NCNPS 75th Anniversary Celebration
North Carolina Native Plant Society · 1951–2026
Rooted in the
Southern Blue Ridge
The North Carolina Native Plant Society is turning 75, and the Oconee Bell Chapter is celebrating here at Highlands Biological Station! Join fellow nature lovers for an afternoon of garden tours, good food, and a raffle in honor of the Society’s history.
- When
- Thursday, October 83:00–6:00 pm
- Where
- Sto PavilionHighlands Biological Station
- RSVP by
- Wednesday, October 7Rain or shine
Garden tours
Dr. Jim Costa, Canty Worley, and Adam Bigelow will lead small groups through the Highlands Botanical Gardens. Along the way you’ll identify plants and hear the story of the Station’s natural areas, a living showcase of the botanical diversity of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and the southern Appalachians.
- Pond & BogWetland plants and habitat
- Moss GardenA serene garden celebrating bryophyte diversity
- Homeowner’s Demonstration GardenIdeas for sustainable landscaping with native plants
- Rock Outcrop GardenMimicking the specialized conditions of a granite rock bald
Reception & raffle
Hors d’oeuvres and beverages are provided, and you’re welcome to BYOB. Raffle prizes include exceptional native plants, tour tickets, books, art, and Oconee Bell Chapter and NCNPS 75th anniversary swag.
Thank you to the friends of the chapter who donated prizes: Trevor & Nancy Anderson, Lynda Anderson & Ken Conover, Adam Bigelow, Cathy & Jim Foster, Eric Gray of Winding Stair Farms, and Jodie & Jeff Zahner of Chattooga Gardens. If you’d like to donate a prize too, email oconeebellco@ncwildflower.org.
Please register by Wednesday, October 7, and let the chapter know if you’re bringing a friend. The celebration happens rain or shine, so dress for the weather.
RegisterPresented by the Oconee Bell Chapter of the North Carolina Native Plant Society · Hosted at Highlands Biological Station