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
Mushroom Propagation Workshop
February Chapter Meeting – HOA Friendly Design
Come join us at Sandy Creek Nature Center on Wednesday, February 11th from 6 pm – 7:30 pm for an educational presentation from Board Vice President Lisa Stephens. Lisa will be discussing HOA friendly design tips for utilizing native plants, and will provide more details about our new propagation stipend for members.
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.
Invasive Plant Removal Workshop
2/7/2026 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Admission
- $10.00 – Register here
Location
1343 Pasadena Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
Description
To purchase a ticket at the member price, be sure to log into your GNPS account when prompted.
Learn to identify and remove many of the invasive species that cause ecological harm and reduce biodiversity in Intown Atlanta. This hands-on workshop will be led by Marti Breen, Co-Chair of the Intown Atlanta GNPS Restoration Committee, and Madison Cumminsky, Restoration Manager at Trees Atlanta.
Herbert Taylor Park is an Intown Atlanta GNPS restoration site and a great laboratory for the workshop – its 30+ acres are in the middle of an Intown neighborhood where homeowners’ yards are full of every invasive species imaginable. You will be able to see firsthand the differences between the various invasive species and native ‘look-alikes.’ We will cover the best time for removal, and then we’ll actually practice various removal methods.
Dress for changing weather – we recommend layers that can be shed as we work. Wear long sleeves and pants, and closed-toed shoes/boots and bring your own water, bug repellent, and sunscreen. We’ll have garden gloves and tools you can borrow or you can bring your favorites like trowels, soil knives, and clippers.
Propagation Grants Now Available!
The Athens-East Piedmont Chapter is now offering grants to assist members with supply costs for growing Georgia native plants for our annual native plant sale in May. Members may use the stipend for growing medium, seeds, pots, and related costs associated with propagation from seed, or division of existing plants. In exchange, members will commit to growing a minimum 5 species of plants native to Georgia. Applicants can commit to either growing 35 or 50 plants, with differing levels of funding.
If interested, or for questions or propagation guidance, please contact Lisa Stephens at Stephens.lisam@gmail.com.
