Meeting Attendees ready for a hike
Photo Credit: Mike Strickland

Wendell Hoomes points out Whorled
Coreopsis (Coreopsis major)
Photo Credit: Carol Hight

Members and guests of the West Georgia Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society met for a nature walk on Saturday, June 20, 2009, at Buffalo Creek Trail adjacent to the Carroll County Agriculture Center. The purpose of the walk was to identify some native plants of interest in their natural habitat. Gina and Mike Strickland, facilitators for GNPS and amateur native plant enthusiasts, had previously identified many plants along the trail and prepared handouts as well as identified them as we walked. The group also spotted some additional plants not on the list. The group observed Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia hirta), Phlox (Phlox glaberrima), Red Stemmed Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Netted Chain Fern (Woodwardia areolata), Hawthorn (Crataegus sp.), Viburnum (Viburnum sp.) and many more. Wendell Hoomes, also a facilitator, helped with questions and identification. There were some particularly nice plants and shrubs observed.

Mike Strickland talks about Alder
(Alnus serrulata)
Photo Credit: Carol Hight

The WGC-GNPS offers an opportunity for folks in the West Georgia area to participate in GNPS activities such as plant rescues, restoration, outdoor walks and education about native plants, shrubs and trees. Membership is open to anyone interested in native plants. The next meeting is planned for August 18, 2009 at McIntosh Preserve; the public is invited. A small parking fee is charged for vehicles from outside of Carroll county. It will include a potluck picnic and a nature walk of the trails led by local native plant experts. If you would like to be associated with WGC-GNPS or simply want more information please contact us at: Info@WGaWildflowers.org or write to WGC-GNPS at PO Box 635, Carrollton, GA 30112.