By Kelly Gage reporting for Native Plant News
Are you passionate about nature, gardening, or preserving our environment? If so, joining your local native plant society chapter could be the perfect step for you. Our organization isn’t just for botanists or seasoned gardeners—it is for anyone interested in making a positive impact on our natural world.
Here’s why becoming a member of the NC Native Plant Society is a rewarding choice that benefits you, your community, and the planet.
1. Learn about native plants and their importance
NCNPS offers a wealth of knowledge about the plants that naturally grow in our region. Unlike exotic species, native plants are perfectly adapted to the local climate, soil, and wildlife. By learning about these plants, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of their vital role in maintaining ecosystems, supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and promoting soil health. You’ll also learn how to choose the right plants for your garden to create a sustainable, low-maintenance landscape.
2. Protect local ecosystems and biodiversity
When you join the NCNPS, you become part of a movement to restore and protect local habitats. Native plants provide essential food and shelter for wildlife, including birds, insects, and mammals that are often displaced by urban development. By advocating for and planting these species, you contribute to preserving biodiversity and counteracting the negative effects of invasive species, climate change, and habitat loss.
3. Connect with a community of like-minded enthusiasts
One of the best parts of being a member of NCNPS is the opportunity to connect with other people who share your passion for nature. You’ll meet fellow gardeners, conservationists, scientists, and nature lovers who are eager to exchange ideas, offer advice, and work together on projects. This sense of community can be inspiring and motivating, helping you stay engaged with environmental issues while making new friends along the way.
4. Access to exclusive events, workshops, and resources
Membership comes with access to events like guided nature walks, plant sales, gardening workshops, and lectures by experts in botany and conservation. These activities are not only educational but also enjoyable ways to experience the natural beauty of your area. Members also receive newsletters and online resources—tools that will help you bring the beauty of native species into your own backyard.
5. Make a tangible difference in conservation efforts
NCNPS plays a crucial role in protecting endangered plant species and habitats. By joining, you can directly contribute to these conservation efforts. Our chapters offer volunteer opportunities in habitat restoration projects, seed collection, and public education initiatives. Your involvement helps ensure that future generations will have the chance to enjoy the same natural landscapes we cherish today.
6. Promote sustainability in your community
By advocating for the use of native plants in landscaping, you help promote sustainable gardening practices in your neighborhood. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than non-native species, reducing your garden’s environmental footprint. When more people in your community follow these practices, it can lead to significant savings in water resources, healthier local environments, and a decrease in chemical run-off into waterways.
7. Be part of a larger environmental movement
Joining NCNPS is a simple yet powerful way to support the global effort to combat climate change and environmental degradation. By taking small, local actions—like planting native species in your garden or volunteering for restoration projects—you contribute to a larger, collective impact on the planet. Your membership amplifies the voice of native plant advocacy, helping to influence policy and inspire others to make eco-friendly choices.
Take the First Step Today!
Your involvement with NCNPS can have a lasting impact on both your life and the environment around you. Whether you’re looking to learn more about plants, protect local ecosystems, or find a supportive community, there’s a place for you in this growing movement. Together, we can work toward a future where native species thrive and our natural landscapes are preserved for generations to come.
Ready to get started? Join us today and become part of a community dedicated to making a difference—one plant at a time.
Kelly Gage is a NCNPS Board Member-at-Large and chairs the Membership Committee. As a member of the Triad Chapter, she gardens on six acres in Guilford County. In addition, Kelly is a biologist who worked in Environmental Management Enforcement in North Carolina.