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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

Biodiversity in the Preserve: A Community Science Walk

by | Apr 3, 2026 | | 0 Comments

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Biodiversity in the Preserve:
A Community Science Walk

Sunday, April 26, 2026, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Lionel Hampton–Beecher Hills Nature Preserve
2257 Bollingbrook Dr SW
Atlanta, GA 30311
(Address nearest the entrance)

Register now! 
Join Intown GNPS board members Vanessa Miot and Laura Qadri for a guided walk at Lionel Hampton–Beecher Hills Nature Preserve, where we will explore, observe, and document the plants and wildlife that shape this unique urban habitat.

This walk is designed to welcome both seasoned naturalists and those just beginning their journey. Children and adults alike are encouraged to participate and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts.

As part of the global City Nature Challenge, led locally by Fernbank Museum, attendees will learn how to identify and document wildlife using the community science platform iNaturalist. Contributing your findings strengthens biodiversity data for our region and supports ongoing research and conservation efforts.

This event is free, but registration is required. 

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This event offers a welcoming opportunity for:

  • A relaxed, guided walk through wooded trails

  • Hands-on help identifying species

  • Guidance and tips for using the community science platform iNaturalist

  • An opportunity to contribute to scientific research and knowledge of the plants and animals in our city

  • A welcoming space for curious minds of all ages

What to Bring:

  • Water (no bathrooms on site)

  • Smartphone or camera (optional but helpful for documenting species; downloading the iNaturalist app ahead of time will also be helpful)

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sun protection

Please note: This walk will be approximately a mile in total, over natural and steep paved terrain.

Parking:

  • Street parking is available nearby

  • Carpooling is encouraged
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Spring Native Plant Swap

by | Apr 2, 2026 | | 0 Comments

Picture of a sunny field with small plants in pots that at least 20 people are browsing

Get Ready for the Spring Native Plant Swap and Social!

Saturday, May 2nd, at 12:00 pm
Zonolite Park
1164 Zonolite Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Start preparing your plants for one of our most popular events! You will be able to swap up to 10 plants. If you have extra, please bring more to share with others. If you don’t have plants to share, come anyway – we will have extra so nobody will leave empty-handed!

As you prepare, remember, only plants native to Georgia and not invasive in the Piedmont (e.g., no Carolina cherry laurels or southern magnolias) will be accepted for the swap. To find more information on native range of your plants, visit BoNAP, USDA Plants Database, or Flora of the Southeastern US.

Click this link to learn how to prepare for the plant swap.

Volunteers get first pick at the plant swap! Click here if you’d like to volunteer. If you’re a vendor who’d like to be present at the plant swap, please email Jeremiah at jeremiahgwood@gmail.com.

Azalea Festival & Native Plant Sale

Azalea Festival & Native Plant Sale

by | Mar 24, 2026 | , , , | 0 Comments

Join the Fringed Campion Chapter on Saturday, April 11th for the Azalea Festival the Boy Scout Road Nursery. We will be offering nursery tours and educational presentations as well as selling native plants.

8:30 am – 12:30 pm          Native Plant Sale
9:15 am – 10:15 am          Introduction to Native Plants Presentation
10:15 am – 10:45 am          Boy Scout Road Nursery Tours
10:45 am – 11:45 am          Native Azaleas Presentation
11:45 am – 12:30 pm          Boy Scout Road Nursery Tours

Check the event listing in Facebook for full details: https://www.facebook.com/events/26403819202544680

Old City Cemetery (Macon) Open House

Old City Cemetery (Macon) Open House

by | Mar 24, 2026 | | 0 Comments

Join Fringed Campion Chapter on Sunday, 3/29, from 2 to 4 pm for an open house at the Old City Cemetery Garden in Macon during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about the chapter’s ecological restoration projects and the benefits of incorporating native plants into your own garden.
No sign up is required – just drop by while you’re downtown enjoying all the other exciting Cherry Blossom Festival Events!
For more information visit the event page in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1876374336398830
Hike with the Fringe @ Theron Ussery Park (N. Macon)

Hike with the Fringe @ Theron Ussery Park (N. Macon)

by | Mar 24, 2026 | , | 0 Comments

Come along with Fringed Campion Chapter members and friends on a native plant hike led by Kevin Haywood at the Theron Ussery Park / North Macon Park on March 28th, 2026 at 11AM. We’ll see trillium, rue anemone, and red buckeye in bloom along the trail. English ivy, leather leaf mahonia, nandina, and more invasive plants are also present and we’ll discuss how they disrupt native flora and fauna.
Time and Location
Theron Ussery Park is located in North Macon. Show up around 10:45 AM to read over and sign the GNPS waiver, chat with other participants, smear on the sunscreen, apply bug spray, and tuck those pants legs into your crew socks.
Facilities
Restrooms and potable water are available at the recreation center.
Safety

This trail is considered an easy to moderate difficulty. Some trail areas may be overgrown at times.
We encourage all participants to wear long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes or boots, and recommend wearing a hat. Bring a water bottle, and also some snacks if you’d like! Ticks will be active – you’ve been warned. Do what you need to do to protect yourself.
Event may be cancelled due to weather or for other unforeseen reasons. Filling out the sign up form will allow the event coordinator to reach you, if necessary, with any additional information or updates.

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