1951-2026
Celebrate the Past & Look Forward to Our Future
Since 1951, the North Carolina Native Plant Society has inspired people across the state to discover, protect, and celebrate North Carolina’s native plants and habitats.
Throughout 2026, we will honor our past, celebrate our accomplishments, and look forward to the next 75 years through special events, challenges, educational programs, and conservation activities.
NCNPS continues to expand its impact through:
Research grants
Stewardship grants
Habitat certification
Native plant education
Advocacy
From 50 founding members in 1951, NCNPS has grown into a statewide conservation organization supporting scientific research, habitat restoration, conservation, native plant education.
Through the Shinn Fund, B.W. Wells Stewardship Fund, Alice Zawadzki Land Conservation Fund, Native Plant Habitat Certification Program, local chapters, and statewide educational efforts, NCNPS continues its mission to conserve and celebrate North Carolina’s native plants for future generations.
NCNPS History
NCNPS Through the Years
A Brief History of the North Carolina Native Plant Society
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1951 | North Carolina Wild Flower Preservation Society founded at Smithwin Farm by Herbert and Conner Smith and other native plant enthusiasts. |
| 1950s | Society launches educational programs, field trips, newsletters, and its first conservation campaigns. |
| 1970s | Conservation efforts expand; leaders such as Tom Shinn promote native plant propagation, habitat protection, and public education. |
| 1976 | Society celebrates its 25th Anniversary and recognizes the contributions of Herbert and Conner Smith. |
| Early 1990s | Tom & Bruce Shinn Fund established to support student research on North Carolina native plants and habitats. |
| 2001 | Society celebrates its 50th Anniversary and expands its role in statewide conservation initiatives. |
| 2000s | B.W. Wells Stewardship Fund established to support community conservation, habitat restoration, and native plant education projects. |
| 2010s | Native Plant Habitat Certification Program launched, encouraging homeowners and organizations to create wildlife-friendly native plant landscapes. |
| 2015 | Alice Zawadzki Land Conservation Fund established to help protect significant native plant habitats through land conservation grants. |
| 2026 | NCNPS celebrates 75 Years of education, research, stewardship, conservation, and advocacy for North Carolina’s native plants and habitats. |
Chapter Celebrations
NCNPS 75th Anniversary Chapter Celebrations
Across North Carolina, NC Native Plant Society chapters are marking our 75th anniversary with BioBlitzes, service projects, garden tours, talks, picnics, plant exchanges, and community celebrations. Find an event near you and join us in celebrating the plants, places, and people at the heart of NCNPS.
Triad Chapter
BioBlitz and Service Day at Piedmont Environmental Center
Friday, June 5, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Piedmont Environmental Center, 1220 Penny Road, High Point
Celebrate 75 years of NCNPS through service at this 376-acre nature preserve. One group will document native plants with iNaturalist, while another identifies harmful invasive plants, discusses best removal practices, and helps with hands-on removal. A staff presentation and lunch are included. Limited to 30 participants; please register only if you can attend the full three hours.
Southeast Coastal Chapter
Native Plant Symposium
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Wilmington, North Carolina
The Southeast Coastal Chapter is helping sponsor a symposium celebrating the NC Native Plant Society’s 75th anniversary. Expert presentations will explore invasive species and the uses of native plants, followed by a guided walk and children’s activities. Tickets are $5, with proceeds supporting local horticulture programming.
Sandhills Chapter
75th Anniversary Celebration
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
Moore County Extension Office, Carthage
The evening features ecologist Dr. Carrie DeJaco speaking on native pollinators and constructive plant rescue, followed by Ken Bridle sharing the 75-year history of NCNPS. The celebration also includes a native plant swap, raffle, anniversary cupcakes, and beverages.
Foothills Chapter
BioBlitz at Lake James State Park
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | Time to be announced
Catawba River Access, Lake James State Park, Nebo
Park Ranger Michael Green will introduce the ecology, plant communities, and notable plants and animals of the Lake James area. Participants will then explore two nearby trails and use iNaturalist to document native plants, insects, fungi, and other discoveries. Native plant-themed prizes and refreshments will be provided.
Central Coastal Plain Chapter
75th Anniversary Celebration and Chapter Anniversary
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | Rain date: October 17
The home of Karen and Allen Plaster near Trenton
Celebrate both NCNPS’s 75th anniversary and the chapter’s fifth anniversary on 45 acres of fire-maintained forest with more than two miles of trails. The day includes a brief business meeting, a longleaf pine presentation, a partially catered barbecue, live music, native plant vendors, and games for all ages.
Oconee Bell Chapter
75th Anniversary Celebration at Highlands Biological Station
Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 3:00-7:00 p.m.
Pavilion, Highlands Biological Station, Highlands
Small-group tours will explore the Highlands Botanical Garden, a living showcase of southern Appalachian biodiversity and the highest public native plant botanical garden in the eastern United States. Participants will visit areas such as the Appalachian Ethnobotanical, Moss, Homeowner’s Demonstration, and Rock Outcrop gardens; record plants through an iNaturalist project; and enjoy refreshments and anniversary keepsakes.
Land of the Sky Chapter
75th Anniversary Potluck Picnic and BioBlitz
Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.-noon
Pink Beds Picnic Shelter, Pisgah National Forest
Gather for a morning of community, a potluck picnic, and the launch of the chapter’s new booklet. A BioBlitz will invite participants to document plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife. Bring a dish to share, water, a field guide or phone camera, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Please note: Event details may change. Check with the hosting chapter for registration information and the latest updates
75th Anniversary Statewide Celebration.
Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center, Pittsboro, NC
September 25-27
75 Plant Id Challenge
Why Participate?
- Explore new places
- Improve your plant identification skills
- Learn more about North Carolina’s flora
- Celebrate NCNPS’s 75th anniversary
Earn a Commemorative Water Bottle
Several people have turned in their completed forms for the challenge and will be getting their 75th Water bottle shortly. If you identify and turn in your form, you will receive this 17 oz. Recycled Aluminum water botte.
Complete the challenge and receive a special anniversary water bottle
| A Few Guidelines: • Membership required – You must be an NCNPS member to participate. • What counts? – Any native NC plant species, including trees, shrubs, wildflowers (forbs), mosses, lichens, and ferns. • Where to look – Plants must be found in the wild, not in gardens or any cultivated area. • What to record – Common name, scientific name (genus and specie), date, and location (general location, such as “along a river in Brevard, NC”) for each plant. |
Deadline – Submit your completed form by September 1, 2026.
How to Submit: Use our fillable PDF on your computer, tablet, or phone—or print and fill it out by hand. Here’s a Word doc version if you prefer.
Then email it to 75challenge@ncwildflower.org or mail it to: Jean Woods, 200 S College Row, Brevard, NC 28712
Then email it to 75challenge@ncwildflower.org or mail it to: Jean Woods, 200 S College Row, Brevard, NC 28712
. I hope to see every chapter represented. Here are some recent submissions:
1 | Darrell | Huneycutt | Uwharrie | 175 |
2 | Jacob | Joseph | Land of the Sky | 78 |
3 | Brett | Hopkins | Land of the Sky | 75 |
4 | Louise | Romanow | Ried | 75 |
5 | Nancy | Anderson | Oconee Bell | 75 |
6 | Jean | Woods | Land of the Sky | 98 |
7 | Angela | Gaskell | Sandhills | 129 |
8 | Thomas | Sanders | Foothills | 75 |
9 | Steve | Gerney | Margaret Reid | 79 |
10 | Sally | Price | Oconee Bell | 227 |
11 | Sharon | Abernethy | Southern Piedmont | 75 |