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
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.
Centerville Library Garden Workday 1/25/2024 2P
Come join Fringed Campion Chapter members and friends on Thursday, January 25, 2024 from 2 to 3 PM for a workday at the Centerville Library Native Plant Garden! Be sure to wear gardening attire (long sleeves and pants, hat, gloves, shoes that can get dirty) and bring tools for weeding if you have them. Also bring a lawn chair if you want a spot to take a rest.
Check the Facebook event for any last minute updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/897715818767246
Sow it Goes: A Native Seed Saving Workshop
Weed Wrangle at Rose Hill Cemetery (Macon) 2/3/24 10 AM
Team up with Fringed Campion Chapter members and friends at the Oak Ridge Cemetery entry gate, which is a block or two north of the main entrance to Rose Hill Cemetery at 10 am on February 3, 2024. We will remove non-native invasive plant species (English ivy, privet, mimosa, Bradford pear, Chinese tallow, paper mulberry) from this historic cemetery.
Dress for garden work (long pants, long sleeves, gloves, hat, boots), bring a water bottle and any tools you have to cut or lop undesirable woody and herbaceous 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. Please bring pruners or loppers if you have them, as we will probably not have enough to loan to everyone who volunteers.
Check the event page on Facebook for any last minute updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/383555717395957
Native Plant Walk at Selma Erwin Nature Trail
Walk with your native plant friends on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 1:30 PM through the beautiful woods of this preserve to see the trout lilies blooming! Dress appropriately for the weather, wear hiking shoes, and bring your camera!
Park in the field at the main entrance to Selma Erwin Trails: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qr3WP86tnJu43fyW8
Check the Event on Facebook for any last minute changes: https://www.facebook.com/events/1099851567679797