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.

	A copy of the South Carolina Native Plant Society's Brochure is available for online viewing and for download:
	SCNPS Brochure (115KB)

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, monthly 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!

• Society founded in March 1996, the Upstate Chapter the founding chapter

• 1997 Low country and Midlands chapters established

• 1997 Joined the National Native Plant Conservation Alliance

• 1997 First annual symposium

• 1998 Piedmont chapter established

• 1998 Completed Floristic inventory of the Congaree National Monument

• 1998 Participant in workshop and National networking at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center.

• 1998 Established an on-going native grass collection cost share agreement with the US Forest Service

• 1999 Member of founding board Southeastern Exotic Pest Plant Council (SE-EPPC).

• 2000 Co-sponsor for the Centennial Celebration for the Acquisition of Public Lands

• 2000 Co-sponsor panel discussion on Chip Mill impacts

• 2002 Completed a botanical survey of Wadako Mountain, Jocassee Gorges area.

• 2002 Awarded grant for the restoration of the Pondberry

• 2003 Membership over 300

• 2008 South Coast Chapter added