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
Native Plant Sale at Smoke Stack Farmer’s Market June 20, 2026
July Chapter Meeting – Free Screening of “Roots So Deep”
We’re escaping the July heat with an exciting meeting! On Sunday, July 12th we will be presenting a free screening of “Roots So Deep.” This is a 4-part documentary series all about inventive farmers and maverick scientists building a path to solving climate change with hooves, heart, and soil. We will be showing Episodes 1 & 4 of the series from 2 pm – 4pm at the Athens Clarke County Extension Office. There will be an intermission with free (light) refreshments!
Spread the word and invite friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone you think would enjoy it! This event is free and open to everyone, but space is limited so please preregister!
June Chapter Meeting – All Things Invasive
Privet, stiltgrass, and elaeagnus, OH MY! If these are four letter words in your household (yardhold?), then come join us for our June meeting. Stephanie Green, Ecological Resources Coordinator with Athens Clarke County’s Sustainability Department, will be educating us on “All Things Invasive.” Stephanie is a regular face at our meetings, and we are excited to be able to pick her brain about managing invasives. The June meeting will be held at Sandy Creek Nature Center on Wednesday, June 10th from 6 pm – 7:30 pm.
If you have any native seeds or plants you would like to share or swap with others, feel free to bring them along. Please leave live plants outside until after the event. We will have chapter shirts, and yard signs for sale.
Our events are always free and open to the public, bring your friends and family!
The Athens-East Piedmont Chapter typically 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.
The Secret Life of Native Trees and Shrubs
The West Georgia Chapter June meeting features a presentation by Charlane Hemphill, Fayette County Master
Gardener Extension Volunteer and Georgia Master Naturalist. Charlane will discuss native plants’ role as hosts
for moths and butterflies. She’ll also review the variety of native trees and shrubs for our area and explain the
connections between wildlife, native plants, and a thriving ecosystem.
Charlane is the Operations Manager for the Fayette County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers, She is
dedicated to community service through the Master Gardener program—managing the Education Garden,
supporting the extension county office, coordinating the annual plant sale and teaching educational classes. At
home, she puts her passion into practice by cultivating a thriving native habitat.
A reception with light refreshments will begin at 6:30 followed by the program at 7:00 and a drawing for door
prizes at the conclusion.
Plant BioBlitz Identifies Many Native Species
On May 14, seven GNPS members performed a targeted native plant BioBlitz at a former golf course in Bowdon
that is now owned by a local nonprofit organization called SUSTAIN. The land is being converted into a park,
preserve, and environmental education center, but is not yet open to the public. It spans a variety of habitats,
including meadow/prairie and woodland.
Sarah Maloy, Founder and Executive Director, stated that the BioBlitz results would be used to “identify areas
that should be preserved, determine where restoration work may be needed, support future habitat enhancement
projects, and help protect existing native plant communities.”
During the two-hour inventory, the GNPS volunteers identified 58 native species, including 24 trees, 6 shrubs, 4
ferns, 4 vines, 3 grasses, and 17 others.
We hope to repeat the BioBlitz later in the summer when a different set of species are in bloom. If you’d like to
participate, watch for announcements in our chapter emails and newsletters.
West Georgia Chapter BioBlitz participants
