North Carolina Native Plant Society – New Foothills Chapter

Written By Corrie Woods

The North Carolina Native Plant Society is an all-volunteer organization whose mission is “to promote the enjoyment and conservation of North Carolina’s native plants and their habitats through education, protection, propagation, and advocacy.”

And now, exciting news for our region:

Polk County is officially part of the newly established NCNPS Foothills Chapter.

This new chapter includes ten counties representing some of the most biodiverse landscapes in the state. For those of us working to bring native plants back into our gardens, schools, and public spaces, this marks a meaningful step forward—and one made possible through the dedication of many committed individuals.

What the Foothills Chapter Brings

With the formation of the Foothills Chapter, counties like Polk now have a more direct connection to:

  • Local field trips and plant walks

  • Regionally specific education and resources

  • A network of native plant enthusiasts and professionals

  • Opportunities for collaboration in restoration and outreach

For a place like Polk County—rich in natural heritage, from the wildflower diversity of Pearson’s Falls to our creekside forests and ridgelines—this is a natural and welcome fit.

NCNPS Outreach & Impact

NCNPS brings its mission to life through a wide range of efforts:

  • Education – Plant identification workshops, talks, and resources that deepen understanding of native plant ecology

  • Habitat Protection – Advocacy for conservation and responsible land stewardship

  • Plant Rescue & Propagation – Saving native plants from development sites and reintroducing them into the landscape

  • Community Building – Field trips, seed swaps, and chapter events that connect people with each other—and the land

Gardening for Life Project Spring ‘26 Native Plant Sale

We’re especially excited to share that the NCNPS Foothills Chapter will be an exhibitor at the upcoming Gardening for Life Project Native Plant Sale on April 11, 2026.

This collaboration is a natural fit:

  • NCNPS brings expertise, advocacy, and statewide connection

  • Gardening for Life Project brings local action, community engagement, and habitat creation

Together, we move beyond awareness into tangible change—plant by plant, yard by yard.

April 11 Native Plant Sale Details:

Date: Saturday, April 11
Time: Noon – 5:00 PM
Location: Congregational Church (UCC), 210 Melrose Ave., Tryon, NC 28782

  • Rain or Shine

  • Bring a box to tote your plants home in

  • Heads up - some vendors accept cash only

    Together our initiatives are about so much more than gardening — they’re about cultivating healthier landscapes and stronger, more resilient communities.

Corrie Woods
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