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
October Chapter Meeting: Let’s Talk Dirt!
The Fringed Campion Chapter invites members and friends to attend a chapter meeting on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 at 6 pm in the Willet Science Center Auditorium on Mercer University’s Macon Campus. Our speaker will be Dr. Paige Tench who will share what she has learned about the fascinating way microbes and plants work together to sustain each other.
Enter the Mercer University Campus from the south side at College St (NOT Stadium Dr), then park near the tennis courts or behind Willet Science Center. Enter Willet Science Center from the front doors (with the glass lobby).
For any updates, please check the Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/816023867359213
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census at Amerson River Park
For any updates on this event, see https://www.facebook.com/events/870757254941983
August Volunteer Opportunities in the Macon Gardens
Now that the height of summer has passed, we are optimistic that cooler temps are on their way! A few workdays have been planned for August, including native plant gardening and weed wrangling.
On Wednesday, August 21, 2024 from 5:30-7:30 pm, chapter members and friends will work at the Amerson River Park Native Plant Garden & Monarch Waystation. Let’s spruce up the garden! We will weed, check on our trellises, move some mulch, and possibly cut down some Chinese tallow in the woods near the garden if it is not too hot! Dress for garden work (long pants, long sleeves, gloves, hat, work boots). Bring a water bottle and any tools you have.
Participants must be 18 or older and must sign the GNPS waiver of liability before working. (For full details and any last minute updates, see: https://www.facebook.com/events/1632361714284639)
On Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 9-11 am, volunteers will remove invasive plants at the Amerson River Park. We will be removing non-native invasive plant species (English ivy, privet, mimosa, Bradford pear, Chinese tallow, paper mulberry) from the park, so dress for “weed wrangling”! (Long pants, long sleeves, gloves, hat, boots) and bring a water bottle and any tools you have to cut or lop undesirable plants. Participants must be 12 years or older, participants under 18 must have an adult participating, and all participants must sign the GNPS waiver of liability before working.(For full details and any last minute updates, see: https://www.facebook.com/events/478117278493206)
On Saturday, August 31, 2024 from 7:30-9:30 am, chapter members and friends are invited to gather at the Old City Cemetery to weed and care for the garden. Outside work clothes recommended: long pants, long sleeves, gloves, hat, work boots). Bring a water bottle and any tools you have to dig and weed. Participants must be 18 or older and must sign the GNPS waiver of liability before volunteering. (For full details and any last minute updates, see: https://www.facebook.com/events/3685228005026064)
Show Your Support for Native Plants with a Chapter Yard Sign
Want to proclaim your love of Georgia’s native plants and support the Fringed Campion Chapter at the same time? Purchase a sign to display in your yard. Signs will be available for purchase at the July 18th chapter meeting at the Macon Museum of Arts & Sciences (MAS) beginning at the 6:30 pm native plant garden tour and after the 7 pm presentation, Oaky Woods WMA: It’s History, It’s Wonders, and New Challenges.
The cost of either a metal (9×12″) or corrugated plastic (24×18″) sign is only $20.
Can’t make it to this month’s meeting? No worries! We will have a limited supply at other chapter events and plant sales this fall! But get yours early, because when they are gone, they are gone!
Oaky Woods WMA: Its History, Its Wonders, and New Challenges
Join the Fringed Campion Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society for an evening program at the Macon Museum of Arts & Sciences (MAS) on Thursday, July 18 beginning at 6:30 pm.
At 6:30 pm meet at the MAS Native Plant Garden for a tour led by a Master Gardener of Central Georgia.
After the tour, we will go into the MAS Auditorium for a program about the Oaky Woods Wildlife Management Area in Houston and Pulaski, home to a recovering population of middle Georgia black bears, rare native plants, and a black prairie remnant. John Trussell, Master Naturalist and author of Saving Oaky Woods will present Oaky Woods WMA: Its History, Its Wonders, and New Challenges at 7 pm.
This event is free and open to the public regardless of membership. Bring a friend!
Check the event in Facebook for any last minute updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/830661255680312
