Central Coastal Plain Chapter
75th Anniversary Celebration & 5th Chapter Anniversary
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026 Time: Not specified Location: Home of Karen and Allen Plaster, near Trenton
The chapter will celebrate both NCNPS’s 75th anniversary and its own fifth anniversary on 45 acres of fire-maintained forest with more than two miles of trails. The gathering will include a short business meeting, a presentation on longleaf pine, a partially catered barbecue, live music, two native plant vendors, and games for all ages. A rain date is scheduled for October 17.
Foothills Chapter
BioBlitz at Lake James State Park
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 Time: TBD Location: Lake James State Park, Catawba River Access, Nebo
Celebrate NCNPS’s 75th anniversary with a BioBlitz at Lake James State Park. Park Ranger Michael Green will introduce the ecology, plant communities, and wildlife of the Lake James area, followed by guided exploration of two nearby trails. Participants will use iNaturalist to document native plants, insects, mushrooms, and other discoveries. Native-plant-themed prizes and refreshments will be provided.
Land of the Sky Chapter
75th Anniversary Picnic & BioBlitz
Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026 Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Location: Pink Beds Picnic Shelter, Pisgah National Forest
Join chapter members for a potluck picnic celebrating 75 years of NCNPS and the launch of a new chapter booklet. A BioBlitz will invite participants to document plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife using field guides or phone cameras and the skills learned throughout the year. Bring a dish to share, water, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Margaret Reid (Triangle) Chapter
NCNPS State 75th Anniversary Celebration
Date: September 25–27, 2026 Time: See event announcement Location: Triangle area
The Margaret Reid Chapter is planning and hosting the statewide NCNPS 75th Anniversary Celebration. The celebration will take place September 25–27. Full program and registration details are available through the NCNPS event announcement.
Oconee Bell Chapter
75th Anniversary Celebration at Highlands Biological Station
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026 Time: 3:00–7:00 p.m. Location: Pavilion, Highlands Biological Station, Highlands
The celebration will feature small-group tours of the Highlands Botanical Garden, highlighting the remarkable botanical diversity of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and southern Appalachians. Participants will explore areas including the Appalachian Ethnobotanical Garden, Moss Garden, Homeowner’s Demonstration Garden, and Rock Outcrop Garden while learning about native plants, habitat restoration, and conservation. The event will also include an iNaturalist project, refreshments, and chapter and 75th-anniversary giveaways.
Sandhills Chapter
75th Anniversary Chapter Meeting
Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 Time: 5:30 p.m. Location: Moore County Extension Office, Carthage
The Sandhills Chapter will mark the anniversary with an evening focused on native plants, pollinators, plant rescue, and Society history. Ecologist Dr. Carrie DeJaco will speak on native pollinators and constructive plant rescue, and Ken Bridle will present a 75-year history of NCNPS. The celebration will conclude with a raffle, anniversary cupcakes and beverages, and a native plant swap.
Southeast Coastal Chapter
Native Plant Symposium
Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Time: Not specified Location: Wilmington
A Native Plant Symposium will celebrate NCNPS’s 75th anniversary with expert presentations on topics including invasive species and native plant uses. The afternoon will include a guided walk and children’s activities. Tickets are $5 per person, with proceeds benefiting local horticulture programming.
Southern Piedmont Chapter
75th Anniversary iNaturalist Native Plant Inventory Contest
Date: January 1–April 15, 2026 Time: Contest period Location: Southern Piedmont region / iNaturalist
Chapter members celebrated the 75th anniversary with an iNaturalist challenge to document native plants, noting whether observations were wild or cultivated. Becky Dill won first place with 547 verifiable observations representing 240 species, followed by Rene Kimray and Denise Everett; Erica Flory received honorable mention. Prizes were announced for presentation at the August chapter meeting.
Triad Chapter
75th Anniversary BioBlitz & Service Day
Date: Friday, June 5, 2026 Time: 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Location: Piedmont Environmental Center, High Point
The Triad Chapter will celebrate through service at the 376-acre Piedmont Environmental Center. One group, led by Environmental Educator Ann Walter-Fromson, will document native plants with iNaturalist; a second group, led by Diane Laslie, will identify harmful invasive plants and assist with hands-on removal. Lunch will include a short program from PEC staff and discussion of next steps for protecting critical places, rewilding native species, and supporting conservation. Participation is limited to 30.
Uwharrie Chapter
75th Anniversary Program with Mark Warren
Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Farm Bureau Event Center, Albemarle
About 60 people attended the chapter’s anniversary program featuring award-winning author and environmental educator Mark Warren of Medicine Bow Wilderness School. His presentation, “The Forest’s Gifts of Food, Medicine and Craft As Practiced By the Native Americans,” explored traditional uses of native plants for food, medicine, and craft. Native-plant-themed door prizes and refreshments—including elderberry and persimmon plants, persimmon leather, nuts, and berries—carried the program’s theme into the celebration.