The Maritime Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society
Who We Are
The Maritime Chapter is the newest chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society, organized in 2024. The 2025 Board of Directors includes:
- Shannon Matzke, Chair
- Marc Strickland, Vice Chair
- Dawn French, Treasurer
- Colby Peffer, Secretary
- Valerie Foradas, At-Large
- Missy McChesney, At-Large
- Lala Bowman, At-Large
- Deanna Turner, At-Large
- Anne Copp, At-Large
Reasons to Join
- Connect with nearby native plant enthusiasts and learn how to grow a better landscape
- Receive membership discounts on events
- Enjoy access to members-only newsletters, plant rescues, and events
- Support the conservation, advocacy, and education efforts of the Georgia Native Plant Society, with a focus on our region’s unique coastal location
How Can You Join?
Current GNPS members can join the Maritime Chapter by logging in and updating their chapter affiliation through the chapter affiliation form.
New or renewing members can select a chapter affiliation on the membership form.
While you can attend any chapter’s events as a member of GNPS, affiliating with Maritime ensures you are the first to hear of our events via our email announcements.
Contact
You can reach us by email at maritime@gnps.org.
Chapter News & Events
GNPS Strategic Plan Zoom, April 22, 2026
GNPS State Board member Amy Schuler gave the Maritime chapter a presentation on the updated 2026 GNPS strategic plan. Amy shares...
Griot’s Garden Podcast
Griot's Garden, a podcast by the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, explores the intersection between people, plants, and culture, through conversations with Gullah Geechee descendants of Sapelo Island’s Hogg Hummock community.
Voice Your Support for House Bill 145: Sweetbay Magnolia as the State Flower
Exciting news! Representative Deborah Silcox (R-Sandy Springs) and cosponsors Rep. Scott Hilton (R-Peachtree Corners), Rep. Jan Jones (R-Milton), Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), and Rep. Matt Reeves (R-Duluth) have filed House Bill 145 to change the state floral...
