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
Azalea Festival & Native Plant Sale
Join the Fringed Campion Chapter on Saturday, April 11th for the Azalea Festival the Boy Scout Road Nursery. We will be offering nursery tours and educational presentations as well as selling native plants.
8:30 am – 12:30 pm Native Plant Sale
9:15 am – 10:15 am Introduction to Native Plants Presentation
10:15 am – 10:45 am Boy Scout Road Nursery Tours
10:45 am – 11:45 am Native Azaleas Presentation
11:45 am – 12:30 pm Boy Scout Road Nursery Tours
Check the event listing in Facebook for full details: https://www.facebook.com/events/26403819202544680
Old City Cemetery (Macon) Open House
Hike with the Fringe @ Theron Ussery Park (N. Macon)
Theron Ussery Park is located in North Macon. Show up around 10:45 AM to read over and sign the GNPS waiver, chat with other participants, smear on the sunscreen, apply bug spray, and tuck those pants legs into your crew socks.
Restrooms and potable water are available at the recreation center.
This trail is considered an easy to moderate difficulty. Some trail areas may be overgrown at times.
