Mission Statement:
1) To encourage the appreciation, preservation, and horticultural use of native plants.
2) To educate ourselves and the public about:
    The ecological role of native plants in natural communities.
    The effects of invasive plant species (exotics).
    The role of native flora in the preservation and restoration of gardens, fields, woods, and wetlands.
3) To share our enthusiasm for native flora with others.
 

History of the Native Plant Study Group

    In 1996, Michelle Koenig and David Fuqua were eager to restore the long neglected, half acre yard surrounding their home in Lebanon, NH .  The prospect of a “perfect” lawn with an assortment of typical ornamental shrubs maintained with intensive chemical fertilization and weed management did not appeal to them.  The book, Noah's Garden:  Restoring the Ecology of Our Own Back Yards by Sara Stein, provided the inspiration for a more ecologically sound landscape design. Searching for information about plants native to our area, it became apparent that others might also be interested in this landscape approach.  They held an organizational  meeting on October 8, 1996 and The Native Plant Study Group was officially formed.

    One of the first programs of the Native Plant Study Group was to co-host a presentation and workshop by Sara Stein with the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, Vermont.  The study group has organized many different activities for the public including  invited speakers who have volunteered information on numerous, relevant subjects.  We have visited private gardens, sponsored field trips to local conservation areas, and held discussion groups on topics related to restoration ecology.

    During the first 5 years of our existence, we were supported by the Hanover Co-op Department of Education.  We are now an independent organization without formal officers or by-laws.  We ask an annual contribution of $10.00 to support this web site where we list activities and post pertinent information.  Those who wish can request a quarterly newsletter by U.S. mail.  Any excess funds over and above the cost of maintaining this web site and the quarterly mailings accumulates in an honorarium fund to attract future speakers.

To Join or Support The Native Plant Study Group

Please make checks payable to Native Plant Study Group and send the following information, along with $10 annual membership dues, to:
Sara Hand
257 Wallace Hill Road
Randolph, VT 05060

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