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

Native Plant Happy Hour

Native Plant Happy Hour

Join us at Sceptre Brewing Arts in Oakhurst for a community happy hour. Drop in anytime to meet fellow chapter members, talk native plants, and chat with a board member or two.

Food and drink will be available for purchase. No registration required.

Date: Thursday, September 17th

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Sceptre Brewing Arts, 630 East Lake Dr, Suite E, Decatur, GA 30030

Bug Snugs and Beyond: Wattle Workshop

Bug Snugs and Beyond: Wattle Workshop

Sticks, stems, and leaves aren’t trash! When you find ways to keep “yard waste” on your property, it can provide valuable habitat for wildlife and enrich your soil. During this hands-on workshop, we’ll investigate a variety of ways to incorporate these materials into our gardens.

This event is open only to GNPS members and costs $5. Space is limited; registration required.

Date: Saturday, September 12th

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: Decatur Community Habitat at Legacy Park

Click here to register!

Native Plant Hike @ Wesleyan Arboretum

Native Plant Hike @ Wesleyan Arboretum

Sign up to Join the Fringed Campion Chapter on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 9 am to explore Wesleyan College Arboretum with Arboretum Manager Barry Rhoades.  We will meet at the Matthews Athletic Center parking lot behind Foster Lake and wander from there.
Accredited by the Morton Registry of Arboreta in 2013, the arboretum comprises 100 acres of mixed pine and hardwood forest and lies within the boundaries of Wesleyan’s suburban Rivoli campus. More than 100 species of trees, shrubs and woody vines provide habitat for a diverse assortment of salamanders, snakes, lizards and mammals, as well as more than 150 species of resident and migratory birds. The five-acre Foster Lake, three streams and seasonal rain pools are home to nine species of turtles, fourteen species of frogs native and game fish. The Dice Anderson Cabin, built in 1938, restored in 1990 — and renovated in 2011 — and the Ellen Ann Edenfield Pavilion, built in 2011, serve as rustic focal points for classes, meetings, and special events.
The walk should be considered an easy hike and may include: Getting wet & muddy, stepping over fallen branches, roots & rocks on the path, exposure to ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, and everything that nature might send our way. Let’s go have fun!
We encourage all participants to wear long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes or boots, and recommend wearing a hat. And snacks, if you like snacks!
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.
Contact andrew.benesh@gnps.org with any questions!
iNat Survey of Amerson River Park Habitat Improvement Area

iNat Survey of Amerson River Park Habitat Improvement Area

Join Fringed Campion Chapter members and friends on Sunday, August 23, 2026 from 9:00-10:30 am. to discover the biodiversity, or lack thereof, in a 10 acre weedy area near the entrance of Amerson River Park. This 10 acre plot will be the location of a grassland restoration project that involves Georgia DNR, the Georgia Native Plant Society, and Birds Georgia. This citizen science exploration of the space will document what is currently growing in this location and maybe also the insect, bird, amphibian, and mammal populations that call it home.
 We’ll gather in the parking lot near the Amerson River Park entrance, Download the iNaturalist app and create an account before arriving and we can get started before the day gets too hot!
September Chapter Meeting

September Chapter Meeting

Join us for our September Chapter Meeting on Sunday, September 13th at the ACC Extension Office from 2 p – 3:30 p. Christine Scott, ACC Extension’s Ag and Natural Resources Program Assistant, will be giving a presentation about planting native ornamental grasses for songbirds. Our events are always free and open to the public!

Pin It on Pinterest

GNPS Menu