Text by Adam Webb and photos by Thanh Huynh reporting for Native Plant News Summer 2026
This year’s annual meeting, picnic and plant sale was held on April 11th at Hagan Stone Park. A new venue to some but a return to the same location of the first picnic I attended around 2016. This was when Larry Mellichamp assumed the role of auctioneer and described a Stewartia ovata in such a magical way, I made sure to have the winning bid. That wonderful small tree is still in my garden today. It is a wonderful feeling to know that we can all come together, have a great time and then take native plants as momentos with us, sometimes even allowing us to share those same plants again years later.
Thank you to all the volunteers who planned the event, managed the plant sale and silent auction, and filled the tables of the ARC building with delicious food. A special thanks to Thanh Huynh for capturing all the photos. Without our volunteers, these memorable events would not happen. We are pleased that our plant sales at this year’s Annual Meeting and Picnic totalled $5,970.
The annual meeting officially began at 10 am for members to drop off plants and food they brought, and check in. Due to the meeting being held earlier this year, we saw many more spring ephemerals, which had been dormant in June when we’ve had previous annual meetings.
We were very fortunate this year to have several of the society’s past leaders speak briefly about their personal experiences and perspective on the Native Plant Society, moderated by Amy Mackintosh of the Margaret Reid (Triangle) Chapter.
Julie Moore spoke about how few conservation groups existed in the 1970s, and also how it was difficult to find information on plant ID and propagation at the time. She ended by saying, “Land isn’t saved by organizations, it’s saved by people, so take on the development issues in your community to protect rare sites.”
Tom Harville recalled that his own curiosity about learning what the plants around where he lived sparked his interest in native plants. Soon after he was introduced to the society, Alice Zawadzki guided Tom into leadership where he revitalized our Grant Programs when he wrote 119 letters to universities and schools in NC with information about the Shinn Grant. He also spoke about his role in the creation of the garden certification program. Tom was the first person to certify his home garden. He left everyone with the statement, “Enthusiasm is what keeps the society going.”
Kathy Schlosser also spoke kindly of Alice Zawadski and her ability to connect people. One of the great strengths of the native plant society is that members can come together to share their unique knowledge. She closed by encouraging members to say yes to the opportunities presented to you.
Beth Davis was introduced to the society through volunteering at the UNC Charlotte Botanical Garden and said that enthusiasm is all that you need to volunteer. She mentioned how the society has worked to modernize by making our newsletter digital thanks in large part to the work of Andrea Thunem and Sue Stephenson. Jackie Trickel, who has spent years volunteering at the State Fair and Native Garden there, was also praised for her work with the Reid Chapter. Beth ended by encouraging everyone to support their local chapters.
After a few additional members spoke about three important committees: Karen Rindge on Advocacy, Brett Hopkins on Education and Cassie Hallman about Stewardship.
Next, two awards were presented by Ken Bridle.
Senator Bill Rabon Wins Award
The North Carolina Native Plant Society proudly bestowed the H. Roland Totten Award to Senator Bill Rabon for his commitment to native plants. In 2023, Sen. Rabon sponsored the NC Native Plants Act (SB 606) that was approved by both the House and the Senate and became law July 22, 2023. The law requires the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to “give strong preference to” planting native plants along highways and at North Carolina’s state parks and historic sites. In 2025, Sen. Rabon took further legislative action with the transportation authorization bill (SB 391). This bill, also approved, was signed into law by Governor Josh Stein July 1, 2025. This law designates “No Mow May” along state highway rights-of-way, calls on the NCDOT to develop a plan for the removal of invasive plant species, and requires planting of native trees by billboards when an existing tree dies or must be removed.
Amy Jo Edwards Wins Award
The North Carolina Native Plant Society proudly bestowed the H. Roland Totten Award to Amy Jo Edwards for her passion and environmental activism in the Raleigh area. She became concerned about a park near her home that was being overtaken by invasive plant species. She began advocating for the City of Raleigh to remove these invasive but, lack of staff and funding created a roadblock. Rather than giving up Amy Jo worked with City officials for two years to obtain permission for a private contractor to work on the city property; this work was funded by Amy and her husband. Amy Jo has made a huge impact as she has formed relationships with several Raleigh City Council members and upper level management in the City’s land conservation departments. Through these connections, she successfully got invasive plants banned from plant installations in new developments within the City limits. Amy Jo also has worked to add native plantings to the City’s Green Growth Toolbox. Through her continued advocacy, the City allocated $500,000 for invasive plant removal in the 2024 budget. Amy Jo has also brought her passion for native plants to her community through coffee shop meetings where she has educated the public about the dangers of pesticide use and invasive plants, as well as the benefits of native species. Amy Jo created, sourced and produced her own “Skeeter Death Bucket” which can be safely placed in yards to eliminate mosquitoes without using harmful pesticide spraying which she gives away to community members. Each spring, she buys pounds of native seeds and packages up native seeds mixes to give away. She also gives away plant kits to children with child sized gardening tools and gloves.
Ken closed the meeting by thanking board members whose terms have ended and new board members were confirmed by a voice vote.
Outgoing Board members:
- Ken Bridle, president
- Margot Ringenburg, vice president
- Diane Laslie, treasurer
- Jennifer Perrey, at large
Current Board members:
Officers:
- Jean Woods, president
- Barbara Tuset, vice president
- Terry Loeb, secretary
- Jeanette Gerould, treasurer
Board members:
- Dean De Lillo
- Kelly Gage
- Cassandra Hallman
- Brett Hopkins
- Angela Johnson
The meeting was followed by great food, conversation and tables full of native plants. A silent auction was also available for several specimens and rare plants. As members perused the plant sale, stories were exchanged about personal experiences with specific plants, often encouraging newer members to plant them in their own gardens. With hundreds of plants finding new homes, a great time was had by all!
Adam Webb is the current chair of the Triad Chapter and has been a member of the NCNPS since 2016. He has been a certified Northwest Piedmont Master Naturalist since 2024.