By Kellie Dentler reporting for Native Plant News Spring 2026
Thank you to all who have donated to the Shinn Fund for our NC Native Plant Society Year-End Campaign.
What a wonderful way to begin the 75th year of NCNPS. Thanks to the generosity of donors to the Shinn Fund, we’re opening doors for North Carolina graduate and undergraduate students to pursue innovative, meaningful research that protects native plants and their habitats.
We are deeply grateful and energized by your support.
This kind of generosity allows us to increase each Shinn Fund award to $3,000 starting in 2026, giving students greater access to take on research projects that will make a lasting impact for our native plant communities. Together, we’re providing students with opportunities to advance deeper discovery of native plants and develop innovative strategies to conserve native plant habitats.
Here is a link to the NCNPS website with descriptions of some Shinn Fund recipients.
Thank you for being part of this important work. We look forward to sharing the stories of the students and their research.
Tribute Giving in Year-End Campaign
Several donations were given in tribute to loved ones. We want to recognize the people who have touched the lives of our NCNPS members.
Gifts made in memory of
Gertrude McKnight Armstrong
Stephen Richards
Tom Shinn, Sr.
Gifts made in honor of
Ken Moore
Dan Moran
Debra Murray
Gigi Ormsby
Joan Schneier
Rachel Scott
Daniel Vasquez
Kellie Dentler works in philanthropy at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, where she oversees gift processing and data management. A Certified Master Naturalist, she enjoys hiking, birding, and exploring North Carolina’s diverse habitats. Kellie is a member of the NC Native Plant Society Triad Chapter and lives in Greensboro.