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
Call for Plant Sale Volunteers and Donations
Fringed Campion Chapter native plant sales get native plants into our neighborhoods and generate funds for activities and projects that support the chapter’s mission. All plants at the sale are donated by members. Volunteers at the plant sale engage with customers, helping them select the right native plant for the conditions in which they will be planted.
The next sale will be held on May 23, 2026 at the Smoke Stack Farmer’s Market. If you have an hour or more to help with set up beginning at 8 am, the sale from 9 am until 1 pm, and clean up from 1 pm until everything is packed away, please sign up using our Volunteer Form.
If you would like to donate some plants, please fill out this form to let us know what you will be bringing. Donations should be brought to Smoke Stack Farmer’s Market between 8 and 9 am on sale day.
Oaky Woods Ecosystem Exploration & Roadside Botanizing
The Fringed Campion Chapter returns to Oaky Woods WMA for an afternoon of Ecosystem Exploration & Roadside Botanizing on May 24, 2026 from 1 to 4 pm. The group will be led by Kenny Grieshop on a fun afternoon of community building with those who appreciate getting outdoors and learning about the natural world. Meet at the Kiosk at 12:45 pm to organize and sign the waiver. Carpooling from the kiosk area to the botanizing sites is encouraged. The walk should be considered moderate and may include: getting muddy, stepping over fallen branches, roots & rocks on the path, exposure to ticks, mosquitoes, gnats … well, everything that nature might send our way. Let’s go have fun!
Registration form: https://forms.gle/ghJspzhvG7U4g1MN9
Native Plant Sale at Smoke Stack Farmer’s Market May 23, 2026
The Fringed Campion Chapter will return to the Smoke Stack Farmer’s Market at 342 Rose Avenue on Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 9 am until 1 pm for another native plant sale. Come visit with chapter members, learn about chapter activities, ask questions about native plant gardening, and shop a wide selection of native plants ideal for Middle Georgia. Our plants are propagated and donated by members passionate about the importance and beauty of native plants in the landscape.
Contact fringedcampion@gnps.org if you would like to volunteer your time or donate plants you have grown for the sale.
Take part in community science during the Atlanta City Nature Challenge!
The 2026 Atlanta City Nature Challenge, led locally by Fernbank Museum, takes place April 24-27th. This global community science initiative encourages individuals and families to document species of plants, animals, and fungi found in nature using the iNaturalist app. The Atlanta City Nature Challenge’s goal is to connect people to nature and help give valuable insight into what species call Atlanta home.
You can also take part in one of the City Nature Challenge events being held throughout the city – with so many options, there’s sure to be one near you!
April 25, 8 am – 9 pm (four sessions) at Gresham Park Recreation Center: Bio Blitz led by South Dekalb Parks Naturalist Tasha Messer
Native plant experts and volunteer guides needed! Email tlmesser@dekalbcounty.gov for more information or to volunteer for one of the sessions.
April 25, 9 am – 1 pm at Westside Park: Bio Blitz led by Atlanta iNaturalist ambassadors
April 25, 10 am – 12 pm at Southside Park: Community Bio Blitz led by Atlanta Parks & Rec
April 25, 10 am – 12 pm at Perkerson Park: Tree Tour led by Trees Atlanta
April 26, 1-3 pm at Lionel Hampton-Beecher Hills Nature Preserve: Biodiversity Walk led by Intown Atlanta GNPS, Park Pride, and Friends of the Lionel Hampton-Beecher Hills Nature Preserve
April 26, 1 – 3 pm at Adams Park: Community Bio Blitz led by Atlanta Parks & Rec
April 26, 2 pm at Melton Park: Nature Meetup led by Park Pride and Friends of Melton Park
Plant Sale Volunteers Needed!
The AEPC needs volunteers for our annual plant sale!
- Thursday, April 23rd from 1-3 pm, we need help pricing and labeling plants.
- Thursday, April 30th from 1-3 pm, we need help pricing and labeling plants.
- Friday, May 1st from 12-5 pm, we need help setting up the sale area and possibly last minute pricing/labeling.
- Saturday, May 2nd from 8am-4ish, we will need help with any remaining setup, parking, breakdown, and customer assistance, including merchandise table, membership table, and purchase transactions.
