Chapters in Georgia Native Plant Society
History
Over two decades ago, the Georgia Native Plant Society was founded by people based in metro Atlanta. Since that time, their initiative and message around the importance of native plants to our lives and the ability of individuals to make a difference locally in their protection, stewardship, rescue and propagation, has spread across Georgia and in fact across the USA. Today our members are served in other locations across the state where local groups are providing educational information, restoration opportunities and opportunities to learn more.
Realignment
In November 2019, GNPS adopted new bylaws, which implemented a state-wide governing board to set organizational policy, define its strategic vision, and directly support chapter activities. This new organizational structure paved the way for more chapters to form throughout Georgia.
Join a chapter
There are currently 8 chapters of the Georgia Native Plant Society. As a member of GNPS you too can get to work and join like minded people in your area by aligning yourself with one of our chapters.
For current members, login and update your chapter affiliation through the chapter affiliation form. For new or renewing members, select your chapter affiliation on the membership form.
Form a chapter
Let us know if you are interested in learning more about how to join or start up a local chapter near you in the state of Georgia by using the Contact Us form. Current members can also use the Chapter Interest Form. To learn more about the overall process, view the Chapter Quick Start Guide. For a more in-depth guide to forming and running a chapter, see the Chapter Manual.
News & Events
Spring Native Plant Share & Swap
Save the date, Sunday April 30th, from 1 pm to 3 pm for the second annual Native Plant Share & Swap. Experts will be on hand to help select plants that are right for your needs. You will be able to swap up to 10 plants. We would love for you to contribute more to share with neighbors who are just starting out and don’t have plants to share.
How to Get Ready for the Plant Share
- NOW is the time to choose your favorite native plants. Make sure the plant is native to Georgia. If you’re not sure, email us at intown@gnps.org (attach a picture) and we’ll see if we can identify it.
- Plants should be dug and potted ASAP but before April 16th. This allows them to acclimate and look their best for the “swap”, so start digging now!
- When you dig a plant, get as much root as possible as well as some of the soil the plant is growing in. Clay needs to be supplemented with “soil conditioner” found where you buy bagged garden soil. You can make an inexpensive potting mix with equal parts compost and soil conditioner.
- Once you dig a plant, immediately put it in an individual pot and water it.
- Before the sale, label each plant with the common and botanical name (if you know it) and if it grows in the sun or shade. Any additional information would be an appreciated bonus!
- Keep transplanted plants in a shady spot and water as needed until the Plant Share.
If you’d like to get involved and help with the Share & Swap, please email intown@gnps.org.
March 19 3-5 PM : Azalea Ramble & Native Plant Sale
- Family Tour. One mile walk on wide paths with considerable elevation gain on one steep hill. Visit three native azalea groves, see a mature oak/pine ecosystem and multiple examples of pine forest succession.
- Grand Tour. Approximately 1.5 miles that adds single-track woodland trails to the Family Tour, but with much steeper ups and downs.
- Gator Tour. Similar to Family Tour, with Gator rides for those with mobility challenges. Limit 3 per hour.
Native Plants will also be offered for sale. A list of available plants will be sent to each registered participant before the event. Native azaleas and other native plants will be included in the sale.
See the event on the GNPS Calendar: https://gnps.org/calendar-event/peach-county-azalea-ramble-native-plant-sale/
For the most current information including any changes to date or time of event due to weather or peak native azalea bloom time in Peach County, visit the event page in Facebook: https://fb.me/e/20FrBNSBv
Date/Time Change: Peach County Azalea Ramble & Native Plant Sale
- Family Tour. One mile walk on wide paths with considerable elevation gain on one steep hill. Visit three native azalea groves, see a mature oak/pine ecosystem and multiple examples of pine forest succession.
- Grand Tour. Approximately 1.5 miles that adds single-track woodland trails to the Family Tour, but with much steeper ups and downs.
- Gator Tour. Similar to Family Tour, with Gator rides for those with mobility challenges. Limit 3 per hour.
Native Plants will also be offered for sale. A list of available plants will be sent to each registered participant before the event. Native azaleas and other native plants will be included in the sale.
See the event on the GNPS Calendar: https://gnps.org/calendar-event/peach-county-azalea-ramble-native-plant-sale/
For the most current information including any changes to date or time of event due to weather or peak native azalea bloom time in Peach County, visit the event page in Facebook: https://fb.me/e/20FrBNSBv
March Work days at Amerson River Park Native Plant Garden
The Fringed Campion Chapter volunteers continue work at the Amerson River Park Native Plant Garden. Volunteers will meet on March 5 and 19 from 2 until 4 pm.
Planting and digging continues in the garden, as well as cutting invasive non-native plant species in the park. Wear gloves, boots, and work clothes, and bring a water bottle and any gardening tools you have. All participants must sign the GNPS waiver before pitching in.
See the workdays on the GNPS event calendar: https://gnps.org/calendar-events/category/chapter-events/fringed-campion-chapter/
Check the events in Facebook for any updates: https://fb.me/e/2NFBQ9MMe
Native Plants for Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Gardeners and Foragers
Do you know which edible plants are native to our area? Do you have a vegetable garden at home that you hope will flourish from a vibrant, diverse, natural ecosystem? If so you’ll want to join us. Learn about edible plants and the non-edible natives that function to increase yields naturally in your fruit and vegetable gardens.
We’ll also learn how to identify Native Edible Plants in the wild.
This event is brought to you by the Intown Atlanta chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society and is sponsored by Emory University’s Oxford College and will take place at the Student Center 801 Wesley Street Oxford, GA 30054.
Register for the presentation here. Although this is a free event, your donations are much appreciated to help us continue to offer quality Intown Atlanta GNPS programs and activities.
Your speakers are:
Emily Allred
Halfwisearce (instagram)
Emily has grown food and native plants on her half acre residential property for more than a decade. She is especially interested in plants that are both native and edible. She is now collaborating with Applied Community Ecology and The Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve to plant a native food forest that will include plants that provide sustenance for humans, and the local ecology including vital insects.
Attendees will learn from Emily’s deep experience with native plants you can grow for edible produce and other natives that make great companion plants for attracting pollinators and deterring pests.
Josh Wayne
Healthyforager (Instagram)
Josh began his foraging journey eleven years ago, hoping to find edible, medicinal, and sacred mushrooms. With the help of mentors in the Atlanta and Athens areas, he deepened his connection with the plants and animals that inhabit the Georgia Piedmont. He has foraged, prepared, and consumed over 100 species of mushroom and an additional 100 species of plants from the southeast. Josh serves as a World-bridger and Sacrament Forager for Whole Inc. and works to connect people to their plant, mushroom, and animal ancestors. Josh leads hikes to share his deep knowledge.
The presentation will include raffles for a hike with Josh and other related goodies.
After the presentation in Oxford’s beautiful new student center, take a short walk to the farm for a preview plant sale!
Thanks to Oxford College of Emory University for hosting us and preparing a presale of their planned plant sale for us.
