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September 2025 — Volume XXXI, Number 5 — Published by the Georgia Native Plant Society
GNPS Partners with GADNR on Granite Outcrop Species Conservation
Partnerships are how plant conservation succeeds in Georgia. As a member of the Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance, GNPS participates in conservation projects where GNPS programs and volunteers are available. In this case, the unique location of the Stone Mountain Propagation Project (SMPP) within Stone Mountain Park and the GNPS partnership with Stone Mountain Memorial Association presents an ideal opportunity to address the conservation needs of granite outcrop species.
Georgia contains most of the Southeastern Piedmont’s granite outcrops, one of the most endangered natural communities in the United States. Granite outcrop plant communities face a range of threats including invasive species, woody plant encroachment, urban development, and off-road vehicle use. Of the 24 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) identified in the granite outcrop sections of the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), 19 are plant species. After touring SMPP earlier this year, Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) botanists suggested partnering on conservation horticulture projects for these unique outcrop species.
GADNR and GNPS collaborated on a grant proposal to The Environmental Resource Network (TERN), the official “Friends” group of the GADNR nongame conservation program. In this project, GNPS will focus on surveying and propagating four granite outcrop species: Pycnanthemum curvipes (Stone Mountain mint), Eurybia avita (Alexander rock aster), Allium speculae (flatrock onion), and Draba aprica (sun-loving draba). Work includes surveying and monitoring natural populations, collecting seed material, cleaning and sowing seeds and growing out individuals in preparation for outplanting back into natural communities and select rooftop conservation gardens as approved by GPCA. The project was fully funded and work is underway!
Left: Allium speculae. Center: Marked “mother plant” for A. speculae. Right: Collecting seed from A. speculae.
Kelley Hanada, SMPP’s manager, is leading the project. It is early on in the project, but expeditions to find, survey and monitor Pycnanthemum curvipes are underway. This granite outcrop endemic grows on the northwestern side of Stone Mountain. Kelley and SMPP volunteers have hiked this portion of the mountain to record information such as location, associated plant species, and number of flowering stems. Additional work includes using several methods of deer exclusion to prevent browse on Eurybia avita. At a recent workday, SMPP volunteers cleaned seed for Allium speculae. When seed is collected from a plant, this plant is tagged as a “mother plant” and the seed is labeled with the tag number, a process known as maternal line tracking. All plants propagated from this material will be able to be tracked to the parent plant.
This is an exciting opportunity for GNPS to be a part of a larger conservation effort. One of the objectives of this project is to provide a protocol and example for developing an extinction safety net for rock outcrop species. By working with GADNR specialists and others in GPCA, Kelley will develop and test protocols for these specific conservation horticulture practices.
Left: Eurybia avita in propagation. Right: Deer browse is a threat to E. avita habitat.
There will be a few hundred plants to propagate for this project, and Kelley will utilize SMPP volunteers to complete this tedious work. Since 2007, SMPP has supported local restoration efforts at Stone Mountain while engaging community volunteers in native plant conservation and habitat restoration. Each year, more than 50 individuals volunteer more than 1,500 hours to support this operation which has provided native plants for restoration projects, pollinator gardens and nonprofit plant sales. Anyone can volunteer for SMPP workdays - if you’re interested, email smpp_admin@gnps.org to let the team know you’d like to learn how to participate.
To learn more about SGCN species and how Georgia is tackling plant conservation, check out the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan. We also encourage you to learn more about GPCA and the incredible collaborations between many partners to make plant conservation happen. Follow GPCA on social media to read 30 stories of success in celebration of the Alliance’s 30th anniversary.
Plant Spotlight: Stone Mountain “Daisy”
Ellen Honeycutt
Stone Mountain daisy (Helianthus porteri) is a beautiful annual plant that can be found on Georgia’s rock outcrops in prolific numbers every September. The common names for this plant are many: Confederate daisy, yellow daisy, Stone Mountain daisy, and Porter’s sunflower. While daisy may be a common name for some flowers in the Asteraceae family, the plant is actually in the same genus as a sunflower. It grows naturally in areas of shallow soil on and around granite outcrops found in a few counties in Georgia and Alabama, and has also been found in South Carolina and North Carolina. One plant usually produces 5 or more flower heads that are 1-2” wide and have 7-8 yellow ray florets. Bees, small butterflies and other small pollinators are frequent visitors. After pollination, seeds will set later in the fall and germinate as early as February.
Seeing this plant in bloom is worth a field trip. Stone Mountain daisy can be found at Stone Mountain Park, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, Panola Mountain, and Chattahoochee Bend State Park. At Stone Mountain, use the Walk Up Trail, you don’t even have to go to the top to find it! There is usually a large clump of it blooming right at the flag stand. Follow the organizations on social media for bloom announcements.
GNPS Honored at Georgia ASLA Gala
GNPS was honored with the Citizen’s Award by the Georgia Chapter of the American Society for Landscape Architects. The Citizen’s Award recognizes the work of an individual or group, other than landscape architects, that has contributed to the enhancement of the physical environment of Georgia, promoted a better understanding and acceptance of landscape architecture within the community or contributed to the education of landscape architects. Nikki Belmonte, executive director, and Michael Cowan, vice chair, accepted the award on behalf of GNPS at the Georgia ASLA’s annual awards gala.
Statewide Opportunities
The Joy of Native Plants: Old-Growth Forests Webinar
Join us on Thursday, September 4 at 7:00 p.m. for our inaugural summer webinar celebrating native plants and the joy they bring to us. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Sarah Adloo, executive director of the Old Growth Forest Network, as our speaker. Sarah will provide an introduction to old-growth forest ecosystems and their history, what they may look like in Georgia, where to see them, and the various conservation programs from the Old-Growth Forest Network to protect these rare, special places across the country. Registration is required.
The GNPS Plant of the Year program recognizes native plants that are underutilized in commercial and residential landscapes or which are vital components of Georgia’s ecology. Every fall, members nominate well-deserving species, and then all members have the chance to vote for their favorite. Nominations have historically closed after at least six acceptable nominations have been submitted, typically less than one day. This year, the committee has changed the nomination period to be a week long, from Monday, September 29 to Monday, October 6. Stay tuned for details on how to submit a nomination later in September!
Chapter Updates
Athens-East Piedmont
Year-Round Native Gardening, September 14
Join us at the Athens-Clarke County Extension Office on Sunday, September 14 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. to hear from our Intown Atlanta Chapter friends, Michael Hudgins and Laura Qadri, who are bringing this very popular program to our area! This will be a great program for anyone you know who is new to native plants as well as more seasoned native plant gardeners.
Native Bees with Becky Griffin, October 8
Becky Griffin, National/Georgia Census Project Coordinator for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, will introduce us to our native bee species to help us recognize them and appreciate their importance to our ecology. Join us on Wednesday, October 8 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Sandy Creek Nature Center for this great program.
Visit our chapter’s webpage or join our Facebook Group for more information as we may add more activities in the next couple of months as the temperatures cool off!
Augusta’s River Region
Bird and Plant Walk, September 6
Augusta's River Region Chapter will be co-hosting a bird and plant walk with the Augusta/Aiken chapter of Birds Georgia on Saturday, September 6. There is a cost, since this is part of Birds Georgia's Fall Flyway Festival: $20 for Birds Georgia members and $30 for nonmembers. There is also a $5 parking fee at the site, Mistletoe State Park in Columbia County, for those who do not have a current Georgia State Parks membership tag. Click here to register, scrolling down the page until you get to the event (listings are in chronological order) for more information.
Plantchella Plant Swap and Sale, September 13
On Saturday, September 13 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., the chapter will be participating in the Bedford Greenhouses "Plantchella" plant swap and sale. We will have some plants available for sale, and will of course be preaching the native plant gospel with plenty of brochures!
Plant Sale, September 20
Join us on Saturday, September 20 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (or until we run out of plants) for our own plant sale. The location is TBD, so keep an eye out for an email or check our Facebook page for updates.
Coastal Wildscapes Fall Native Plant Sale at the Ashantilly Center in Darien on September 20 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tifton Farmers Market at 211 Main Street South in Tifton on October 4 from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Kolomoki Mounds State Park Tabling, October 11
Stop by the Coastal Plain Chapter table to say hello and grab information on native plants at Kolomoki Mounds State Park in Blakely on Saturday, October 11 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Coastal Plain Chapter Annual Fall Conference, October 25
Join us on Saturday, October 25 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. for our fall event where this year’s theme will be “Using Native Plants for Restoration and Beautification.” The event will be held at Creekside Center at Chehaw Park in Albany. Click here to register.
Governors Honors Program
The Coastal Plains Chapter visited the Agriscience and Biotechnology (AG) students attending the Governor’s Honors Program at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro on July 7. Paul Sumner and Amy Heidt provided students with a hands-on lesson on planting and propagation using native plant species, under the aid of their instructors, Kaleb Bell and Dr. Kelly Carruthers. In addition, the students learned about Georgia Native Plant Society and the activities of the Coastal Plain Chapter.
Fringed Campion
Mini Workdays at Old City Cemetery Native Plant Garden
Join us Sunday, September 7 and Sunday, September 21 from 8:00-9:00 a.m at Old City Cemetery in Macon for one of our power hour workdays. We will be getting out early in the morning to hopefully beat the heat and humidity to maintain the native plant garden which is thriving this year!
Nature Days for Families at Amerson River Park Native Plant Garden, September 7
Join us at our Native Plant Garden at Amerson River Park in Macon for a variety of activities this fall! On Sunday, September 7 from 4:00-5:00 p.m., bring the family for a nature-themed story time and related crafts. On Sunday, October 5 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. join us for a BioBlitz with Birds Georgia and nature-themed activities. On Sunday, November 2, join us from 4:00-5:00 p.m for nature journaling.
Native Plant Festival, September 20
Join us for our inaugural Native Plant Festival on Saturday, September 20 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Boy Scout Road Native Plant Nursery in Byron to learn all about native plants! Programs include how to create a habitat in your yard for birds and pollinators, a long leaf pine ramble, and information about the GNPS plant rescue program. There will be a native plant sale, kids activities and guided walks. This is a free event!
Join us on Friday, September 19 at 10:00 a.m. for a tour of the Emory University Herbarium led by curator Dr. Tharanga Samarakoon. The herbarium is home to more than 25,000 plant specimens, dating back to the late 1800s. The tour includes a demonstration on making an herbarium specimen. Following the tour, attendees are invited for an optional group walk at the Lullwater Preserve’s President’s Loop trail. Registration is required.
Herbarium research student compares specimens of Schisandra glabra for morphological and anatomical differences.
Goizueta Gardens Tour at the Atlanta History Center, September 25
Join us on Thursday, September 25 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for a guided ecology-based tour of the Goizueta Gardens at the Atlanta History Center led by Travis Fisher, Senior Horticulturist. Registration fee covers admission to the Atlanta History Center. Parking is free.
Goizueta Gardens contains preserved woodlands, ornamental gardens, and Georgia’s largest native plant collection.
Programming and Education Committee Meeting, October 23
We will be setting the events for the first quarter of 2026 at this virtual meeting set for Thursday, October 23 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. We need more volunteers to plan and coordinate chapter events! No experience is necessary. We will teach you what you need to know. If you’d like to get involved in making programming happen for Intown GNPS, email P&E chair, Donna Shapiro, at donna.shapiro@gnps.org.
Restoration Site Workdays
Come out to one of our restoration site workdays to learn about invasive plant removal and repair damaged habitats at our local parks.
Mary Scott Nature Park:
Saturday, September 6, 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 4, 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Herbert Taylor & Daniel Johnson Park:
Saturday, September 13, 8:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Friday, September 26, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, October 11, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Friday, October 31, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. (No costumes required, but we will have treats!)
W.D. Thomson Park:
Saturday, September 20, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 11, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Maritime
Coastal Wildscapes Fall Native Plant Sale, September 20
Join Coastal Wildscapes for the annual Fall Native Plant Sale at the Ashantilly Center in Darien from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The Maritime chapter will be one of four native plant vendors on site. The Chapter will be providing native species for container plantings at the sale.
Fort King George Historic Site: Your State Parks Planting Day, September 27
Join us at Fort King George on Saturday, September 27 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.to support native and endangered flora species by lending a hand. We will be removing invasive plants throughout the nature trail, as well as planting native plants. Volunteers receive FREE admission!
Volunteer Day at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, October 25
Come out to the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens on October 25 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for a morning of weeding the native plant trail. Get to know other Maritime Chapter members and support the Gardens, a partner who has generously provided meeting space for our chapter. We will spend time clearing space in the garden to install native species in the future.
Annual Chapter Business Meeting & End of Year Reception, November 1
Please join us on Saturday, November 1 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for the Maritime Chapter’s annual business meeting followed by an end of year reception at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens. The Board of Directors will reflect this chapter’s achievements over the last year, share strategies for the future, and review our finances. Following this meeting, we invite you to stick around for refreshments and to socialize with members. This is an excellent opportunity to help shape the future of our chapter and to learn more about ways to get involved.
North Georgia Mountains
Ornithology and Ornithophilus Flowers: Bird Pollinators, September 13
Join us on Saturday, September 13 at the Union County Public library in Blairsville from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. to hear from our speaker, Georgann Schmalz, an authoritative birder and retired Fernbank ornithologist, to explore three questions:
Why and how do flowers attract nectarivorous birds?
How do birds conduct pollination?
Who are the avian pollinators?
Chapter Meeting, October 11
Join us on Saturday, October 11 at the Union County Public library in Blairsville from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. to hear from speaker, Steverson Moffat on the topic of timbering.
Chapter Meeting, November 8
Join us on Saturday, November 8 at the Union County Public library in Blairsville from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. to hear from speaker, Bill Zeigler, on zoo-related habitat restoration.
Participants on the August field trip to Lake Winfield Scott.
North Metro Atlanta
Monarchs, Milkweed & Georgia Gardeners Webinar, September 16
Join our next Explorations of Native Plants of the Piedmont from 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16 to hear Susan Meyers, Monarchs Across Georgia volunteer, Environmental Education Alliance committee member, Georgia Master Gardener and Master Naturalist, Monarch Watch Conservation Specialist, and a Pollinator Partnership-Certified Pollinator Steward. Susan will take us on a closer look at this iconic butterfly in the Georgia Piedmont, its native host plant species, and how you can make a difference. Click here to register.
Native Plant Rambles
Join your fellow North Metro Atlanta Chapter members for an educational walk in the woods. These "rambles" offer a great way to learn about the native plants and to meet new friends who are also native plant enthusiasts!
Gold Certified Native Habitat Visit in Lawrenceville, September 27
We are hosting a Certified Habitat Site Visit at a Gold Certified property in Lawrenceville. The homeowner, a member of the Certification Committee, and a member of the Education Committee will be there to share what a certified habitat can look like and answer your questions about this program and the process of becoming certified. Click here to register.
Doctors by Nature Webinar, October 29
Join us for another installment of Explorations of Native Plants of the Piedmont on Tuesday, October 29 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. to hear Dr. Jaap de Roode, professor of biology at Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. de Roode will discuss his research into how animals discover and use medicine in nature—primarily with plants! His book, Doctors By Nature explores the fascinating relationship of monarch butterflies and different types of milkweeds and many other examples. Click here to register.
Volunteers Needed for Tabling at Fall Festivals
The North Metro Atlanta Chapter is happy to be tabling at various events this fall. Volunteers are needed at the events below. Admission is free for volunteers! Click to the links to sign up:
Habitat restoration work continues at Heritage Park in central Cobb County with tasks including invasive removal, native plantings, and garden maintenance. Learn more below:
The West Georgia Chapter’s Fall Plant Sale will be held on Saturday September 20 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. This annual event brings together as many as 10 native plant vendors, including large and small nurseries and backyard growers, as well as the chapter itself. You can choose from a wide variety of plants, including wildflowers, ground covers, vines, shrubs, and trees, for all types of growing conditions. The sale will be held at the Carroll County Agricultural Center in Carrollton, which offers restrooms and plenty of parking. Park in the rear of the building and follow the signs to the entrance. Bring your own wagon!
Learn About Habitat Certification, October 14
The West Georgia Chapter’s October 14 meeting features a presentation on Native Plant Habitat certification. This signature GNPS program recognizes properties that contain a significant proportion of native plants and are maintained using sustainable gardening practices. The event will begin 15 minutes earlier than usual to allow for a brief chapter business meeting with election of officers. There will be a reception with light refreshments (6:15-6:45 p.m.), followed by the business meeting (6:45-7:00 p.m.), and the presentation (7:00-8:00 p.m.).
Chapter T-Shirts Now Available
West Georgia Chapter logo T-shirts can now be purchased online through the chapter store on Bonfire. The shirts feature the chapter logo and are available in unisex or women’s slim fit styles with several color choices.
Plant of the Year Gear
Help us spread the word about these outstanding plants by wearing them. Browse our online store for a variety of styles and colors. Each design has both 100% cotton and 60/40 cotton poly blends available - click on “size and fabric info” on each product’s page for the specific details.
