Celebrate Earth Day with a Free Lunch!

Join Nature’s Academy for Their Second Annual Earth Day Pepper Bust!The Brazilian pepper tree was brought to Florida from South America in the 1800s because people thought it looked pretty. The green leaves and bright red berries reminded Floridians of Christmas holly bushes. Instead of a nice Christmas present; however, Florida was in for a nasty surprise. The Brazilian pepper tree is now considered one of the most invasive species in the state. It damages or replaces native plant habitats that are food sources for native wildlife. This results in the displacement of wildlife, which negatively affects our natural system and ecosystem functions.
Do your part to protect Florida from species such as these at our invasive plant removal!
Help protect local water resources within Tampa Bay at this invasive plant removal.
Participants will learn:

• How invasive plants harm water quality
• The critical role native plants play in protecting water quality
• How to identify invasive and native plants
• How to properly remove Brazilian pepper trees

Come enjoy the outdoors, learn about your water resources and protect the environment.
When: Saturday, April 23, 2011
Time: 9 a.m. until noon (lunch to follow)
Where: Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway South,
Tierra Verde — Meet at East Beach for Registration
RSVP: Please call (941) 538-6829 or email info@naturesacademy.org to register for the invasive plant removal.
Please remember to wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, covered toe shoes, sunscreen and bug repellant!