Thank you to the more than 100 chapter members and friends of GNPS who joined us for our 2023 annual meeting last Sunday at the Kendeda Living Building at Georgia Tech. Over the course of two hours, we shared updates from our second full year as a chapter; broke out into small groups to learn about volunteer opportunities with our committees; heard from GNPS Executive Director, Nikki Belmonte; engaged in a panel discussion on converting your non-native lawn to native plant habitat; and learned more about the history of the Kendeda Building’s carbon-negative design and Gold Certified native plant habitat. It was a great afternoon! Presentation slides from the meeting can be viewed here. Be on the lookout for our December chapter newsletter, where we will spotlight more native plant “wins” from this year.
A few chapter updates of note:
- Bylaw revisions – approved! Intown GNPS will now have 7-10 board members (previously 3-7 members) and each board member will serve a 3-year term (previously a 2-year term), with the option to run for re-election. We hope these changes will provide our all-volunteer run chapter with continuity and leadership bench strength to keep growing!
- Board elections – Three new members were elected to the Chapter Board of Directors, with terms to begin January 1. Please welcome Sarah Lawrence, Laura Qaadri, and Taryn Heidel to our Intown leadership!
- Ways to engage – Missed the meeting but want to sign up to volunteer in the new year by joining a committee or a pod? Looking to engage with native plant enthusiasts in your neighborhood through our “Community Pods” effort? Complete this short form and we will be in touch.
- Recovering America’s Wildlife Act – Advocate for native plants! Advocacy committee chairs Kathleen Darling & Sally Phipps shared this urgent call to action via the National Wildlife Federation.
Mark your calendar
Restoration Committee
Our chapter’s Restoration Committee, led by Suzy Nicksic, Marti Breen, and Jane Trentin, invites you to come dig in the dirt and learn restoration best practices:
Arabia Mountain Trail Revitalization Training & Workday
Sunday, December 3
Time: 1-3:30pm
Meeting Location: Meet at the Arabia Mountain Nature Center: 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA.
Join Ranger Shaundon at Arabia Mountain for a Trail Revitalization Workday. Our efforts will focus on identifying and removing non-native species, pruning back aggressive plants, log removal, and enhancing overall habitat quality. This workday is great for anyone that wants to understand the basics of trail/forest care and maintenance. Our work will help enhance the safety of preserve visitors, and improve habitat for the wildlife that call Arabia Mountain home.
There’s an optional Tea and S’more time at the Ranger Station after the workday ends!
Wear closed-toed shoes, long sleeves and pants. Dress for the weather & uneven terrain. We have tools! But, bring your own gloves and water.
- Programming and Education Committee planning meeting January 7, 2024 from 10 to noon. Contact Donna Shapiro if you are interested in helping plan next year’s activities.
- Advocacy Committee Meeting January 10, 2024 from 6-7pm on Zoo. Contact Sally Phipps for the link.