affordable.

We’re also excited to continue growing our Seeds of Knowledge library grant program. In the program’s first year, libraries created over 4,500 square feet of native plant gardens, distributed more than 600 packets of wildflower seeds, and welcomed hundreds of patrons to programs such as family events, wildflower walks and homeschool class visits. Libraries remain powerful community hubs, helping people of all ages connect with native plants, pollinators and their ecological value, and we look forward to expanding this impact in the coming year.

Wildflower Watchers is a volunteer program within our broader roadsides initiative that supports the protection of Florida’s roadside blooms. Volunteers observe and document roadside conditions, helping collect long-term data, conduct surveys that inform conservation decisions, and track adherence to recommended management practices, such as appropriate mowing timing. In 2026, we are focused on recruiting and training Wildflower Watchers across the state, expanding this important network of volunteers dedicated to stewardship and native plant conservation.

Alongside this work, the Foundation will continue the education, outreach and engagement efforts our supporters know well. Webinars, field trips, events, educational resources, and grant programs like Seedlings for Schools and Viva Florida remain central to our mission, helping schools and communities experience firsthand how native plants support healthy ecosystems and enrich everyday life.

We’ve got a big year ahead, and this work is only possible because of the passion and support of our community. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has helped make our mission a reality, and we invite you to join us in the year ahead by becoming a member, making a gift, purchasing the State Wildflower License Plate, or simply spreading the word. Together, we look forward to a year of progress, collaboration and lasting impact for Florida’s native wildflowers.