Chapters in Georgia Native Plant Society

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Coastal Plain habitat
West Georgia Chapter GNPS folks on field trip
North Georgia Mountains Chapter startup meeting at Georgia Mountains Research and Education Center (GMREC) in Blairsville

July gathering of N. Ga. Mountains Chapter Startup at the Georgia Mountains Research and Education Center (GMREC) in Blairsville, after the business meeting when we were being split into smaller groups for tours of the property.

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

Invasive Plant Removal at the Selma Erwin Nature Preserve

by Donna Bennett | Apr 4, 2023 | Fringed Campion Chapter | 0 Comments

Fringed Campion Chapter members and friends are meeting at the Selma Erwin Nature Preserve (2460 Vinson Hwy, Milledgeville, GA 31061) for an invasive plant removal workday on April 16 from 2:30-4:30 pm. Bring your favorite weed wrangling gear, such as a chain saw, hand saw, or loppers! Protect yourself with long pants and sleeves, gloves, boots, and a hat! Stay hydrated, bring a water bottle (or 2)!

Target plants are Bradford pears, invasive privet, and Japanese honeysuckle.

Note: This site does not have potable water, restroom facilities, or portable potties available.

All participants must sign the GNPS activity waiver of liability at the event.

Visit our event post in Facebook for any last minute updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/773177934248800

Fringed Campion Chapter Native Plant Sale Postponed!

by Donna Bennett | Apr 4, 2023 | Fringed Campion Chapter, Plant Sale | 0 Comments

The Fringed Campion Chapter at the Wesleyan Market will not happen this month! The weather forecast for Saturday has dampened our plans! We will reschedule soon!

Visit the event page in Facebook for any updates and possible rain delays or cancellation: https://www.facebook.com/events/769375161448303

Amerson River Park Native Plant Garden Work Day: April 8 4-6 PM

by Donna Bennett | Apr 4, 2023 | Fringed Campion Chapter | 0 Comments

The Fringed Campion Chapter volunteers continue work at the Amerson River Park Native Plant Garden. Weather permitting, volunteers will meet on April 8 from 4 to 6 pm.

Dress for garden work (long pants, long sleeves, gloves, hat, boots), bring a water bottle and any tools you have to help plant the next round of native plants. Participants must be 12 years or older, and all participants must sign the GNPS waiver of liability before working.

Check the event page in Facebook for any last minute updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/877738293297227

Spring Native Plant Share & Swap

by Tom Collins | Mar 20, 2023 | Intown Atlanta Chapter | 0 Comments

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.

Thank you,

Kim Hansen
Intown Atlanta Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society

March 19 3-5 PM : Azalea Ramble & Native Plant Sale

by Donna Bennett | Mar 14, 2023 | Field Trips, Fringed Campion Chapter, Plant Sale | 0 Comments

All are welcome to join Fringed Campion Chapter for a Peach County Azalea Ramble & Native Plant Sale.

The rain last Sunday required us to change the date of the Ramble again! The new date and time is March 19, 2023 from 3-5 PM. If you previously signed up for a tour, please sign up for a new time. And if you have not previously registered, there are still spots available.

Participants will experience a wide assortment of plant communities on this fall line property in Peach County. See groves of deciduous native azaleas, Rhododendron canescens (Piedmont azalea) and other native plants like American olive, inkberry, sparkleberry, Elliott’s blueberry, cottony golden aster, and more. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the site. No dogs, please. No restrooms are on site. Exact location and directions will be included in an email to all registered participants.

Tour groups are limited to 5 and will leave on the hour. Reservations are required; reserve your spot for one of the following tour types using this link: https://forms.gle/q91qVNffyaSoDTuz9

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