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
A Day in the Woods
The Coastal Plain Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society is planning to meet in conjunction with A Day in the Woods at Gaskins Forest Education Center in Alapaha, Georgia on April 23, 2016. The event includes forest and wildlife activities for the whole family. The Coastal Plains Chapter, GNPS will have a station related to landscaping with native plants.
This event is FREE with no commercial activities. Local people will share their love of outdoors, craftsmanship and knowledge of local traditions. Activities will relate to forestry, wildlife, outdoor recreation, crafts and history. Most activities will be ongoing, so you can come and go at your leisure. Some activities may involve getting hands dirty and feet wet, so come prepared. Samples of game meat—hog and deer, and maybe others—will be provided mid-afternoon. This is not intended as a full meal. If you want to cookout for your evening meal, bring your own food. Cooking facilities provided.
Event Activities 1-5 pm *** Nature Walks 7-9 pm *** Astronomy 9-10:30 pm *** Bring Your Own Cookout 5-7 pm
Location: Gaskins Forest Education Center, 3359 Moore Sawmill Rd., Alapaha, Georgia.
Wolf Creek Trout Lily
The bloom is coming up of tens of millions of trout lilies at Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve in Grady County. The Coastal Plain Chapter and others from GNPS are invited to join Georgia Botanical Society for a field trip February 13, 1-3 pm. For people who want to come at another time, the gate will be open throughout the bloom for self-guided tours. Schedules of guided tours, photos, and more info. are at www.wolfcreektroutlilypreserve.com. The schedules will be amended after February 2 and as changes are needed. Updates on the progress of the bloom will be posted at www.facebook.com/WolfCreekTroutLilyPreserve
Trip Leaders: Beth Grant and Ed McDowell
Description: The Wolf Creek Tract is a 140-acre preserve owned by Grady County, managed by local conservation organizations, and recognized as the greatest expanse – about 8 acres – of trout lilies (Erythronium umbilicatum) in the world. Mixed in with the trout lilies are spotted trillium and three orchid species, Southern Twayblade (Listera australis), Wister’s Coralroot (Corallorhiza wisteriana), and Crane Fly Orchid (Tipularia discolor). (Depending on our winter, the first two orchids may not have emerged.) These along with other early spring wildflowers and the surrounding rich mesic forest make this northeast-facing seep a botanical wonderland.
Facilities: None at the site.
Difficulty: The site will be damp with maybe standing water in a few places so bring appropriate footwear. Walking is easy.
Bring: Water, snacks, camera, hand lens, a hiking stick, and rain gear.
Contact: Beth Grant < bethgrant@bellsouth.net> 229 200 2564 for questions.
West Georgia Chapter Meeting Feb 16 Dragonflies & Damselflies
The West Georgia Chapter will host Giff Beaton at their February meeting in Carrollton. Giff Beaton is the author of Dragonflies & Damselflies of Georgia and the Southeast and will be speaking on that very topic. The meeting will be Tuesday, February 16th with meet and greet at 6:30 and program at 7:00 pm.
Meeting location: Carroll County Ag Center 900 Newnan Rd Carrollton GA 30117
All chapter meetings are free and open to the public. Bring a friend! Come early and enjoy a walk on the adjacent Buffalo Creek Trail, an active Chapter restoration project. The entrance is visible from the Ag Center parking area.
Native plants will be available for purchase at the meeting.
Visit the chapter’s website at: WGAWildflowers.org
Visit the chapter on Facebook at Georgia Native Plant Society – West Georgia Chapter
Coastal Plain Chapter Meeting March 23, 2016
The next meeting of the Coastal Plain Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society will be held in conjunction with the South Georgia Native Plant and Wildflower Symposium held annually in Tifton Georgia. This year the meeting will be held on March 23, 2016. This year’s symposium promises to be better than ever. Space is limited so you should register early. The Coastal Plain Chapter meeting will be held immediately following the symposium on site. For information on the symposium and registration go to www.sgnpws.org .
Dwarf Iris (Iris verna)