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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

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

Why Everyone Should Care about Native Plants

Why Everyone Should Care about Native Plants

by | Sep 14, 2026 | | 0 Comments

The Fringed Campion Chapter is pleased to have secured the Georgia Native Plant Society Board Chair Michael Cowan for the first speaker at our Second Annual Native Plant Festival at the GNPS Boy Scout Road Native Plant Nursery on Sept. 19, 2026. Michael’s presentation begins at 9:30 am. Come a bit early to secure a good spot and bring a camp chair as this presentation will be open air.
Michael Cowan’s presentation “Why Everyone Should Care about Native Plants” will appeal to both new native plant enthusiasts as well as those with more knowledge. This will also be an opportunity to learn more about GNPS happenings at the state level and to get to know one of its influential board members.
The Native Plant Festival will be held at the GNPS Boy Scout Road Nursery at 1494 Boy Scout Rd. in Byron, GA. NPF begins at 9 am. Other activities at the Festival will be a native plant sale including a wide range of forbs, grasses, vines, shrubs and trees suitable for growing in Middle GA yards. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to help with selection. Juniper Creek Native Azaleas will be also be available for sale. Tours of the Nursery area will be given by propagation volunteers. Learn about backyard propagation techniques, equipment, and how you can become a BSRN volunteer.
Red-cockaded Woodpecker Trail

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Trail

by | Sep 2, 2026 | , | 0 Comments

Walk with the Fringe as we seek fall wildflowers, chase butterflies, creep up on amphibians, marvel at mushrooms, and enjoy the company of fellow nature lovers. While no single one of us is an expert on everything, collectively we bring much trail experience and can share our natural wonder and knowledge, learning from each other.

We will gather at the Allison Lake Parking Lot in Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge at 10:45 am on Sunday, September 27, 2026 to sign the waiver, meet the guides, and make final preparations to hit the trail promptly at 11 am. After sign in, feel free to wander down to the dock and soak in the serenity of Allison Lake while we wait for everyone to arrive.
No restrooms or potable water at this location.
This trail is about 2.4 miles long, with an elevation gain of 259 feet. The trail has a natural surface, so be prepared for roots, rocks, mud, and grass. There may also be some gravel road walking. Pace will be slow to moderate with frequent stops for botanizing; we expect the trip to take 2 to 2.5 hours total.
Expect ticks and mosquitoes to be active, and prepare accordingly.
We encourage all participants to wear long sleeves, long pants pants, closed-toe shoes or boots, and a hat. Bring a water bottle, and also some snacks if you’d like!
Participants will also be asked to sign the Georgia Native Plant Society Liability Waiver upon arrival at the event.
Event may be cancelled due to weather or for other unforeseen reasons. Providing your contact information will allow event coordinator to reach you, if necessary, with any additional information or updates.
Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/LZndyDQx8QXrBQqy7
Native Plant Hike @ Wesleyan Arboretum

Native Plant Hike @ Wesleyan Arboretum

by | Aug 20, 2026 | , | 0 Comments

Sign up to Join the Fringed Campion Chapter on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 9 am to explore Wesleyan College Arboretum with Arboretum Manager Barry Rhoades.  We will meet at the Matthews Athletic Center parking lot behind Foster Lake and wander from there.
Accredited by the Morton Registry of Arboreta in 2013, the arboretum comprises 100 acres of mixed pine and hardwood forest and lies within the boundaries of Wesleyan’s suburban Rivoli campus. More than 100 species of trees, shrubs and woody vines provide habitat for a diverse assortment of salamanders, snakes, lizards and mammals, as well as more than 150 species of resident and migratory birds. The five-acre Foster Lake, three streams and seasonal rain pools are home to nine species of turtles, fourteen species of frogs native and game fish. The Dice Anderson Cabin, built in 1938, restored in 1990 — and renovated in 2011 — and the Ellen Ann Edenfield Pavilion, built in 2011, serve as rustic focal points for classes, meetings, and special events.
The walk should be considered an easy hike and may include: Getting wet & muddy, stepping over fallen branches, roots & rocks on the path, exposure to ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, and everything that nature might send our way. Let’s go have fun!
We encourage all participants to wear long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes or boots, and recommend wearing a hat. And snacks, if you like snacks!
Participants will also be asked to sign the Georgia Native Plant Society Liability Waiver upon arrival at the event.
Event may be cancelled due to weather or for other unforeseen reasons. Providing your contact information will allow event coordinator to reach you, if necessary, with any additional information or updates.
Contact andrew.benesh@gnps.org with any questions!

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