What's New

Annual Spring Native Plant Sale
Saturday May 10, 2008 Over 200 species of plants, a large selection of books on native plants, and bags of Cedar Grove compost will all be available at the Bellevue Botanic Garden.

May Newsletter (PDF)

Self-guided plants walks for May

About Us
In 1976, a group of University of Washington scientists and local plant enthusiasts joined to form the Central Puget Sound Chapter of WNPS. Now we are the largest chapter of WNPS, and our over 900 members include avid gardeners, plant novices, hikers, photographers, teachers, students, professional botanists, and other people interested in the native plants and vegetation of the Pacific Northwest.

Run by volunteers, the CPS Chapter engages in a range of education and conservation activities. The Chapter publishes a monthly newsletter. It also provides monthly programs on topics related to native plants, and offers free plant identification workshops before the monthly program. The Chapter offers regular field trips to various botanical locations throughout the western part of the state. In addition, members work with schools and other organizations to increase public awareness of the importance of native plants and their environment.

The CPS Chapter Stewardship Program encourages member leadership and participation in projects that restore, protect, maintain and/or educate the public about native plants and native plant habitats. Stewardship grants are available annually to support these projects.

Most every year, the CPS Chapter conducts the Native Plant Stewardship Program. Participants receive free training in native plant-related issues and, in return, provide volunteer service in their community. This program began in 1996, and has now trained more than 350 native plant stewards in King and Snohomish Counties. The stewards are involved in education, conservation and urban forest, riparian and wetland restoration projects throughout the Puget Sound region, recording over 67,000 volunteer hours.

Twice a year the Chapter sponsors major plant sales which are its main fundraising effort. In addition, CPS has a native plant salvage program and manages a native plant nursery.

The Central Puget Sound Chapter sponsors the Growing Wild Program, whereby homeowners who wish to incorporate more native plants in their yards, can apply for on-site garden consultations.

The CPS Board meets once a month, except during July and August, and recent minutes of Board meetings can be viewed at CPS Board Meeting minutes. Bylaws and Standing Rules are also available. We welcome your participation in the Washington Native Plant Society. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to become involved.