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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

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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

Explore Hitchiti Loop Trail with the Fringe

Explore Hitchiti Loop Trail with the Fringe

by | Feb 20, 2026 | , | 0 Comments

The Fringed Campion Chapter is excited to host a native plant hike at the Hitchiti Trail on April 4th, 2026 at 1PM. Based on last year’s phenology, we expect this hike should be perfect catch Rhododendron canescens, Penstemon australis, and Scutellaria integrifolia in bloom along the trail. This year’s hike will be led by local expert Brandon Fountain!
Location
Hitchiti Trail is located off of Jarrell Plantation Road, with parking at 1577 Jarrell Plantation Rd, Gray, GA 31032. Show up around 12:45pm to read over and sign the GNPS waiver, chat with other participants, smear on the sunscreen and bug spray, and tuck those pants legs into your crew socks.
Facilities
No restrooms or potable water at this location.
Safety
This trail is considered an easy to moderate difficulty. Some trail areas may be overgrown at times. If you use hiking poles, bring them; if you don’t, you should be fine.
We encourage all participants to wear long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes or boots, and recommend wearing a hat. Bring a water bottle, and also some snacks if you’d like! Ticks will be active – you’ve been warned. Do what you need to do to protect yourself.
Participants will also be asked to sign the Georgia Native Plant Society Liability Waiver upon arrival at the event.

Facebook Event will have most recent information available: https://www.facebook.com/events/1401599765314501

Sign Up Requested. If event is cancelled or postponed, you can be notified before showing up to an empty parking lot with limited cell reception: https://forms.gle/9j6YQ9UBQ43mU8vx9

Educational Gardens Workdays

Educational Gardens Workdays

by | Feb 19, 2026 | | 0 Comments

Plans sometimes change! Sign up and let us know you are coming so we can let you if date, time, or location changes. Click on the date for each sign up form and workday details.
Mushroom Propagation Workshop

Mushroom Propagation Workshop

by | Feb 16, 2026 | , | 0 Comments

Interested in learning more about mushroom propagation and how grow your own delicious oyster and shiitake mushrooms? Now’s your chance to learn, receive hands on guidance, and take home your very own inoculated logs!

Join the Fringed Campion Chapter on Saturday, March 7th at 2 pm at the Boy Scout Road Nursery for a Mushroom Propagation workshop led by BSRN Assistant Manager and Chapter Member Kenny Grieshop! Participants will learn how to inoculate logs using oyster and shiitake mushroom plug spawn and how to care for them at home.

Event registration is $25, and limited to the first 20 participants. Reserve your spot here: https://fringedcampiongnps.square.site/product/mushroom-propagation-with-kenny/V35NQ4FYQF4XIZPSLLX77BQO
For additional and up to date information, see the event in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1393297185376454

Upcoming chapter events

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