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
February 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 Feb. 12 and 26 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/1Vxt5oK4p
Native Plant Hike at Selma Erwin Nature Preserve
Join Fringed Campion Chapter members, friends, and family on a native plant walk at the Selma Erwin Nature Preserve in Baldwin County. This old growth tract is chock-full of native plants and March is a perfect time to discover and admire those elusive spring ephemerals. The trails are built and maintained by the local mountain bike club.
The terrain is steep in places and can be muddy, so full mobility is needed to navigate the trail. This is a primitive site–no bathroom facilities are available, but plenty of trees. Plan accordingly.
Meet at 10:00 am at 2460 Vinson Hwy, Milledgeville, GA 31061. This address is across the street from a field in which we will park and begin our hike. Look for the “Plant Hike” sign at the edge of the road. If you use the What3Words app on your phone, these words will guide you to the exact spot: ///sift.older.immune (You may see the name spelled “Selma Erwin” which I believe is correct. Other sources may call this place “Selma Irwin trails”, either name will get you there.)
Wear long sleeves, long pants, hat, hiking boots or shoes, and insect repellent, and bring drinking water, a walking stick, and trail snacks if desired.
See the event in the GNPS calendar: https://gnps.org/calendar-event/native-plant-hike-at-selma-erwin-nature-preserve/
Check event in Facebook for any last minute changes: https://fb.me/e/2kPT5Z0dd
Propagating Without A Mist System Workshop
The Fringed Campion Chapter invite GNPS members to participate in a hands-on workshop at Flat Creek Natives in Perry, GA on Feb. 16, 2023 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Workshop presenters are Paul Sumner and Amy Heidt from the Coastal Plain Chapter. In this workshop, participants will learn the advantages of this propagation method, how to construct floating beds, mix planting medium, and plant the trays. Seed saving and storage will also be covered.
$25.00 registration fee. Link for online payment is included in the registration form.
Advance registration required. Register here: https://forms.gle/MEvphxUSieMb88p96
Workshop size is limited to 15 Georgia Native Plant Society members.
Winter Sowing Native Plants
Courtesy of Intown Atlanta GNPS Board Member Laura Markson and Nurture Native Nature
One of the ongoing goals of the Intown Atlanta GNPS is to make adding native plants to the landscape easier for everyone. This past year we had our inaugural Native Plant Share & Swap which was a great success with 85 people sharing and swapping over 600 native plants!
Winter sowing is another way to make adding native plants more accessible. Our Intown board decided to host a winter sowing workshop and seed sharing opportunity as our first big event of the year. I created content with a word document and photos that my uber talented daughter who is a graphic designer turned into an amazing Powerpoint. I’m typically more comfortable in the background, so my only personal challenge to overcome was being in the front of the room doing the presentation itself.
The event quickly reached capacity at 80 with a capped waiting list. Hopefully, offering the presentation in a sharable form will reach more people who want to try winter sowing native plants to restore the ecosystem where they live.
To view the full presentation, click here:
https://gnps.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Winter-Sowing-Slides-DOWNLOAD-VERSION.pdf
Intown GNPS Restoration Committee in Action
This winter, the Restoration Committee is doubling down, bringing both volunteers and expertise to GNPS Restoration sites. Members of the committee planned meetings in December at both Stone Mountain Nature Garden and at Herbert Taylor Park to learn the latest techniques for removing invasive species.
Jane Trentin and Cal Crutchfield, GNPS members, attended the Innovations in Invasive Plant Control Conference in Nashville where experts from around the world presented ways to address invaders in our environment. Many of the species that threaten our parks come from surrounding neighbors who unknowingly use invasive species like privet, vinca, English ivy, nandina and mahonia in their landscapes. Speakers at the conference discussed techniques that have proven effective in the Southeast and our members returned to Atlanta eager to put the information to work.
Restoration work is very rewarding, as results are seen immediately and as the seasons progress. On December 30 as we pulled ivy off the trees in Herbert Taylor Park, we uncovered some native River cane (Arundinaria gigantea) and opened up an area where it was thriving. Hand pulling a stand of Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) revealed American holly (Ilex opaca) and Florida Anise (Illicium floridanum). Our next meeting is January 15th from 2-4 at Stone Mountain. Join the Intown GNPS Restoration committee, guided by Jane Trentin, for a hike on the trail just off the Nature Garden parking lot. See the forest in all its winter glory. We’ll have a weed wrench to yank the mahonia that has invaded the area. We will also encounter some Chinese holly and American holly, allowing us to compare and learn to tell the difference between the two. Keep an eye out for the email with the registration link this week. Contact Suzy Nicksic, Intown GNPS Restoration Chair, with questions at suzy@organicgardenco.com.
Pictured are the groups that gathered to clear areas of Herbert Taylor Park. Besides a sense of accomplishment (see before & after photos below), volunteers have a lot of fun chatting and learning about the invasive species we are removing and the native plants we are discovering. Come experience the joy, 2:00 – 4:00 PM on Sunday, January 15, at Stone Mountain Nature Garden and January 29, at Herbert Taylor Park (1343 Pasadena Ave NE, Atlanta, 30306). Check back for the schedule of future meetings at other GNPS Restoration sites.
Before
After just a couple of hours!