Organizations Without Active Calendar Items
INDEX * *NOTICE: The GNPS is not responsible for and has no control over the subject matter, content, information, or graphics of any outside web sites that have links here. Please contact us with any comments, concerns, or questions. This list has been compiled to make it easier for GNPS members to find organizations that might interest them. The listing of these organizations does not imply any kind of endorsement, by the GNPS, of these organizations.
Alabama Wildflower Society
The purpose of our organization is to enjoy the fellowship of shared interest in native plants and to promote the knowledge, appreciation, and use of native plants. We strive to preserve areas of significant interest because of their native flora. To promote interest in young people in this endeavor, we give several scholarships each year to deserving students. Please visit alwildflowers.org for more information.
NOTE: All times listed are Central Time.
American Forests
American Forests (americanforests.org) is the nation's oldest nonprofit citizens' conservation organization. Citizens concerned about the waste and abuse of the nation's forests founded American Forests in 1875. The organization is proud of its historic roots in the development of America's conservation movement and proud of the new approaches the organization has developed to help people improve the environment in the 21st Century. American Forests' Ecosystem Restoration and Maintenance Agenda presents our core values and seeks to build support for our policy goals. These goals focus on assisting communities in planning and implementing tree and forest actions to restore and maintain healthy ecosystems and communities. We also work with community-based forestry partners in both urban and rural areas to help them participate in national forest policy discussions. American Forests seeks to broaden awareness of the interdependence of communities and forests through our policy and communication activities with local partners.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to the preservation and management of the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources associated with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in order to provide primitive outdoor-recreation and educational opportunities for Trail visitors. To learn more about the organization and it's activities, visit www.appalachiantrail.org.
Atlanta History Center Gardens
Thirty-three acres of beautiful gardens, woodlands and nature trails show the horticultural history of the Atlanta region. Gardens include the Mary Howard Gilbert Memorial Quarry Garden, with native plants, wildflowers, bridges, a pond and stream; Tullie Smith Farm gardens, featuring period vegetables, flowers, herbs and antique species rarely seen elsewhere; Swan house gardens, comprised of formal boxwoods and classical statuary; Swan Woods Trail, labeled for nature study; the Garden for Peace, featuring the Soviet Georgian sculpture "The Peace Tree"; the Frank A. Smith Memorial Rhododendron Garden, featuring dozens of species of rhododendrons and azaleas; the Cherry-Sims Asian-American Garden, featuring species from the southeastern United States and their Asian counterparts including many cultivars of Japanese maples.
General admission to the History Center includes the Atlanta History Museum, gardens and exterior areas surrounding the 1845 Tullie Smith Farm and 1928 Swan House mansion: $10 adults, $8 students 18+ and senior citizens 65+ $4 youths 6-17, free for children 5 and under. Free for Atlanta History Center members. There is a small additional charge of $1 per person for optional guided tours of the interior of the Tullie Smith Farm house and $1 per person for the Swan House mansion. To learn more about becoming a History Center Member, call (404) 814-4100. For general information, call (404) 814-4000 or visit their website at www.atlhist.org.
Azalea Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society
Chapter meetings and activities are open to the public at no charge. Membership is $40 and includes a chapter newsletter and quarterly journal. For more information visit azaleachapter.com.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Birmingham Botanical Gardens is Alabama's largest living museum with more than 10,000 different plants in its living collections. The Gardens' 67.5 acres contains more than 25 unique gardens, 30+ works of original outdoor sculpture and miles of serene paths. The Gardens features the largest public horticulture library in the U.S., conservatories, a wildflower garden, two rose gardens, the Southern Living garden, and Japanese Gardens with a traditionally crafted tea house. Education programs run year round and more than 11,000 school children enjoy free science-curriculum based field trips annually. The Gardens are open daily, from sunrise to sunset, offering free admission to more than 325,000 yearly visitors.
For more information about the Birmingham Botanical Society call 205-414-3950 or visit www.bbgardens.org.
NOTE: Times given are Central Time.
Callaway Gardens
Callaway Gardens is in a unique region of Georgia. In this area, the flat, sandy, Coastal Plain ecosystem meets the rolling hills and clay soils of the Piedmont. In addition, Pine Mountain Ridge, the southernmost mountain in Georgia, is here with plant species typically found growing further north in the Appalachian Mountains. The intersection of these three different plant communities provides natural biodiversity in the forests of this region.
Callaway Gardens is owned and operated by the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation (ICCF). The 13,000 acres of Callaway Gardens include a garden, resort, preserve and residential communities. Highlights include a butterfly conservatory, horticultural center, discovery center, chapel, inland beach, nature trails and special events throughout the year.
Callaway Gardens is in Pine Mountain, GA, 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus. For further information, call 1-800-CALLAWAY (1-800-225-5292) or visit www.callawaygardens.com.
Workshop fees include admission to Callaway Gardens. To register, call the Education Department at 1-800-CALLAWAY (225-5292), option 5, option 2; 706-663-5153 or email education@callawaygardens.com. Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before each workshop begins. For a complete listing, visit www.callawaygardens.com. Annual Pass holders and Callaway Connection members qualify for special rates.
The Clean Water Campaign
The Clean Water Campaign is a cooperative, multi-agency public education initiative spearheaded by 20 local governments and managed by the Atlanta Regional Commission. Its mission is to build awareness of water quality problems and solutions in the Atlanta region.
Coastal WildScapes
The mission of Coastal WildScapes is to actively preserve and restore the highly significant biodiversity of the Southeastern coastal ecosystems by protecting existing native habitats, rebuilding the connectivity of impaired habitats and minimizing the future fragmentation of the coastal landscape. We participate in educational outreach, conservation intiatives and grassroots advocacy to accomplish our mission. For more information, please visit coastalwildscapes.org.
EcoAddendum
EcoAddendum's mission is to put Georgia's plants back into Georgia's landscape through native plant sales and environmental education. By working towards propagating native plants from local ecotypes, we offer plants adapted to Georgia's conditions to create sustainable greenscapes. Our Birds Butterflies and Bees program cultivates environmental stewardship by creating programming and native plant gardens for individuals, schools and community spaces. We have an office and classroom located at 743 B3 East College Avenue, Decatur, GA.
EcoAddendum regularly offers presentations and workshops. We can also tailor a program for any particular audience and to meet your specific needs. To sign up or from more information email LSandoval@EcoAddendum.org. To learn more, please visit www.ecoaddendum.org.
Elachee Nature Science Center
Elachee Nature Science Center is non-profit environmental education center located in the 1,200 acre Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve just south of Gainesville, GA. For over 20 years, Elachee has provided school programs, summer day camp, SDU teacher education courses, and programs for the general public. Visitors will enjoy over 12 miles of hiking trails, natural history exhibits, a live animal room, and the Nature Shop. Elachee is just off I-985, exit 16 at 2125 Elachee Drive. Open Mon. - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm. Admission: $3 for adults and $1.50 for children. For more information, please call 770-535-1976 or visit www.elachee.org.
Fernbank Science Center
Fernbank Science Center, 156 Heaton Park Drive, NE, Atlanta, GA 30307.
There is no charge for admission to the Science Center and there is ample free parking. Fernbank Forest is open to the public for self-guided walks seven days a week. During the summer the Forest hours are Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Public planetarium shows are $4 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. The Science Center and Forest are closed on some dates visit fsc.fernbank.edu for more information.
Florida Native Plant Society
The Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) is dedicated to preserving, conserving, and restoring the native plants and native plant communities of Florida. The Society encourages responsible landscape practices.
Please visit www.FNPS.org for more information.
Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
The Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites is a non-profit organization. Friends is a growing group of dedicated people who show their support in a number of ways. Some volunteer, some contribute financially, and some seek legislative support for the parks. Whatever your involvement, you are giving back to Georgia in a meaningful way. With more than 25 chapters across the state, you may be just down the road from a place where you can make new friends while making a difference. Plus, a portion of your membership fees is returned directly to these chapters for needed projects. For more information, please visit friendsofgastateparks.org.
Garden Clubs
Items in this section are related to garden clubs around Georgia. Please use the information in the item to learn more about that organization, or the event.
Georgia Botanical Society
Our primary membership activity is sponsoring field trips to interesting natural areas in Georgia. Membership is open to all, with a basic membership fee of $25 per calendar year. Join us in exploring areas from the mountains to the coast to find fascinating varieties of plants and learn from knowledgeable botanists who lead us. Most of us are not professional botanists, but enjoy learning about our native flowers, shrubs, trees, grasses, mosses, lichens and fungi.
Visitors are welcome to participate in the Society's field trips and are encouraged to follow up their interest by joining the organization. Call the Botanical Society Hot Line 770-417-5903 or visit www.gabotsoc.org for information on upcoming field trips.
Trips usually meet at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays with directions to the meeting site published in the BotSoc News and on the Bot Soc website. Simply show up at the site to join the trip. If overnight accommodations are needed, you are expected to arrange them on your own, but we often list suitable local places.
Before heading out to a BotSoc trip, it is a good idea to see if anything has changed by contacting the field trip chair, Maureen Donohue by email, at macaire75@att.net or the trip leader listed for the trip in the BotSoc News. Remember that all trips are tentative. We rarely cancel a trip, but they do change occasionally. Directions for a field trip are in the latest issue of the BotSoc News and on our website. You can also register with Anita Reaves at rich.reaves@att.net for email reminders of upcoming field trips.
Please be aware that these are outdoor field trips, and there is some risk involved. An indication of the physical nature of the trip is included in BotSoc News so that you may determine if the trip is appropriate for your abilities. All participants in BotSoc field trips are expected to sign a liability waiver as a condition of attending. It is our policy to visit private property only with permission of the owner.
Georgia Exotic Plant Pest Council
The purpose of the Georgia EPPC is to focus attention on:
- the adverse effects exotic pest plants have on the diversity of Georgia's native plants and animals;
- the use of exotic pest plant management to prevent habitat loss;
- the socioeconomic impacts of these plants;
- changes in the seriousness of the different exotic pest plants over time;
- the need to exchange information which helps land owners and managers set priorities for exotic pest plant management.
Please visit www.gaeppc.org for more information and to check out our latest newsletter.
Georgia Forest Watch
Our mission is to protect and restore the native ecosystems of Georgia's Mountain and Piedmont public lands, and to inform the citizens of Georgia about the values of these landscapes. For more information, visit www.gafw.org.
Georgia ForestWatch hosts outings throughout the year designed to get you out of the house and into your ecosystem. Join us as we walk, paddle, wade and snorkle our way into a deeper understanding of the beautiful and unique environments of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. Our hike leaders will make their outdoor knowledge and experience your own as you step into the other-world that starts at the end of the road. Visit your forests with us. Bring your longing for beauty and quiet, natural curiosity and your need to stretch those legs and leave with the calmer spirit and contentment only nature can give. GET OUT with Georgia ForestWatch!
For more information or to reserve a spot please email info@gafw.org, or call us at 706 635-8733.
Georgia Herbalists Guild
The Georgia Herbalists Guild is a local chapter of the American Herbalists Guild. The American Herbalists Guild was founded in 1989 as a non-profit, educational organization to represent the goals and voices of herbalists specializing in the medicinal use of plants. Our primary goal is to promote a high level of professionalism and education in the study and practice of therapeutic herbalism. For more information about the American Herbalists Guild, visit americanherbalistsguild.com.
Georgia Perennial Plant Association
The purpose of the Georgia Perennial Plant Association is to increase awareness and knowledge of the many fine perennial plants that can enhance our gardens. To this end, GPPA sponsors monthly speaker meetings 11 months of the year, as well as a Spring symposium. The quarterly journal Perennial Notes is widely respected as a source of information about perennials, their care and maintenance. Members include new gardeners as well as professionals. It is this interaction and diversity that enriches the experience of joining GPPA. Every member has something to learn and something to teach.
The GPPA meets at 7:30 PM on the third Tuesday (usually) of the month. Meetings open to the public, at no charge, and are held at McElreath Hall, Atlanta History Center, Social Hour 6:30-7:30 p.m., Speaker 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 404-237-8071 or visit www.georgiaperennial.org.
Georgia Southern Botanical Garden
Centered on an early 20th century farmstead, Georgia Southern Botanical Garden offers visitors a unique view of the cultural and natural heritage of the southeastern coastal plain, an area rich in unique and endangered plants. The Garden's nearly 11 acre site, located in the middle of the growing city of Statesboro, includes walking woodland trails, the Bland Cottage Visitor Center, Heritage Garden, Rose Arbor, Children's Vegetable Garden, Camellia Garden, Native Plant Landscape Garden, Native Azalea Collection and Bog Garden.
Georgia Southern Botanical Garden's programs are held at the Garden. Those programs that require a fee are indicated. Information on fees and registration is available at welcome.georgiasouthern.edu/garden.
Georgia Wildlife Federation
The Georgia Wildlife Federation is a private, nonprofit conservation and education organization and the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. GWF state headquarters are located on 115 acres in Covington, GA, along the historic Alcovy River. The site features an education center, with classrooms and a library, 30-acres of tupelo gum swamp, trails, and pavilions. Wildlife Habitat demonstration gardens around the center feature over 100 natives. Call (770) 787-7887 or visit www.gwf.org.
Grant Park Conservancy
The Grant Park Conservancy (GPC) began as a group of concerned Atlanta residents who recognized the need to protect Grant Park, Atlanta's oldest city park, from the demands of growing use and declining maintenance. During an updated master plan process commissioned by the city of Atlanta Bureau of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs this group realized that the impetus to implement the new plan would come only from concerned citizens. The Conservancy was formed and now works to raise funds to carry out its mission and provide an enjoyable greenspace for families, visitors and residents of nearby neighborhoods. For more information, visit www.gpconservancy.org.
Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center
The mission of the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center is to serve as a recreational catalyst for:
- inspiring and engaging community involvement in educating Gwinnett's students to solve tomorrow's environmental challenges;
- promoting sustainable development practices and utilizing new technologies;
- enhancing the appreciation of Gwinnett's natural resources; and
- presenting the interaction and interrelationships of lifestyles and cultures, past, present, and future, as they relate to the living world around us.
The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center is located at 2020 Clean Water Dr, Buford, GA 30519. For more information, please visit www.gwinnettEHC.org.
Highlands Biological Station and Botanical Garden
Highlands Biological Station, Highlands, NC
For 80 years, the mission of the Highlands Biological Station has been to foster education and research focused on the rich natural heritage of the Highlands Plateau, while preserving and celebrating the integrity of the "biological crown of the southern Appalachian Mountains."
During summer months (June - August), guided tours of the Botanical Garden leave each Monday at 10:30 am from the Nature Center. Interpretive guided walks for private groups are also available throughout the year and can be arranged by appointment. They are generally free of charge, but contributions for the Garden are always appreciated. To schedule a tour of the Botanical Garden, please contact the Nature Center at 828-526-2623.
Please visit http://www.wcu.edu/hbs for more information.
Keeping it Wild
The mission of Keeping it Wild is to connect people to the land and to each other in order to protect and restore the natural and wild lands of Georgia and the Southeast. Please visit www.keepingitwild.org or call 404-872-9453 ext. 13 for more information.
McIntosh Reserve Park
McIntosh Reserve Park, named for Chief William McIntosh, Jr., is a 527-acre park run by the Carroll County Recreation Department. It is located at 1046 West McIntosh Circle, off of Highway 5, southwest of Whitesburg. It is open year round with the exceptions of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Park hours are 8 am - 8 pm. For more information, please visit www.carrollcountyrec.com/mcintosh_reserve.php or call 770-830-5879.
Miscellaneous Category
This category shall hold information about events and opportunities potentially of interest to GNPS members, which come to the attention of GNPS from other organizations, groups and societies around Georgia. Please use the contact information, within each item, to learn more.
National Park Service
The National Park System comprises 391 areas covering more than 84 million acres. These areas include national parks, monuments, battlefields, military parks, historical parks, historic sites, lakeshores, seashores, recreation areas, scenic rivers and trails, and the White House. Several of these areas occur in the state of Georgia and surrounding states. Information about individual NPS areas can be found via nps.gov/findapark.
North Carolina Botanical Garden
The North Carolina Botanical Garden is part of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We further the University's mission of teaching, research, and public service through our own mission:"To inspire understanding, appreciation, and conservation of plants in gardens and natural areas and to advance a sustainable relationship between people and nature."The North Carolina Botanical Garden has been a leader in native plant conservation and education in the southeastern United States for more than 30 years. In this section of our website you can learn about our history and future plans, current news, current staff, and more. For more information, please visit www.ncbg.unc.edu.
North Carolina Native Plant Society
Formed in 1951 as the NC Wild Flower Preservation Society, 2004 marked the change to our current name. As a result of this modification, our name now more closely reflects our purpose to promote enjoyment and conservation of North Carolina's native plants and their habitats through education, protection, propagation, and advocacy. We aim to fulfill our purpose through our various programs and activities. For more information about the organization or our activities, please visit ncwildflower.org.
Organizations Fighting the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
The Lumpkin Coalition is a 100% volunteer non-profit 501c3 charitable organization formed to facilitate projects that benefit North Georgia, Lumpkin County, its residents and visitors. We are dedicated to preserving quality of life for all those who share it. To this end, we support the preservation of a clean and healthy environment, responsible living, and responsible growth.
The Lumpkin Coalition is also working to educate the public about the hemlock woolly adelgid, an insect-pest that is decimating our native hemlocks. For more information about us, this pest and how to control it, and our activities, please visit www.lumpkincoalition.org.
Saving the hemlocks has been a ary focus for Lumpkin Coalition since our beginning. Our goals for the hemlock project are:
- Raise public awareness of the hemlock issue and promote action.
- Support establishment of a beetle-rearing lab at the University of Georgia (goal accomplished) and continue to support the efforts of all three labs in Georgia that raise predatory beetles to combat the HWA on public lands.
- Assist businesses and homeowners to protect the hemlocks on private land.
NGCSU Predator Beetle Lab The beetle lab was created in 2007 to mass rear predators of the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect destroying the eastern and Carolina hemlock trees. The lab has since released over 122,766 Sasajiscymnus tsugae (St) beetles in 25 hemlock conservation areas throughout Northern Georgia. To learn more about the lab, please visit www.ngcsu.edu/EnvironmentalLeadership/Default_1col.aspx?id=3381.
Save Georgia's Hemlocks is a 100% volunteer, nonprofit organization of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experience who are dedicated to a common goal: helping north Georgia property owners save as many of their Hemlocks as possible for the lowest cost. To learn about the features of the program, how to use the services, and how to participate as an individual or group, please visit www.savegeorgiashemlocks.org. To achieve our goals, the Hemlock Help for Homeowners program is designed to do three things:
- Educate -- Enhance public awareness of the Hemlock woolly adelgid problem and the available controls.
- Enable -- Ensure easy access to information, advice, low-cost solutions, and direct assistance for homeowners without significantly increasing the customer service load on local public agencies.
- Motivate -- Establish a clear understanding of the aesthetic, economic, and environmental reasons for homeowners to take timely and effective action to save their Hemlocks.
Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center
Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center is dedicated to providing quality educational programs and resources that promote environmental awareness and citizen science. Our mission is to inspire individuals to conserve, protect and restore the natural environment. To learn more, please visit oxbow.columbusstate.edu. Our calendar of events is available on the navigation menu.
Parks & Recreation
Various city and county park activities are listed under this heading. Use contact information in the announcement for further information.
Piedmont Park Conservancy
Piedmont Park Conservancy is the nonprofit organization, working with the City of Atlanta for the preservation of historic Piedmont Park. Since 1989, the Conservancy has raised and invested more than $23 million in private funds to transform the once dilapidated Park into the most visited in green space in Atlanta. In addition to raising funds for capital improvements throughout the 185-acre park, the Conservancy manages more than 90 percent of the Park's daily maintenance care and security. For more information, please visit www.piedmontpark.org.
Reflection Riding Botanical Garden
The Reflection Riding Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Chattanooga is a three-hundred acre botanical garden on Lookout Mountain. It offers a good opportunity to view various native trees, shrubs and wildflowers. It was developed in the 1940's by consolidating three small farms. Several well known landscape architects participated in the development of the gardens. One of the outstanding features of this facility is the concept of riding through the gardens, allowing the visitor the opportunity to see various areas of the gardens in a relatively short time.
It is located within the city of Chattanooga, about 10 minutes from the downtown area. For more information, visit www.reflectionriding.org.
Reynolds Nature Preserve
W. H. Reynolds Memorial is a 146 acre nature preserve located in the heart of Clayton County in Morrow, GA. The land, preserved in its native state, is a perfect example of rolling hills in the Piedmont region of Georgia. With over 3 miles of hiking trails a visitor can explore the highest ridges in the county in a mixed oak-hickory-pine forest down to the wetlands and ponds fed by natural springs. Also take the opportunity to step back in time and admire old farm equipment, spring houses, and a barn dating back to 1867. Don't forget to stop in the Nature Center to see the live animals, environmental displays or just to talk to a ranger!
For more information and history, please visit www.reynoldsnaturepreserve.org.
Smith-Gilbert Gardens
Smith-Gilbert Gardens is located at 2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw, Georgia. With over 3,700 species of plants, 30 sculptures, and the historic Hiram Butler home, our gardens are a distinct blend of plantings, art, and history. Consisting of 16 acres of natural woodland, the Gardens include 7 acres of plantings. The garden areas encompass a woodland walk, a dwarf conifer display garden, a sunny rose garden, a perennial border, a rock garden, and the pond and waterfall garden. To learn more about the gardens, visit www.kennesaw-ga.gov/index.aspx?NID=295.
South Carolina Native Plant Society
The South Carolina Native Plant Society is a non-profit organization committed to the preservationand protection of native plant communities in South Carolina. We work to make this happen by providing programs and activities designed to educate and inform members and the general public about the importance of native plants, support efforts by governmental agencies to protect habitats and endangered species, encourage the use of native plant materials in public and private landscaping, and promote the commercial availability of native plant materials.
For more information, visit www.scnps.org.
Southeast Exotic Pest Council
The Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council is a regional organization dedicated to controlling invasive plants and restoring natural ecosystems. SE-EPPC welcomes participation by all land agencies, organizations, industries, and individuals, all working together to forge a solution. Visit www.se-eppc.org for more information.
Southeastern Flower Show
The Southeastern Flower Show is dedicated to promoting conservation and awareness of the natural environment through education, cultural enrichment, horticultural excellence and artistic expression. For more information on hours and tickets, please visit www.flowershow.org.
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage & National Park Experience
Since 1950, the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage has been an annual event in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Programs consist of a variety of wildflower, fauna, and natural history walks, motorcades, photographic tours, art classes, and indoor seminars. Most programs are outdoors in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while indoor offerings are held in various venues throughout Gatlinburg, TN.
The website, www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org, will have the latest information on Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage events.
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a public educational facility operated under the auspices of the University of Georgia. It is a "living laboratory" for university students and faculty who utilize the collections and natural plant communities for studies in a variety of disciplines. The Garden is also a public garden for enjoyment by the general public who find beauty, knowledge and solitude in a garden setting.
The SBG is located in Athens at the University of Georgia at 2450 South Milledge Avenue. For more information, or to register for any programs, call 706 542-6156. Visit their Web site at www.uga.edu/botgarden.
Stone Mountain Park
Located on 3,200 acres of natural beauty, Stone Mountain Park features a wide variety of fun family activities and things to do in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Stone Mountain is open year-round, but attraction hours vary by season. To check hours of operations and events calendar, visit stonemountainpark.com.
Tennessee Native Plant Society
The Tennessee Native Plant Society was founded in the spring of 1978 as a botanical organization for persons interested in the native flora of Tennessee. Members include wildflower enthusiasts from all over the state who share common interests in the areas of plant identification and folklore, growing native plants from seeds and cuttings for use in naturalized landscapes, and preserving natural areas to protect plants. Our members range from professional and amateur botanists to individuals simply interested in learning about Tennessee's diverse array of flora and unique environments.
Our members meet frequently at various locations all over the state for field trips. Field trips are open to non-members as well as members. For these trips we rely on local amateurs and professionals who know the plants in a given area. Trips are rarely cancelled, but sometimes changes are unavoidable. Contact the trip leader a day or two before attending to get an updated status and to let them know who is coming. Please visit www.tnps.org for more information.
Trees Atlanta
Trees Atlanta is a non-profit citizens' group dedicated to protecting and improving our urban environment by planting and conserving trees. We also educate the public about the value of trees. We are involved in tree issues in the entire metropolitan Atlanta area.
Volunteer projects are typically on Saturday mornings from 9 to noon. Locations vary week-to-week.
All volunteers must sign up to receive weekly emails with detailed project information. Children are welcome if they bring an adult with them. Activities include tree planting and care, depending on community needs and time of year. Visit the Trees Atlanta Web site at www.treesatlanta.org for more information.
Waddell Barnes Botanical Gardens at Macon State College
The Waddell Barnes Botanical Gardens at Macon State College provide an environment of beauty and unique educational resource for our students, faculty and the state. For more information, please visit www.maconstate.edu/botanical.
Woodlands
Woodlands is a seven acre greenspace in the heart of Decatur. There is an Historic Garden featuring camellias, hydrangeas, Japanese maples and much more, the 60 year gardening project of the family that donated the land. We are now removing invasive and exotic plants and beginning to plant a Piedmont Native Garden of trees, shrubs and perennials.
The Woodlands Midweek Gardeners meet every other Wednesday morning for light gardening, good conversation, and occasional field trips. Saturday workdays occur about four times a year as needed, and usually focus on larger tasks like trail maintenance or tree planting.
Contact Ruby Bock, Garden Manager, at 404.273.1464, or visit www.decaturpreservationalliance.org for more information.