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
GMREC Tour
Chapter tours the University of Georgia Mountain Research & Education Center (GMREC) native plant gardens. Tour guides included members of the Union/Townes County Master Gardeners. We thank GMREC and the Master Gardeners for hosting the group.
N GA Mountains Chapter members and guests listen to Glenn Henderson at the start of the GMREC tour.
Members tour the “ridge” at GMREC. Native plants were viewed at the ridge, wildflower garden, pollinator garden, the bog and the fern garden.
Startup Committee Status
The Intown Atlanta startup committee has met multiple times since June. Most of the required steps for full approval as a chapter of GNPS have been completed. We expect to be incorporated in the next month or so, which will be the final step before being eligible for full chapter status. We understand that many local members are excited about having activities, and currently we hope to have some events in the fall. Meanwhile, we encourage all members in the area to affiliate with the existing or forming chapter that best serves their needs. In particular, if you live inside the perimeter of Atlanta, you should consider the Intown Chapter or the North Metro Chapter. Affiliating with a chapter will ensure that you get notices about upcoming events. GNPS members are always welcome at the activities of other chapters, aside from voting on chapter matters, so there is no way that you can join the wrong chapter.
Native Plant Resolution Passed in City of Roswell
The City of Roswell unanimously passed a resolution to use native plants in city landscaping on June 14th, 2021.
This resolution was the product of a grassroots effort of a few residents who shared a passion for native plants and preserving the local ecosystem. Residents, including many from our forming North Metro Atlanta Chapter, wrote in letters and even recorded videos to show their support to the city council over the course of a year. Many showed up to the city council meeting and gave comments in support of the resolution.
As a result of their hard work, starting in 2021, 60% of newly designed or updated city landscapes will comprise of native plants. By 2024, that number will grow to 80%.
The resolution states that native plants are a cornerstone to maintaining a healthy biodiversity and reducing stormwater runoff, as well as preserving and promoting a historical and cultural heritage.
The city will also develop a pilot project that will create a plan to eradicate invasive plant species.
You can find the details of this resolution here.
Intown Atlanta Chapter Interest Meeting
If you are in the Intown Atlanta area and are interested in joining a new GNPS chapter, please register to join us for a virtual Intown Atlanta chapter interest meeting on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at7:00 PM. Once you register you will receive the instructions for joining the event.
What we’ll be focusing on during the meeting:
- Meeting other chapter area members
- Reviewing the chapter quick start guide
- Choosing the startup committee
- Discussing the name of the chapter
- Discussing potential meeting locations
- and more!
We look forward to “seeing” you there!
Athens Chapter Interest Meeting
Are you in the Athens area and interested in joining a new GNPS chapter? If so, please join us for a virtual Athens chapter interest meeting on Saturday, May 15 at 2 PM. Once you register you will receive the instructions for joining the event.
Click here to register for the Athens Chapter Interest Meeting.
What we’ll be focusing on during the meeting:
- Meeting other chapter area members
- Reviewing the chapter quick start guide
- Choosing the startup committee
- Discussing the name of the chapter
- Discussing potential meeting locations
- and more!
We look forward to “seeing” you there!