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
Amerson River Park (Macon) Weed Wrangle
Fringed Campion Chapter members and friends will meet at the Amerson River Park on Tuesday March 5, 2024 at 10 am for a weed wrangle. We will be removing non-native invasive plant species (English ivy, privet, mimosa, Bradford pear, Chinese tallow, paper mulberry) from the park. Attire for garden work (long pants, long sleeves, gloves, hat, boots) is recommended. 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.
Check the Facebook event for any updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/1569523357218090
Selma Erwin Nature Preserve Weed Wrangle March 2, 2024 1:30 pm
Restoration Training
February 15
7:00-8:30 pm
Zoom (link to be sent to all registered participants)
Register Here (Session is Full)
Sponsoring Body: Restoration Subcommittee of the GNPS Conservation Committeehttps://api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/cZWHS3OrngtbcpvKOeZ-DddzRtFsxPYM-fXmzzC2yPg=/i1KVGDkUlRUmQOhX0aU_xUj8_4exlo5TXTTqMzFcKUE=
Purpose: Provide basic information about GNPS Habitat Restoration Projects, encourage chapters to initiate Habitat Restoration Projects, and provide resources and networking opportunities to support new and existing Habitat Restoration Projects. Click here to read more about the GNPS Habitat Restoration Program.
Audience: GNPS members of any experience level are welcome.
Topics and Speakers:
| Time | Topic | Leader |
| 7:00 pm | Welcome and Introductions | Suzy Nicksic |
| 7:05 pm | Definition & Overview of Restoration Projects | Suzy Nicksic |
| 7:10 pm | Restoration Volunteer Recruitment, Tracking, Waivers; Use of professionals for invasive removals | Lori Conway |
| 7:30 pm | Defining plant communities being restored, identifying a reference site | Connie Ghosh |
| 7:50 pm | Goal-setting and Assessment | Carol Bokros |
| 8:10 pm | Annual Reporting | Nikki Belmonte |
| 8:30 pm | Wrap-Up & Discussion | Suzy Nicksic |
Questions? Email Suzy Nicksic, chair of the restoration committee: suzy@organicgardenco.com
Amerson River Park Native Plant Garden Workday 2/3/24 1-3 PM
Members and friends of the Fringed Campion Chapter will gather at the Amerson River Park Native Plant Garden for a workday on February 3, 2024 from 1 to 3 pm. Your help is much appreciated! We will be installing educational signage, planting a few things, and adding sand to the patio area.
Dress for garden work and/or invasive plant removal (long pants, long sleeves, gloves, hat, boots). Bring a water bottle and any tools you have to shovel sand, dig, pull weeds, or cut down invasive non-native plants. Participants must be 12 years or older, participants under 18 must have an adult participating or nearby, and all participants must sign the GNPS waiver of liability before working.
A Year of Native Gardening in Atlanta with Intown GNPS
Bring your calendars and join us at the:
5234 Lavista Rd., Tucker
2 – 4 p.m.
Saturday, January 20th
Registration Required.
There are just a few spots left, so secure your seat now. Register here.
This presentation will jam-packed with information to make your native gardening efforts productive and rewarding. Our panelists will present information that will help you create a garden that has visual interest year round. We’ll also cover when to tackle garden tasks, like sowing, planting, and removing invasives, for the best impact. We’ll wrap it up by sharing helpful resources and the “can’t miss” events related to native gardening throughout the year. We’ll leave plenty of time for our panel of experts to answer your questions.
If you’d like to submit a question in advance, please email kim.hansen@gnps.org by Thursday 1/18.
Your speakers:
Michael Hudgins began his journey with invasive plant removal in 2017 as a service member with AmeriCorps working to restore natural areas in Northwest Atlanta. He soon developed a deep passion for forest restoration and founded Woods Keeper in 2020. Work sites include Chastain Park, Grant Park, private homes and other green spaces throughout the metro Atlanta area. Offering invasive plant removal by hand, Woods Keeper aims to preserve existing native plant species as well as the native seed bank that’s just waiting for some sunlight and a little room to grow.
Laura Qadri, a newly appointed Intown GNPS board member, fell in love with native plants while taking classes at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens to earn a certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration. Since moving to Georgia in 2020, Laura has been converting her yard into a native landscape with the goal of receiving a GNPS Habitat Certification. She is also involved in community gardening and restoration projects, including planting a native pollinator garden at a local elementary school.
Michael and Laura have created a highly informative, season by season guide to developing a beautiful and ecologically beneficial native garden.