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
Pollinator Party – Great Southeast Pollinator Census!
Join the Intown Atlanta Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society and Food Well Alliance at the Lake Claire Community Land Trust to celebrate our pollinating insects and “bee” a part of this community science initiative!
Food Well Alliance is partnering with the Intown Atlanta Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society and the Lake Claire Community Land Trust to host a counting event for the Greath Southeast Pollinator Census. Get ready for this hands-on community science event where you’ll help count and identify the pollinators visiting the gardens. We’ll provide all the tools and instructions you need, no experience required. You’ll learn more about the bees, butterflies, and other backyard heroes that keep our ecosystems thriving.
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census seeks to increase entomological literacy among communities and provide useful data about pollinator populations.
What to Expect: This is a drop-in event! You can come to the Land Trust anytime between 10am-1pm to learn more about some of our native pollinators, participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, and visit the tables of awesome organizations supporting pollinators in Atlanta including:
- The Intown Atlanta Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society
- Food Well Alliance
- Bees Knees Nursery – Bees Knees Nursery is a brand new backyard nursery that specializes in Georgia native plants. Bees Knees will be selling 20+ species that are great for pollinators, including mountain mint and milkweed. Click the link above to be added to their email list!
You’ll be taking the census in the Lake Claire Community Land Trust and will also be able to explore this beautiful garden space while you’re there!
What to Wear/Bring: The entire event takes place outdoors, so please wear comfortable clothes for an outdoor setting in August. A filled water bottle, close-toed shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat are also recommended to stay comfrotable while you participate in the census.
We’ll have all of the materials needed to take the census but you are welcome to bring your own clipboards, favorite writing utensil and insect and flower ID guides if you’d like!
Getting to the Pollinator Party: The Lake Claire Community Land Trust has a small parking area at the end of Arizona Avenue and additional street parking is available throughout the neighborhood. The Land Trust is located a little over 1/2 mile from the Candler Park MARTA Station.
The land trust does have some hills, unpaved walkways, and uneven terrain.
Film Screening: Gardening for the Planet
August 9th at 1:00 pm
Trees Atlanta
825 Warner St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
Join the Intown Atlanta Chapter of GNPS and Trees Atlanta for a special screening of Gardening for the Planet—a hopeful documentary that reimagines how we respond to climate change. In a world shaped by rising temperatures, shifting ecosystems, and growing eco-anxiety, this film offers something we all need: A path forward. Watch the trailer here!
We Need Them, Now They Need Us; Pollinator Decline and How We Can Help with Dr. Jennifer Berry
Come join us at Sandy Creek Nature Center on Wednesday, August 12th from 6 pm – 7:30 pm for an educational presentation from Dr. Jennifer Berry of UGA’s Honey Bee Program about what we can do to help stop pollinator decline.
The Athens-East Piedmont Chapter usually meets:
- In odd numbered months: the 2nd Sunday of the month from 2 pm – 3:30 pm at the Athens-Clarke County Extension Office.
- In even numbered months: the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 6 pm – 7:30 at Sandy Creek Nature Center.
- These meetings may be rescheduled if there are field trips or work days.
Events are always free and open to the public. Events are typically followed by a native seed swap.
Boy Scout Road Native Plant Festival (Byron, GA)
Save the Date! The Fringed Campion Chapter 2026 Native Plant Festival will be held on Saturday September 19th at Boy Scout Road Nursery. Stay tuned for details!
Volunteers to help with planning, event set up, and day of the event are needed! Email fringedcampion@gnps.org if you would like to lend a hand!
