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
Centerville Branch Library Native Plant Garden Work Day, Nov. 2 1-3 PM
On Thursday, November 2nd from 1-3 pm, Fringed Campion Chapter members and friends will be gathering at the Centerville Branch of the Houston County Public Library System in Centerville, GA to refresh the native plantings and tidy up the beds.
We recommend that gardening attire be worn (long pants, hat, gloves, shoes that can get muddy) and bring tools for planting. Also bring a lawn chair if you would like a spot to take a rest. The library will be open and rest rooms will be available.
For any updates, visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/639743188348208
Join us for the Annual Meeting!
- Intown Chapter Board of Directors presentation on highlights from this year and next and ways to get involved in education, advocacy, and restoration activities.
- Intown chapter board election. The slate will be sent to members by Sunday, October 29. Up to four new members will be joining the board.
- Nikki Belmonte, the new State Executive Director for GNPS, will talk about some exciting updates at the state level.
- Panel discussion on lawn conversion: Shrinking and replacing your lawn with native habitat to support biodiversity. We will hear from local native landscaping professionals Tres Crow (Roots Down, Green Box Homes); Mandy Fisher (Gentle Gardener); Roxann Drew (Shades of Green Permaculture); and Tea Povolny (EcoLogic) on how to grow a better landscape.
- Tour the GNPS certified Native Garden. Come early or stay after the meeting to tour the gardens. GNPS Member Tom Collins will lead a tour after the meeting.
Buy a new Intown Atlanta yard signs. Did you miss getting yours at the Native Garden Tour? You’re in luck. We’ll be selling signs for $11 each (includes sales tax).
This is a family-friendly gathering, open to both members and prospective members. Grab your neighbor, or make a plan to carpool with your pod! Light refreshments will be provided.
A Gold Certified GNPS Native Plant Habitat surrounds the Kendeda building. It is open to the public and you can visit any time.
422 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
We suggest parking at the parking deck labeled Visitor Parking 5. Paying for parking ($2/hour) is easier in the deck because you pay as you leave. You can also park at Visitor Parking 4, a surface lot across the street from Kendeda. You prepay using ParkMobile or a credit card at the parking kiosk. Carpool with your fellow members!
Plant a Meadow Work Day at Old City Cemetery
Come join Fringed Campion Chapter members and friends on Sunday, October 22nd at 2 PM to begin planting the next phase of our Community Foundation of Central Georgia Downtown Challenge Grant 2.0 Project at the Old City Cemetery. The native plant meadow has been bordered with bricks, existing vegetation smothered with cardboard topped with mulch and compost, and is now ready for fall planting.
Old City Cemetery is located at the corner of Cherry St. and 7th St. in downtown Macon, GA.
Recommended to wear long sleeves and pants, appropriate work shoes, a hat, and bug spray. Bring gloves, tools, and a water bottle. If we run out of garden work to do, we can tackle non-native invasive plants in the cemetery. Volunteers must be at 12 years old or older, and must sign the GNPS waiver of liability before working.
Check the event listing in Facebook for any updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/1248597155831880/
November Workdays at Amerson River Park Native Plant Garden & Monarch Waystation
Join Fringed Campion Chapter members and friends for workdays in November at the Amerson River Park Native Plant Garden & Monarch Waystation.
Currently two workdays are planned. The first workday will be on Nov. 5 from 4 to 6 pm to plant native azaleas and perennials, and to weed as necessary. Check the Facebook Event for any last minute updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/1519684108872032
Volunteers will return to the garden on Nov. 18 from 9 am until noon. Work on the patio begins! Excavation of the high side, construction of the retaining wall on the low side, and back-filling behind the retaining wall are on the agenda. Check the Facebook Event for any last minute updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/1698369543979156
As always, we recommend that you dress for garden work (long pants, long sleeves, gloves, hat, boots), bring a water bottle and any tools you have to pull weeds or dig to plant. 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.
Oaky Woods Wildlife Management Area Field Trip
Join adventuresome Fringed Campion Chapter members on Oct. 26, 2023 at 9 am as they venture once again into the Oaky Woods Wildlife Management Area on a field trip to view native plants in situ. Oaky Woods Wildlife Management Area is a 13,450-acre property located in Houston and Pulaski Counties, and home to a variety of exciting native plant species.
For complete details and to register: https://forms.gle/oqP2rHeFny3zXTW68
For any last minute updates, view the event listing in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/285540071032434