Sponsored by the Georgia Native Plant Society
The GNPS has started its Native Plant Habitat Certification Program to recognize and honor GNPS members for planting and nurturing native plants in the landscape pattern and to applaud the native plant gardener for showing in a small but significant way that a residential property can sustain an ecosystem which continues its connection with the natural world.
Thank you for your interest in the GNPS Native Plant Habitat Certification. This indicates your recognition of native plants as an avenue to common sense gardening, as a link to working with nature, and as a path to environmental wholeness, as well as a blessed haven for wildlife.
Your effort indicates your commitment to preserving, enhancing, conserving and protecting our environment. It also reveals your desire to educate not only yourself, but your friends and neighbors as well, about the intrinsic values of developing a native plant habitat. Keep in mind that a garden is a work in progress. Understand that as a conscientious effort is made to develop a native plant habitat, the garden will never become a final statement, but rather a continuing development connecting the gardener with nature.
Upon completion and approval of your application, a member of the Native Plant Habitat Certification Committee will visit your site as part of the certification process. At that time you will receive a personalized certificate suitable for framing. This visit will be coordinated with you prior to the visitation date.
If possible, please submit a photo of your garden at visitation/certification time that reflects the native plant habitat. Photo will be placed in GNPS Native Plant Habitat Certification Album and will be available for viewing at various GNPS events. Gardens certified as Native Plant Habitats will be announced at the GNPS Annual Symposium.
The Certification Program Fee of $10.00, payable to GNPS, is due with completed application. You must be a member of GNPS to participate.
*Visitations may be made when/where certifiers are available; otherwise certificate will be mailed.
The application form is a set of questions. Print the Certification Application on your printer (there will be 3 or 4 pages) and mail it to Jacqueline McRae at 1438 Montevallo Circle, Decatur, GA, 30033-2002. If you have any questions regarding the application, please call Jacqueline at 404-633-5225 or send an email to jacqueline.mcrae@comcast.net.