WEBINAR – Blooms, Bugs and Climate Change

Join us on Wednesday, February 25 at 2pm for our webinar “Blooms, Bugs and Climate Change” presented by FWF Board Member Ramona Johnston.

This presentation will explore the effects of climate change on Florida’s native wildflowers and insects. Over the past 50 years, expanding urban development has fragmented once-contiguous natural landscapes. The loss and fragmentation of habitat have taken a toll on species that were once abundant — a toll now exacerbated by climate change. Sea level rise, shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures have disrupted bloom times, leading to mismatches between wildflowers and their pollinators. Without thoughtful environmental protections, the future of Florida’s fragile ecosystems is at risk. As Floridians, we must engage at every level to protect and defend the precious natural resources of our state. It’s our future — and our responsibility.

Presenter: Ramona Johnston

With a family background of responsible land managers, farmers and educators, Mona and her late husband Walter committed themselves to help mitigate the destruction of South Florida’s unique ecosystems. For over 45 years, they helped educate and demonstrate the benefits of best management practices, integrated pest management, and habitat restoration to a wide audience. These efforts helped Coconut Creek, and ultimately Broward County, achieve the designation of National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitats.

This passion for Florida’s natural wonders helped them convert their Tamarind Village HOA from a typical South Florida community filled with exotic invasives to one that has native plants, butterfly gardens, a rapidly developing canopy replacement program, and strict water conservation protocols. In 2003, Tamarind Village was awarded a Broward County Emerald Award for being the first certified National Wildlife Federation Florida-Friendly development in Broward County. They were also honored by the City of Coconut Creek with a Lifetime Award for Environmental Leadership.

Since 2007, Mona has served as the Florida Federation of Garden Club’s horticultural Chairman. She is a master environmental consultant, master landscape design consultant, and master gardening consultant for the National Garden Clubs. She also serves as a UF/IFAS Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Yard Advisor, as a UF/IFAS Extension Education Overall Advisory Council Member, and on the UF/IFAS Extension Education Urban Horticultural Advisory Board.