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
Propagation from Cuttings Workshop
July 12th, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Environmental Learning Center at Stone Mountain State Park
Registration required. Cost: $25 per person
Join Intown Atlanta GNPS and the Stone Mountain Propagation Project’s (SMPP) Kelley Hanada for an overview on vegetative propagation methods and techniques. The program will include a lecture covering the basics of plant biology behind stem cuttings. There will be a demonstration of several different methods that SMPP uses for vegetative propagation that could also be attempted at home. Participants will also get to attempt a stem cutting propagule to take home.
We will provide small humidity dome containers, potting media, and several different species of cuttings. Participants may want to bring their own garden gloves and hand snips as well. 
Space is limited and registration is required – reserve your spot!
*The entrance fee to Stone Mountain Park will be waived for participants. At the entrance gate, let them know that you are attending a GNPS event with SMPP.
Native Seeds for Grassland Restoration
Come hear speaker Zachary Wood, manager for the Georgia Native Seed Network and the State Botanical Garden’s grasslands coordinator, discuss the historical land use changes and examine evidence from historical documents, plant ecology, and grassland remnants to provide an understanding of Georgia’s past ecosystems and the importance of conserving its native landscapes.
This event is free, but registration is required.
About the Georgia Native Seed Network:
To restore Georgia’s land to its native plant communities, there is a critical need for locally adapted, genetically appropriate native seeds and plant materials.
The current supply is inadequate to meet the increasing demand for wildfire recovery and habitat restoration across various lands.
Program on Plant Rescues Rescheduled to July 8
The West Georgia Chapter’s June program on plant rescues suffered a last-minute cancellation when the Agricultural Center had to be evacuated following a lightning strike. We’ve rescheduled this program to Tuesday, July 8, with reception at 6:30 and presentation at 7:00, followed by a drawing for door prizes.
As a special incentive to entice your attendance during the hot weather, we are pleased to offer a “make your own sundae” bar with ice cream and your choice of toppings!
If you have never been on a GNPS plant rescue, or if it’s been a while since your last one, you will not want to miss this session. We’ll explain how to register for a rescue, the rules that participants must follow, how to prepare for the rescue, what to take with you, and how to get your plants home safely. We’ll also help you avoid common newbie mistakes that can spoil the experience.
Old City Cemetery (Macon) Summer Workdays
Join the Fringed Campion Chapter members and friends for one of our power hour mini-workdays at the Old City Cemetery in Macon on select summer Sundays at 8 am. We will be getting out early in the morning to hopefully beat the heat if not the humidity to maintain the native plant garden which is thriving this year!
Dress for garden work (long pants, long sleeves, gloves, hat, work boots). Bring a water bottle and any tools you have.
Participants must be 12 years of age or older, and anyone under 16 years of age must have an adult present. All volunteers must sign the GNPS waiver of liability before joining the fun.
Check the FB event pages for any unexpected changes to our best laid plans!
June 22, 2025 8-9 am, July 13, 2025 8-9 am, July 27, 2025 8-9 am, August 10, 2025 8-9 am, August 24, 2025 8-9 am
Camp Dirty Knees Teaches Kids About Native Plants
On June 4 volunteers from the West Georgia Chapter hosted over 50 elementary school students as part of Camp Dirty Knees, a program of the Carroll County Master Gardeners. The 3-day camp is intended to get children interested in gardening, and each session includes a morning at Buffalo Creek, a GNPS restoration site, learning about native plants. Chapter volunteers took the kids on a tour of the site while teaching them about several common plants. Each child was then allowed to choose a potted native plant (supplied by the chapter) to take home. Many thanks to the chapter members who participated in this program to help spark the children’s interest in nature. These included Diane Rooks and Ann Ethridge, Co-Chairs of the chapter’s Education Committee, Beth Chance, chapter President, and Carol Hight, the chapter’s Director of Restoration.
Campers line up on the Troll Bridge at Buffalo Creek
