Blooming Joe Pye Weed with Monarch Butterfly

About the South Carolina Native Plant Society

South Carolina is a state blessed with a rich botanical heritage. Our distinct geographical provinces and an abundance of water provide habitat for a diversity of flora, which rivals anywhere in the world. Early explorers such as William Bartram and André Michaux depicted a region so botanically rich that it must have seemed like Eden. However, today most South Carolinians hardly realize what botanical treasures abound, nor do most understand why it is important to protect and promote our native species.

The South Carolina Native Plant Society was founded in March of 1996 by a diverse group of folks interested in promoting the awareness and education of native plant species and their importance in the South Carolina landscape and history. By developing working relationships with organizations such as the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League, SC Forest Watch, SC Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club, Chattooga Watershed Coalition, The Nature Conservancy, US Forest Service, SC State Parks, SC Department of Natural Resources and others the South Carolina Native Plant Society has become a leader in conservation effectively raising the public awareness of native plants and native plant issues. Members of the SCNPS participate in plant rescues, botanical surveys, seed collection,  field trips, lectures and enjoy the fellowship of people who share a common passion, native plants.

Native plants and the native landscape in many ways define us as a state and a people, giving us a sense of belonging, a sense of place. Native plants are our heritage. Be part of that heritage by becoming a member of the South Carolina Native plant society!

 

South Carolina Native Plant Society Chapters

Click on the Chapter name for more information, leadership and contact information

 

Lowcountry Chapter

Based in Charleston, the Lowcountry Chapter meets monthly September through May (except December) on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are held in Duckett Hall 101 Biology Auditorium, 2 Jones Avenue, on The Citadel campus. Free parking is available after 5:00 PM in the parking lot south of Richardson Street, accessible from Mims Ave. Please join us for refreshments after the lecture.

 

Midlands Chapter

Based in Columbia, the Midlands Chapter meets on the second Thursday of odd months from 7 – 8:30 p.m.  Meetings are either online, with links sent to member emails, or in the meeting room at Jim Hamilton-LB Owens Airport.  The chapter hosts plant sales and field trips throughout the year. Check our chapter page and Facebook for event listings. Click here for board member listing.

 

Piedmont Chapter

Based in Rock Hill, the Piedmont Chapter meets in Rock Hill at the Museum of York County at 7:00 pm on the third Tuesday of the Month from September to December, January to March, and May. Annual plant sales are scheduled for April. Other activities include field trips.

 

South Coast Chapter

Established in 2008 and based in the Beaufort and Hilton Head areas.

 

Upstate Chapter

Based in the Upstate, this chapter is active in both the mountainous Blue Ridge and Piedmont prairie ecosystems. Upstate Chapter activities include lectures, field trips, plant rescues, propagation workshops, restoration workdays, invasive removal projects, and more.  We also manage the Upstate Native Nursery where our all-volunteer crew propagates a wide variety of plants native to our ecosystems and provide over 4,000 plants annually to our community.  We have a general meeting every third Tuesday of each month (except August). Meetings move between Central (in Pickens County), Greenville (in Greenville County), and Landrum (in Spartanburg County).

Membership is encouraged but not required and visitors are always welcome!