770-343-6000 Contact Us

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

2026 Annual Meeting – Celebrate 5 years of our chapter!

2026 Annual Meeting – Celebrate 5 years of our chapter!

by | Sep 9, 2026 | , | 0 Comments

Sunday, November 15th, 2-4 pm
Decatur Legacy Park, Cochran Building, 500 S Columbia Dr, Decatur GA 30030
Intown is turning 5! Join us at our 2026 Annual Meeting to celebrate our chapter’s five year anniversary and hear from our featured speaker, David Haskell.
David George Haskell is a writer and biologist acclaimed for his lyrical explorations of the living world. His most recent book, How Flowers Made our World, explores the creative powers of flowering plants. Haskell is a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction, in 2012 for The Forest Unseen and in 2022 for Sounds Wild and Broken. His 2017 book, The Songs of Trees won the John Burroughs Medal. Other literary honors include an Award in Literature from American Academy of Arts and Letters, two-time finalist for the PEN/E. O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award, winner of the Acoustical Society of America’s Science Communication Award, the National Academies’ Best Book Award, Iris Book Award, Reed Environmental Writing Award, and National Outdoor Book Award for Natural History Literature. Haskell has also written essays and multimedia experiences for The New York Times, Emergence Magazine, and other venues. He is a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London, a Guggenheim Fellow, and is Adjunct Professor of Environmental Sciences at Emory University. Haskell lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
https://dghaskell.com/
Red-cockaded Woodpecker Trail

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Trail

by | Sep 2, 2026 | , | 0 Comments

Walk with the Fringe as we seek fall wildflowers, chase butterflies, creep up on amphibians, marvel at mushrooms, and enjoy the company of fellow nature lovers. While no single one of us is an expert on everything, collectively we bring much trail experience and can share our natural wonder and knowledge, learning from each other.

We will gather at the Allison Lake Parking Lot in Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge at 10:45 am on Sunday, September 27, 2026 to sign the waiver, meet the guides, and make final preparations to hit the trail promptly at 11 am. After sign in, feel free to wander down to the dock and soak in the serenity of Allison Lake while we wait for everyone to arrive.
No restrooms or potable water at this location.
This trail is about 2.4 miles long, with an elevation gain of 259 feet. The trail has a natural surface, so be prepared for roots, rocks, mud, and grass. There may also be some gravel road walking. Pace will be slow to moderate with frequent stops for botanizing; we expect the trip to take 2 to 2.5 hours total.
Expect ticks and mosquitoes to be active, and prepare accordingly.
We encourage all participants to wear long sleeves, long pants pants, closed-toe shoes or boots, and a hat. Bring a water bottle, and also some snacks if you’d like!
Participants will also be asked to sign the Georgia Native Plant Society Liability Waiver upon arrival at the event.
Event may be cancelled due to weather or for other unforeseen reasons. Providing your contact information will allow event coordinator to reach you, if necessary, with any additional information or updates.
Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/LZndyDQx8QXrBQqy7
Fall Native Plant & Seed Swap

Fall Native Plant & Seed Swap

by | Sep 1, 2026 | , , | 0 Comments

Get your seeds and plants ready! Our native seed and plant swap is coming up soon.

You will be able to swap up to 10 plants, and there is no limit for seed packets. Only plants and seeds native to Georgia and not invasive in the Piedmont (e.g., no Carolina cherry laurels or southern magnolias) will be accepted for the swap. If you have extra, please bring more to share with others just starting out. If you don’t have plants to share yet, come anyway – we will have extra so nobody will leave empty-handed! Click this link to learn how to prepare for the plant swap. 

Date: Saturday, October 10th

Time: 1:00 pm

Location: West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, 1442 Richland Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Emory Herbarium Tour

Emory Herbarium Tour

by | Sep 1, 2026 | | 0 Comments

Take 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. Its holdings are diverse, particularly rich in plants from the southeastern United States, fungi, and lichens, and contain the collections inherited from the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society. Included in the tour is a demonstration on making herbarium specimens. This event is members-only and costs $10.

Date: Friday, September 25th

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: Emory University Herbarium, 1462 Clifton Road NE, Room 102, Atlanta GA

Click here to register!

 

Pin It on Pinterest

GNPS Menu