Please visit the Other Organizations Listing to get contact information for organizations which do not have activities currently listed.
GNPS meetings are held on alternate months beginning in January. They are held on the Second Tuesday evening at Day Hall at the Atlanta Botanical Garden at 1345 Piedmont Avenue, NE, Atlanta, GA. Normal schedule: Social Hour at 6:45, Speaker at 7:30 PM.
July Meeting - July 8. Jim Rodgers from Nearly Native Nursery will present "Jim's Top 10 Native Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, and Palms".
Return to Top of PageItems under this heading will generally be work days for restoration projects that GNPS is participating in. Please use the contact information in the item to learn more about the activity.
Stone Mountain Propagation Project Workdays - We are making progress at the Stone Mountain Propagation Project but need many more volunteers, particularly on the weekends. Join us any of the following hours and days when we will have the gate open and volunteers working:
Tuesdays, 9 - 11 amThursdays, 8:30 - 10:30 am
Saturdays, 9-11 am
Sundays, 9-11 am
Of course we sometimes get there early and usually stay later.
If you don't have a sticker and need to get thru the gate e mail or call Barbara Dorfman, 770-923-3207 a day in advance or Email: bpdorfman@aol.com.
Grant Park Conservancy First Saturday Work Day - July 5, 9:00am. Help Care for Atlanta's Oldest Public Park. Each month the Conservancy hosts individuals and groups on the First Saturday to provide some TLC to Atlanta's oldest public park. Join us on the traffic circle adjacent to the Cyclorama at 9:00 a.m. Tasks vary depending on season, weather and priority but can involve planting, weeding, clean up, painting, pruning, etc. Admission: No Admission Charge. Parking Fee: No Parking Fee. Event Phone: 404-521-0938. To learn more about the project, visit our Grant Park Restoration page.
Heritage Park Work Day - July 12, 10AM. Bring gloves, digging and lopping tools, water.
Directions: Heritage Park is located at the intersection of Fontaine Road and Nickajack Road in south Cobb County and west of Smyrna. (For searching on Mapquest, the address is 60 Fontaine Rd., Mableton, Ga. 30126) Directions from I-285 on the west side of Atlanta: Take Exit 16 (S. Atlanta Rd.) and go west approx. 1/2 mile to Cumberland Parkway/Blvd. and turn left; in about 1/2 mile Cumberland becomes the East West Connector. (Or if coming from the south, take Exit 15, South Cobb Drive. Go west approx. 1 mile to the East West Connector and turn left.) Follow the East West Connector for approx. three miles to Fontaine Rd. and turn left. Go approx. 1/2 mile to Nickajack Rd. and turn right. Make an immediate right turn into the Heritage Park parking lot.
For more information, visit the Heritage Park Trail page, or contact Nancy Shofner, Email: nshof@mindspring.com or Connie Ghosh, Email: kandcghosh@gmail.com.
Piedmont Park Clean and Green Saturdays - July 19, 9AM - Noon (check-in begins at 8:30AM). Keeping Piedmont Park clean and green is a never-ending job. Put your "heart and soil" in the park by assisting Conservancy landscapers with mulching, clean-up and planting efforts. Clean and Green Projects are a fun, interactive way to help beautify one of Atlanta's most treasured spaces - Piedmont Park, all while learning about some of the latest environmental issues and their impact and making new friends. Groups or individuals are invited to help. Minimum Age: The minimum age for volunteers with adult supervision is 15 years old.
Registration: In order to help us maximize your experience, we ask that groups contact us prior to their desired date of participation, groups of 10 or more are required to register. Please call the Volunteer Manager at 404.876.4024 ext. 24 or Email: volunteer@piedmontpark.org.
Location: Sign-in at Magnolia Hall located near the Tennis Center parking lot. Enter Park Drive off Monroe Drive.
Oakhurst Community Gardens Workday - September 20, 9-noon. The Garden is located at 435 Oakview Road, at the corner of South McDonough Street and Oakview Road in Decatur, just southwest of Agnes Scott College. Join us for a workday the second Saturday of each month from 9-noon. We will do an assortment of gardening and site beautification, including work in our new restoration project "The Wylde Woods" pulling out exotics and replacing with natives. See our website for more information: www.oakhurstgarden.org/index.html
Return to Top of PageThe purpose of our organization is to enjoy the fellowship of shared interest in native plants and to promote the knowledge, appreciation, and use of native plants. We strive to preserve areas of significant interest because of their native flora. To promote interest in young people in this endeavor, we give several scholarships each year to deserving students. Please visit alwildflowers.org for more information.
NOTE: All times listed are Central Time.
Blanche Dean Chapter Meeting at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens - Monday, September 8, 7:00PM. Larry Quick, Executive Director of Aldridge Gardens-Gardening With Gusto - All you Need to Know to be a Great Gardener!
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is located at 1345 Piedmont Avenue. For more information about programs or to register, call the ABG at 404-876-5859 ext. 2555 or visit www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.
GARDEN HOURS:Tuesday - Sunday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Closed Monday
Sculpture in Motion: Art Choreographed by Nature - May 3 through October 31 - Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am-7 pm (Thursdays until 10 PM) - Amid the lavishly blooming flowers and trees at the Atlanta Botanical Garden this summer an array of extraordinary kinetic, moving sculptures comes to life with Sculpture in Motion: Art Choreographed by Nature. Moved by the power of natural elements, 32 mesmerizing sculptures created by 16 artists are on display in the Garden's first group show. Enjoy the exhibition in the cool of the evening every Thursday, when it is open until 10 PM.
SunTrust Concerts in the Garden - July 11, 8-11 PM - SunTrust Concerts in the Garden is back and the lineup is better than ever! The intimate setting on the Great Lawn offers concert-goers a one-of-a-kind experience with some of the music industry's most acclaimed artists.
Garden of Eden Ball - September 27 - 7:00 PM-midnight - Attire: Black Tie - The 2008 Ball is themed Bell' Acqua or "beautiful water" in Italian, and celebrates the beauty and necessity of water. Co-chairs Jennifer and Terance Fowler will honor Mrs. J. B. Fuqua at this event, the major annual fundraiser that supports the Garden's mission. The evening will begin with cocktails in the Parterre Garden and then move on to a brilliantly decorated tent on the Great Lawn for a sumptuous dinner by A Legendary Event and music by Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters. To request an invitation contact Anne Fair Woodward at 404-591-1575 or Email: afwoodward@atlantabotanicalgarden.org.
Composting and Topdressing - Saturday, July 12 - 10 AM-noon - Stop throwing away brown gold. Learn how to take garden trash and turn it into rich, water-holding compost no matter how small the space available. This course will cover methods of composting and the benefits of different types of composted material. Increasing organic material boosts the soil's water-holding capacity, which is an immense help to your plants during watering restrictions. Instructor: Hilary Nichols, Atlanta Botanical Garden Senior Horticulturist. $25. Register by July 6.
Shade Gardening - Wednesday, July 16 - 6:30-8:30 PM - In the Southeast region where woodlands are the primary natural community, shade gardening generally takes fewer resources (including water, time and effort) than full-sun gardens. Learn to create beautiful gardens in shady spaces, or how to select the plants and how to maintain it all.
Instructor: Tara Dillard, author, columnist and award-winning landscape designer. $25. Register by July 11.
Trees and Shrubs for Summer Interest - Saturday, July 19 - 10 AM-noon - Trees and shrubs help to stabilize soil, cool the landscape, minimize storm water loss from run-off, decrease the carbon footprints and make the world a more beautiful place. Learn about the wide selection of beautiful trees and shrubs that look their best in the long, hot season between spring blooms and fall color. This class will include a walking tour of the Garden, and will cover trees and shrubs in a wide range of sizes and growth rates. Instructor: Jamie Blackburn, Atlanta Botanical Garden curator of woodland gardens. $25. Register by July 14.
Plants that Beat the Heat - Thursday, August 7 - 6:30-8:30 PM - When the summer heat starts beating down full force, many find that gardens take a turn for the worse. Learn about plants that can stand up to the torturous Georgia summers yet still look fantastic. This course, which includes a walk through the Garden, will cover old standards as well as new introductions that keep the garden looking great into the fall. Instructor: Amanda Campbell, Atlanta Botanical Garden Manager of Display Gardens. $25. Register by August 2.
Water Thrifty Aquatic Gardens - Tuesday, August 19 - 6:30-8:30 PM - Aquatic plants add a new and wonderful dimension to the garden, in addition to helping wildlife. Add a beautiful, ecologically-sensitive aquatic feature to the garden using containers for water plants, taking care with site selection, and using captured rainwater. Learn to incorporate small water features and aquatic plantings into the garden while being mindful of responsible water use. Instructor: Valerie Quam, Atlanta Botanical Garden. $25. Register by August 14.
Improving Garden Soil - Wednesday, August 27 - 6:30-8:30 PM - The secret to any successful garden is well-loved soil. With proper care, plants grow much stronger and hardly notice a drought. Only a 5% increase in organic material quadruples the soil's water-holding capacity. Learn how to get ready for fall planting: types of soil, sources of amendments and amounts to incorporate will be covered, followed by a hands-on demonstration. Bring along any home soil tests for help with interpretation, or learn how and where to have a soil test done. Instructor: Hilary Nichols, Atlanta Botanical Garden senior horticulturist. $25. Register by August 21.
Plan your Autumn Veggie Garden - Thursday, August 28 - 6:30-8:30 PM - Georgia's climate allows for a beautiful and productive vegetable garden well past the summer harvest of tomatoes and squash. All it takes is a bit of planning, and this class will teach how to do it. Find out about vegetables and herbs that perform well throughout the autumn months and learn important techniques for improving results for a delicious up to and beyond the first frost. Instructor: Stephanie Van Parys, horticulturist. $25. Register by August 22.
Return to Top of PageCallaway Gardens is in a unique region of Georgia. In this area, the flat, sandy, Coastal Plain ecosystem meets the rolling hills and clay soils of the Piedmont. In addition, Pine Mountain Ridge, the southernmost mountain in Georgia, is here with plant species typically found growing further north in the Appalachian Mountains. The intersection of these three different plant communities provides natural biodiversity in the forests of this region.
Callaway Gardens is in Pine Mountain, GA, 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. For further information, call 1-800-CALLAWAY (1-800-225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com.
Creative Botanical Journal - Saturday, August 23 - 9 AM-5 PM - In this fun, fast-paced botanical journal workshop, participants will create and take home an original, bound journal of their own design; hand carved rubber stamps; supplies for image transfer and instructions. Techniques include botanical drawings, paper photo transfers, carving rubber stamps, collage techniques in combination with watercolor and ink, innovative design ideas for recording information about plants. Open to all skill levels. Instructor: Val Webb, an award-winning illustrator and author of The Illustrated Garden of Mobile, AL. $175; includes lunch all materials.
Plumleaf Azalea Hike - Saturday, July 26, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Discover the beautiful plumleaf azalea, Callaway Gardens' floral emblem, blooming in profusion in the Cason J. Callaway Memorial Forest. Age limit: 10 years and older. Length 2.5 miles; moderately strenuous. Fee: $5 for members; $6 for nonmembers. Registration required; directions sent with confirmation letter.
Return to Top of Page9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, GA 30075
770-992-2055
The Chattahoochee NATURE CENTER is a 127-acre private non-profit environmental education facility located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. More than 100,000 people visit the center each year. Many come on the weekends to roam the forest trails, stroll the river boardwalk, participate in guided hikes, visit the animals, or attend Sunday Specials. Many visitors come to the NATURE CENTER on school field trips, for birthday parties, scout badge programs, overnight adventures, after-school nature workshops, and adult and family programs.
The center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
The CNC offers many programs for children, adults, and families. Visit www.chattnaturecenter.com for a full listing.
UGA Museum of Natural History Exhibit - July 12 - 10 AM-noon - Join the UGA Museum of Natural History to view their collection of native insects with some interesting and fascinating insects from around the world. Bring in your hard to identify insect pictures or insect questions to speak with the experts!
Night Hike - July 19 - 8 PM - Join in on the Night Hike as you explore the butterfly's nocturnal counterpart, moths! Discover how scientists do night-time collection and help identify the many different species that call CNC home!
Discover the World of Bats - July 26 - 6 PM - Butterflies, moths, and bees aren't the only pollinators out there! Come find out about bats who are important pollinators for plants around the world!
Nature Art in Photography - Butterflies, Dragonflies & Pollinators Photography Contest - CNC will be holding our annual juried photography contest in partnership with the Roswell Photographic Society. Enter your photos and have a chance at winning cash prizes! Come see the entries with butterflies, and other insects during July. See our website for details of the exhibition and a registration form to enter the contest. For info contact: Lynn at Email: l.mcintyre@chattnaturecenter.com
Return to Top of PageThe purpose of the Cullowhee Conference is to increase interest in and knowledge of propagating and preserving native southeastern plant species in the landscape. Both professionals and laypersons will gain valuable knowledge from the informative fieldtrips, lectures and workshops. Please visit www.wcu.edu/5033.asp for more information.
2008 Conference: Native Plants in the Landscape - July 23-26 at Western Carolina University. The deadline for registering for the Cullowhee Conference, "Native Plants in the Landscape," is July 7. This is a wonderful opportunity to attend excellent field trips in the Blue Ridge area, attend educational workshops, hear excellent speakers, and network with native plant enthusiasts from throughout the Southeast. Additionally, a group of the best native plant vendors from Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee will have great plants for purchase. For more information about the conference or to register online, visit nativeplantconference.wcu.edu.
You can stay in the dorms or at the University Inn in Cullowhee NC
University Inn Motel & Student Housing563 N. Country Club Drive
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 293-5442
Return to Top of Page
Elachee Nature Science Center is non-profit environmental education center located in the 1,200 acre Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve just south of Gainesville, GA. For over 20 years, Elachee has provided school programs, summer day camp, SDU teacher education courses, and programs for the general public. Visitors will enjoy over 12 miles of hiking trails, natural history exhibits, a live animal room, and the Nature Shop. Elachee is just off I-985, exit 16 at 2125 Elachee Drive. Open Mon. - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm. Admission: $3 for adults and $1.50 for children. For more information, please call 770-535-1976 or visit www.elachee.org.
First Saturday Hike - Saturday, July 5th, 10 - 11:30 am. Join a naturalist on a guided hike to enjoy the beauty of the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve. Great for families, scout groups and individuals. Program fee: $5 Adults, $3 Children ages 2-12. Children under 2 and Elachee members free. For more information, call 770/535-1976 or visit www.elachee.org.
Elachee's Trail Crew Work Day - Saturday, July 12th, 10 am - 3 pm. A good day of exercise, camaraderie, and doing something good for the planet! Join us as we work to improve Elachee's trails. Bring water, lunch, gloves and rain gear. Tools, training, and afternoon refreshments included. Free. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Call to pre-register. For more information, call 770/535-1976 or visit www.elachee.org.
Return to Top of PageOur primary membership activity is sponsoring field trips to interesting natural areas in Georgia. Membership is open to all, with a basic membership fee of $25 per calendar year. Join us in exploring areas from the mountains to the coast to find fascinating varieties of plants and learn from knowledgeable botanists who lead us. Most of us are not professional botanists, but enjoy learning about our native flowers, shrubs, trees, grasses, mosses, lichens and fungi.
Visitors are welcome to participate in the Society's field trips and are encouraged to follow up their interest by joining the organization.
Call the Botanical Society Hot Line 770-417-5903 or visit www.gabotsoc.org for information on upcoming field trips.
Aster Workshop - Aug 23 - Floyd - Richard Ware
Pickett's Mill Plant Inventory - Aug 30- Paulding - Tom Patrick
Return to Top of PageThe purpose of the Georgia Perennial Plant Association is to increase awareness and knowledge of the many fine perennial plants that can enhance our gardens. To this end, GPPA sponsors monthly speaker meetings 11 months of the year, as well as a Spring symposium. The quarterly journal Perennial Notes is widely respected as a source of information about perennials, their care and maintenance. Members include new gardeners as well as professionals. It is this interaction and diversity that enriches the experience of joining GPPA. Every member has something to learn and something to teach.
The GPPA meets at 7:30 PM on the third Tuesday of the month. Meetings are held at McElreath Hall, Atlanta History Center, Social Hour 6:30-7:30 p.m., Speaker 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 404-237-8071 or visit www.georgiaperennial.org.
Creating Space and Scale with a Versatile Small Tree - July 15 - Fred Spicer, Executive Director of the Birmingham Botanical Garden and landscape architect.
Salvias for Southern Gardens - August 19 - Richard Defresne, who has evaluated hundreds of salvia species in North Carolina.
Return to Top of PageThe Georgia Wildlife Federation is a private, nonprofit conservation and education organization and the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. GWF state headquarters are located on 115 acres in Covington, GA, along the historic Alcovy River. The site features an education center, with classrooms and a library, 30-acres of tupelo gum swamp, trails, and pavilions. Wildlife Habitat demonstration gardens around the center feature over 100 natives. Call (770) 787-7887 or visit www.gwf.org.
Mill Creek Nature Center Wetland Monitoring Workshop - July 12. Volunteers learn about wetlands, plant identification and how to monitor wetlands. Monitoring takes place 4 times a year at MCNC. High School students - Adults. Time: TBD. Contact Christina at 770-868-8423 or Email: cmarr@gwf.org
Return to Top of PageHighlands Biological Station, Highlands, NC
For 80 years, the mission of the Highlands Biological Station has been to foster education and research focused on the rich natural heritage of the Highlands Plateau, while preserving and celebrating the integrity of the "biological crown of the southern Appalachian Mountains."
During summer months (June - August), guided tours of the Botanical Garden leave each Friday at 2pm from the Nature Center. Interpretive guided walks for private groups are also available throughout the year and can be arranged by appointment. They are generally free of charge, but contributions for the Garden are always appreciated. To schedule a tour of the Botanical Garden, please contact the Nature Center at 828-526-2623.
Please visit www.wcu.edu/hbs/Home.htm for more information.
Highlands Biological Foundation Conference on Landscaping and Gardening with Native Plants - September 12-13 - "Gardening in a Changing Climate" - speakers include: Author Allan Armitage of UGA on "Natives Are For Gardeners Too"; Patrick McMillan of the Clemson University Herbarium on "Gardening and Climate Change"; author Doug Tallamy of the University of Delaware on "Fighting Extinction with Native Plants"; Horticulturist Jamie Oxley of Meadowbrook Nursery/We-Du Natives on "Ideas for Using Natives in Your Garden"; Former HBS Executive Director Robert Wyatt of the UGA on "Moss Gardening" - also offered will be field trips and a native plant live auction. Visit www.wcu.edu/hbs/Garden.htm for more information.
Return to Top of PageThe South Carolina Native Plant Society is a non-profit organization committed to the preservationand protection of native plant communities in South Carolina. We work to make this happen by providing programs and activities designed to educate and inform members and the general public about the importance of native plants, support efforts by governmental agencies to protect habitats and endangered species, encourage the use of native plant materials in public and private landscaping, and promote the commercial availability of native plant materials.
For more information, visit www.scnps.org.
Sixth Eastern Native Grass Symposium - "Eastern Native Grasslands - Managing an Ecosystem on the Edge" October 7-10. Columbia, South Carolina will be the stage for the 6th Eastern Native Grass Symposium in October, 2008, during the height of the flowering season for many of our beautiful native grasses.
Keynote speakers will present information in areas such as: Eastern native grass communities - History and current status Protection and restoration of eastern native grass communities Native grass communities in landscaping Native grass communities and wildlife Native grasses for biofuel production, and more.
Volunteer oral and poster presentations will cover a large variety of native grass topics.
Field trips are planned to see first-hand some of our surviving native grass-based plant communities, a wonderful resource that we almost lost in the rush of agricultural and other forms of land development in the 19th & 20th centuries.
For more information, please visit www.scnps.org/engs.html.
Return to Top of PageThe State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a public educational facility operated under the auspices of the University of Georgia. It is a "living laboratory" for university students and faculty who utilize the collections and natural plant communities for studies in a variety of disciplines. The Garden is also a public garden for enjoyment by the general public who find beauty, knowledge and solitude in a garden setting.
The SBG is located in Athens at the University of Georgia at 2450 South Milledge Avenue. For more information, or to register for any programs, call 706 542-6156. Visit their Web site at www.uga.edu/botgarden.
Native Plant Certificate Elective: Digital Plant Photography: Wildflowers, Gardens, and Landscapes - Jul 12, 08:30 AM - 12:30 PM The State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Instructor: Hugh and Carol Nourse, Nature Photographers/Authors. Beginning with equipment, we will discuss tripods, digital cameras, and lenses. Then we will cover technical issues, such as depth of field, exposure, histograms, and white balance. Documentary flower photography, covering how to achieve clear sharp, faithful portraits, will follow. We then turn to making more exciting photographs using light, color, and design. Finally, we demonstrate putting it all together with landscape photography. Cost: Members $40.00; Non-members $45.00. Section 1 (Capacity: 20)
Native Plant Certificate Registration - Aug 06, 08:00 AM - 08:00 AM Course Specific. Instructor: Course Specific. This registration is for those pursuing the Certificate in Native Plants. You are required to pay a one time $30 fee prior to registering for any course in the series. Cost: Members $30.00; Non-members $30.00. Section 1 (Capacity: 22)
Drought Resistant Plant Ramble - August 6 - 9-10 AM - Led by Sara Williams, Curator of Heritage Garden, and Ken Ogletree, Curator of International Garden - Come and see what is growing in our garden, even through the drought conditions. Ken and Sara will guide you through the International Garden and the Heritage Garden to show you what has had successful growth through our low water conditions. - free
Return to Top of PageLocated on 3,200 acres of natural beauty, Stone Mountain Park features a wide variety of fun family activities and things to do in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Stone Mountain is open year-round, but attraction hours vary by season. To check hours of operations and events calendar, visit stonemountainpark.com.
Herps - Thursday, July 3, 1pm, Confederate Hall Historical and Environmental Education Center. Learn about, see and be fascinated by some of our reptiles and amphibians. All programs 45 minutes in length, unless otherwise noted. Please call 770.498.5658 for more information and directions. Free with $8 daily or yearly Park vehicle entrance fee. Only for individuals or family groups. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen and water.
Walking Trails Parking - Thursday, July 3, 10 am, meets at the Walking Trails Parking Lot, just inside the Park s West Gate. Learn about native plants and water conservation projects in the Park. All programs 45 minutes in length, unless otherwise noted. Please call 770.498.5658 for more information and directions. Free with $8 daily or yearly Park vehicle entrance fee. Only for individuals or family groups. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen and water.
History Tour - Monday, July 7, 1pm, in Confederate Hall Historical and Environmental Education Center. Tour the building for an introduction to Park History. See exhibits for the Park s 50th Anniversary. All programs 45 minutes in length, unless otherwise noted. Please call 770.498.5658 for more information and directions. Free with $8 daily or yearly Park vehicle entrance fee. Only for individuals or family groups. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen and water.
Rock Outcrop - Tuesday, July 8, 10 am, meets at Confederate Hall Historical and Environmental Education Center. Learn what life is like for animals and plants on a rock outcrop on this short hike at the bottom of the mountain. All programs 45 minutes in length, unless otherwise noted. Please call 770.498.5658 for more information and directions. Free with $8 daily or yearly Park vehicle entrance fee. Only for individuals or family groups. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen and water.
Nature Garden - Wednesday, July 9, 10 am, meets at the Nature Garden Parking Lot. Learn how you can use native plants in your garden and see how we are managing this nature garden. All programs 45 minutes in length, unless otherwise noted. Please call 770.498.5658 for more information and directions. Free with $8 daily or yearly Park vehicle entrance fee. Only for individuals or family groups. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen and water.
Discover Birds - Saturday, July 12, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm, Confederate Hall Historical and Environmental Education Center. Come at any time between the program hours to learn about and see some live birds of prey. Please call 770.498.5658 for more information and directions. Free with $8 daily or yearly Park vehicle entrance fee. Only for individuals or family groups. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen and water.
Tree Hike - Saturday, July 19, 10 am, meets at Confederate Hall Historical and Environmental Education Center. Learn about the trees in the Park on this short hike. All programs 45 minutes in length, unless otherwise noted. Please call 770.498.5658 for more information and directions. Free with $8 daily or yearly Park vehicle entrance fee. Only for individuals or family groups. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen and water.
Return to Top of PageThe Tennessee Native Plant Society was founded in the spring of 1978 as a botanical organization for persons interested in the native flora of Tennessee. Members include wildflower enthusiasts from all over the state who share common interests in the areas of plant identification and folklore, growing native plants from seeds and cuttings for use in naturalized landscapes, and preserving natural areas to protect plants. Our members range from professional and amateur botanists to individuals simply interested in learning about Tennessee's diverse array of flora and unique environments.
Our members meet frequently at various locations all over the state for field trips. Field trips are open to non-members as well as members. For these trips we rely on local amateurs and professionals who know the plants in a given area. Trips are rarely cancelled, but sometimes changes are unavoidable. Contact the trip leader a day or two before attending to get an updated status and to let them know who is coming. Please visit www.tnps.org for more information.
The TNPS was kind enough to provide a PDF listing of their 2008 Field Trip Schedule which contains more information about the trips listed below along with driving directions.
Cumberland Trail: Nemo Bridge to Alley Ford - Saturday, August 30, 10AM Central. On this section of the Cumberland Trail (www.cumberlandtrail.org) we should see lots of different ferns, asters, magnolia species, and possibly mountain camelia. The trail is 2.5 miles one way but an easy walk to a pretty spot. From Nemo Bridge the trail ascends to the top of the bluffs. The Emory and Obed rivers are visible from views along the trail. Schreber's aster is a rare plant in Tennessee where it reaches the southern limit of its distribution. It is known from the area and we can try to find new populations below the bluffs. Bring water and wading shoes. Moderate walking. Leader: Allen and Susan Sweetser 865-938-7627
Ridge and Valley Glades - Saturday, September 6, 10AM Central. We will visit glades in the lower ridge and valley to see rare species adapted to dry limestone glades. Prairie goldenrod (Solidago ptarmicoides) is primarily an upper midwestern species. It is rare elsewhere within its known range of distribution including Tennessee. It grows on rocky outcrops, grassy slopes and prairies. Prairie rosinweed (Silphium terebinthinaceum) is known from prairies, fens and open disturbed sites in the eastern states. In Tennessee it occurs most frequently in the ridge and valley. Several native grasses appear on these dry sites. We will see these and other species adapted to the xeric conditions of glades and barrens. Moderate walking. Leader: Todd Crabtree 615-330-4627
Carter Wildflower Hike and Plant Inventory Part 2 - Saturday, September 13, 10AM Central. This is a follow-up visit to the May 10 field trip to complete the plant survey and observe the early fall wildflowers. There should be many interesting plants in flower including rare plants like Eggert's Sunflower, Cumberland Rosinweed, and Eared Goldenrod. We should also see Cutleaf Prairie Dock, Slender Gaura, and many asters, goldenrods, and other composites. We will document all of the plant species we find. Come and help with the search. Walking will be moderate to difficult, 2-3 miles, some may be off trail. Leader: Dennis Horn 931-461-0262
Annual Meeting at Fall Creek Falls State Park - September 19-20
Return to Top of PageWoodlands is a seven acre greenspace in the heart of Decatur. There is an Historic Garden featuring camellias, hydrangeas, Japanese maples and much more, the 60 year gardening project of the family that donated the land. We are now removing invasive and exotic plants and beginning to plant a Piedmont Native Garden of trees, shrubs and perennials.
The Woodlands Midweek Gardeners meet every other Wednesday morning for light gardening, good conversation, and occasional field trips. Saturday workdays occur about four times a year as needed, and usually focus on larger tasks like trail maintenance or tree planting.
Contact Ruby Bock, Garden Manager, at 404.273.1464, or visit www.decaturpreservationalliance.org for more information.
Woodlands Sundays in the Garden - July 27, 2 to 4 p.m. Woodlands Garden, 920 Scott Blvd. Self-guided tour. Woodlands docents on site. This event is ongoing, every last Sunday in each month. Park at City Schools of Decatur Central Administrative Offices (Westchester School), 758 Scott Blvd.
Return to Top of Page