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)Â
- 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:Â 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:Â https://www.bonfire.com/store/fringed-campion-chapter-gnps/
Chapter News & Events
Earth Day and Native Plant Sale at Amerson River Park
Fringed Campion Chapter will be partnering with Bibb County Extension and local groups to hold an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 22nd from 10 am to 2 pm at Amerson River Park in Macon, GA.
The Chapter will set up an Education Table to raise awareness of the importance of native plants in promoting biodiversity. The Chapter will also hold a Native Plant Sale in the ARP playground parking lot.
Volunteers can use this form to sign up for time slots and select help with the plant sale, the education table, or where needed most: https://forms.gle/p3MGqF5vknz8bBEF9
Check the Chapter’s Facebook event page for any updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/226724699930305
April 19 Work Day at Amerson River Park Native Plant Garden
The Fringed Campion Chapter volunteers continue work at the Amerson River Park Native Plant Garden. Weather permitting, volunteers will meet on April 19 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.
Dress for garden work (long pants, long sleeves, gloves, hat, boots), bring a water bottle and any tools you have to help plant the next round of native plants. Participants must be 12 years or older, and all participants must sign the GNPS waiver of liability before working.
First time visitor? Park in the playground parking lot. The native garden is just up the hill behind the playground. Look for the split rail fence and custom made trellises.
Check the event page in Facebook for any last minute updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/1294841088048420
