In September, we will skip our usual Native Plant News, and instead, on October 25, we’ll publish a special newsletter to commemorate our 75th Anniversary. Look for it! This summer issue of Native Plant News features a guest Editor’s Note by Jean Woods, who shows us why, again, she is president of the NC Native Plant Society. She knows what’s important these days.—Andrea Thunem, managing editor.
Guest Editor's Note
By Jean Woods reporting for Native Plant News Summer 2026
I am honored and energized to once again serve as president of the NCNPS. Our mission—education, cultivation, conservation, and advocacy for North Carolina’s native plants—has never felt more urgent or more meaningful.
At a time when budgets are tightening, natural lands are disappearing to development, our climate is shifting, and pollution continues to threaten ecosystems, the work we do matters deeply. It is in moments like these that we must rise with renewed purpose to protect and celebrate our natural heritage.
Our native plants—trees, shrubs, wildflowers, vines, ferns, and mosses—are far more than scenery: They sustain life. They cleanse our air, nourish birds and pollinators, support our food systems, and restore our spirits. They are the living foundation of the world around us. And through our shared efforts, we ensure that this foundation remains strong for generations to come.
In the year ahead, I am committed to strengthening and expanding our impact. We will continue our grant programs to increase the presence of native plants across the state, support students through scholarships that advance botanical knowledge, recognize and certify gardens that sustain healthy ecosystems, and deepen our educational outreach to highlight the beauty and importance of North Carolina’s flora.
At the heart of our society are our chapters—the passionate local leaders who bring our mission to life in communities across the state. They are our voice, our hands, and our inspiration. My goal is to empower and support them even further, building on the incredible work already underway.
Together, we will inspire one another, equip our members with timely knowledge and resources via our chapter meetings, website, and newsletters, and continue to protect, restore, and celebrate North Carolina’s extraordinary natural heritage. The work we do today will shape the landscapes—and the legacy—we will leave for tomorrow.
President’s Initiatives for 2026-2027
- Become more chapter oriented:
- Appoint a chapter liaison from the board of directors to report quarterly.
- Allocate money at the chapter-level for special projects.
- Improve timeliness of expense accounting of donations and reimbursements.
- Develop a more unified theme-based education and outreach approach across all chapters and committees.
- Focus more on membership retention and recruiting.
- Encourage the nominating committee to become more active:
- Report quarterly to the board on its activities.
- Expand the nominating committee to include year-round recruitment of potential board members and committee heads to increase our operational effectiveness.
Jean Woods received her botanical education at UNCC and was a student of Dr. Larry Mellichamp. Jean is a graduate of the Certificate in Native Plant Studies program at UNCC and was involved in its establishment. She is a past president of the NCNPS and served on the board of the Catawba Lands Conservancy and the Friends of Plant Conservation. Jean has been leading wildflower walks since the 1990s and loves being in nature.