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 Week BioBlitz @ Amerson River Park (Macon)
Bee Prepared for Pollinator Week!
Happy Pollinator Week! We’ll be celebrating this Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm at the National Pollinator Week Festival in Decatur. Come out and see us, and in the meantime, enjoy this graphic made by our chapter president, Lauren Owens!

Ready to add more pollinator plants to your garden? Find out more about keystone plants for the eastern US, or browse the GNPS Piedmont plant list!
Volunteer at Beecatur
We will be tabling at the National Pollinator Week Festival in Decatur, affectionately known as Beecatur, on Saturday, June 27th from 10 am until 2 pm at Harmony Park in Decatur.
Sign up for a two-hour shift at this fun event to help us spread the word about native plants! No experience necessary; you will be paired with an experienced Intown GNPS volunteer.
Programming and Education Committee Meeting
August 6th at 6:00 pm
Virtual
Do you have ideas for programming that you’d like to help make happen? Want to help us plan and coordinate upcoming events? Join us for a Programming and Education Committee planning meeting, where we will finalize the calendar for the end of 2026 and set a plan for 2027. No experience required!
This meeting will take place over Zoom. Click here to register.
Georgia’s Diverse Natural Communities
Saturday, July 25th, 12:00 – 2:30 pm
Decatur Legacy Park
Natural communities are the groups of interacting plants, animals, fungi, and microbes that live together in a specific place. Join us to learn about the diverse natural communities of Georgia, including what makes them special and how to identify them. We will discuss the environmental factors that influence the vegetation of our iconic oak-pine forests, precious mountain coves, prairies, high mountain summits, pitcher-plant bogs, granite outcrops, fire-dependent longleaf pine woodlands, and more, as time allows.
About the Speaker: Melanie Flood is the Eastern Region Field Biologist for the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program and is based in Durham, NC. She was born and raised in northwest Georgia and has been working on plant conservation efforts since 2015. She has held positions with the GA Department of Natural Resources, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and as an independent contracting botanist.
This event is $5 for GNPS members and $10 for non-members. Advance registration is required. Click here to register!

