Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville is pleased to announce the upcoming program, “Native Wildflower Walk at Pebble Hill Plantation,” on Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m. The program is being led by Ryan Means, biologist and president of the Coastal Plains Institute in Crawfordville, Florida.

Have you ever stared at a wildflower and thought to yourself, “I’ve seen that one before, but I just can’t remember the name.” Or maybe, “Wow! I’ve never seen that plant, I wonder what it’s called?” Every plant has a function in nature, and its own strategy for surviving and reproducing itself. Their names in both Latin and English are fascinating and reflect something about the history and our knowledge of the plant.

Means has been outdoors his entire life. His earliest memories are as a child growing up in a cabin on the Tall Timbers Research Station (TTRS) property in the 1970s and ’80s. During this time, his favorite thing to do was accompany his father, Bruce Means, who was a biological researcher and director of TTRS, on his many research adventures.

Means earned a BS in zoology and an MS in wildlife ecology and conservation from the University of Florida. His college years were laced with countless work and wilderness seeking trips to Alaska, the Guyana Shield of Venezuela, the Amazon region of Ecuador and Peru, Galapagos Islands, and Central America.

After working for his dad at the Coastal Plains Institute (CPI) as a biological research associate, Means later became director in 2010, and then president in 2018. During his career at CPI, he has conducted a variety of biological research and conservation projects within the longleaf pine ecosystem. His research has focused on ephemeral wetland ecology, with emphasis on amphibian research and conservation. 

Means currently leads an ongoing effort to repatriate the imperiled striped newt back into former habitat in north Florida. He has the pleasure of working at CPI with his wife and colleague, Rebecca Means. Their daughter, Skyla, is often by their side helping with research projects and outdoor adventures. Together, the Meanses use CPI as a non-profit platform to conduct much needed research, environmental education, and conservation.

Tickets are $20 per adult and $10 per child (ages 18 and under). Space is limited and advance registration is required by Wednesday, April 27. Visit https://pebble-hill-plantation.ticketleap.com/ to register.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, insect repellant, and binoculars (Pebble Hill will have a limited number available for loan). Participants are invited to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the grounds of Pebble Hill after the field trip.

Pebble Hill Plantation is a historic home with a history dating back to the early 1800s. The plantation was established by one of Thomas County’s founders, Thomas Jefferson Johnson. At the turn of the 20th century, the Hanna family of Cleveland, Ohio purchased the property and enjoyed it as their winter home and sporting estate. 

Pebble Hill has been open for tours since October 1983 due to the generosity of its last owner, Elisabeth “Pansy” Ireland Poe, who willed that her property be opened to the public. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Pebble Hill offers visitors the chance to learn the rich history of this historic site and the people who once lived and worked here. 

For more information, visit the Pebble Hill website www.pebblehill.com, call (229) 226-2344, or visit on Facebook and Instagram using @pebblehillplantation.

Event at a Glance

Date:  Saturday, April 30

Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Location: Pebble Hill Plantation Learning Center

Fees: $20/Adult; $10/Child (ages 18 and under)

Registration deadline: Wednesday, April 27

To register: https://pebble-hill-plantation.ticketleap.com/

Advance registration is required. Space is limited.

For additional information, visit: www.pebblehill.com or call 229-226-2344.