The Fringed Campion Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society
Who We Are
The Fringed Campion Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society was formed in 2021 by a small group from Middle Georgia who are passionate about the issues of native plant conservation, stewardship, and education. In 2025, our ~125 members hail from all over Middle Georgia, and we are active where our members are! We designed our signature native plant garden at Amerson River Park in Macon, but also have planted and maintain gardens at the Centerville Branch Library, the Old City Cemetery in downtown Macon, and two downtown planters in Milledgeville, and we provide support to the Perry Library Pollinator Project. We schedule multiple invasive plant removals each year, often in partnership with other groups, in Macon at Amerson River Park and Rose Hill Cemetery, and in Perry at Rotary Centennial Park, but have also tackled privet and eleagnus at the Oconee River Greenway and Selma Erwin trails in Baldwin County. We have partnered with local native plant nurseries — Juniper Creek Natives in Byron and Flat Creek Natives in Perry — to host workshops on topics such as propagation, irrigation, and saving seeds. Fringed Campion members also enjoy group native plant walks along area trails. We hope that you join us at an upcoming activity!
2026-2027 Chapter Board of Directors
- Andrew Benesh (President)
- Julie Savage (Vice President)
- Jessica Plante (Secretary)
- Donna Bennett (Treasurer)
- Lida Hill
- Michelle Edgar
Bylaws
Members of the Fringed Campion Chapter may view our chapter bylaws here.
Participate
The chapter board of directors meets over Zoom on the second Sunday of each month at 5:00 pm. The meeting is open to all chapter members. Contact fringedcampion@gnps.org for the zoom link.
Chapter committees accept new members at any time of the year. Let us know your interests and skills, and we can suggest a good fit for you! Committees include advocacy, communication, education, plant sales, propagation, plant rescue, and more.
Contact
- By email at fringedcampion@gnps.org
- By mail at: Fringed Campion Chapter, PO Box 13582, Macon, GA 31208
Follow
Join
Click here to start your one year membership with the Georgia Native Plant Society. When prompted, choose Fringed Campion (Macon) as your Chapter Affiliation. Selecting autorenew is an effortless way to stay connected with us year after year.
Support
If you are moved to financially support the chapter and our activities, online donations of any amount are gratefully accepted at: https://fringedcampiongnps.square.site/
Shop Our Online Store
Official chapter merchandise can now be purchased online! The current selections include t-shirts, hoodies, coffee mugs, notebooks, and more. Each purchase supports the chapter and spreads awareness of Georgia Native Plants. Shop at: https://www.bonfire.com/store/fringed-campion-chapter-gnps/
Chapter News & Events
Work Days at Boy Scout Road Nursery
While the Georgia Native Plant Society has formally accepted the Boy Scout Road Nursery into its Community-Supported Propagation Program, the Fringed Campion Chapter remains committed volunteering, hosting events, sponsoring workshops, and aiding with twice yearly gatherings similar to last fall’s highly successful and well attended Native Plant Festival.
Upcoming Work Day information can be found in the GNPS Events Calendar. All details can be found in the calendar entries. Advance sign up is requested to help workday leaders prepare tasks for participants. Opportunities to volunteer are offered weekly and are a great way to connect with fellow chapter members and native plant enthusiasts.
Nature Days at the Amerson River Park
Gather with volunteers from the Fringed Campion Chapter at the Amerson River Park on select Sunday afternoons for a guided reading of the monthly Story Walk installation and then create a nature themed craft. Nature Day participants will meet at the Playground and then proceed to the Story Walk and Native Plant Garden.
Nature Days will be held on February 1, 2026 from 3 to 4 pm. Story for February: Hiking Day, written by Anne Rockwell and illustrated by Lizzie Rockwell. Craft for February: make a pine cone bird feeder to take home!
Nature Days will be held on March 8, 2026 from 3 to 4 pm. Story for March: Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kenard Pak. Craft for February: make a wind chime to take home!
Event is free for all ages!
Amerson River Park StoryWalk Installation Workday (Macon)
The Fringed Campion Chapter invites members and friends to come together on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 from 2 to 5 pm for the installation of the permanent page holders for the Amerson River Park StoryWalk!
Dress for garden work (long pants, long sleeves, gloves, hat, work boots). Bring a water bottle and any tools you have (drill, hammer, etc.). Participants must be 12 years of age or older, and participants under 18 years of age must have an adult present. All participants must sign the GNPS waiver of liability before volunteering.
