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More about the Native Plant Stewardship Program
The program has graduated 453 stewards in the past 14 years. These individuals have reported over 81,500 volunteer hours promoting the awareness, appreciation, education and restoration of native plants in Washington State. And, we are aware of thousands more volunteer hours that are diligently contributed but not reported. According to WNPS records, Native Plant Stewards have made over 775,000 outreach contacts with the public concerning native plants by teaching, leading walks, supervising other volunteers, and training or advising citizens in the Puget Sound region since the beginning of the Program.
Topics covered in the ten week training include native plant identification, Puget Sound ecosystems and plant communities, forest ecology, ethnobotany, wetlands, invasive species, native plant landscaping and restoration of native habitats. Expert training through lectures, workshops and field trips.
A wide range of citizens participate in this program each year. This community-based program is designed to provide opportunities for participants to conserve, protect and sustain native plant habitats in their communities.
Become a Native Plant Steward
- Learn to identify local native plants
- Learn about Puget Sound ecology
- Learn current restoration and landscaping skills
- Learn how to control invasive weeds
Commit to Restoring Native Habitat
- Help restore our valuable urban forests, salmon streams and wetlands
- Help create native plant gardens and schoolyard habitat
- Help educate the public about native plants and habitats
Share Your Expertise with Others
- Provide guidance and inspire others
- Work with children and young adults
In Their Own Words"I've learned so much about plants that I didn't know before. Not only how to identify natives but also how they work together, what environments they grow best in and how they benefit the ecosystem as a whole. It provided a clear "big picture" for me and a deeper understanding of the importance of native plants." "The program has encouraged me to take on volunteer projects that, frankly, I would never have considered myself capable of prior to training." "The WNPS Stewardship Program provided the impetus for starting Heron Habitat Helpers." "Most of all the program has provided me with an outlet for my boundless enthusiasm about the natural world." |
The Program's History
The Program was started in 1996 by the Central Puget Sound Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS) and Washington State University Cooperative Extension, King County. Since it began, funding has come from many sources, including the Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team, King County Water Quality Block Grant, USDA Forest Service, Starflower Foundation, King County Waterworks, the Puget Sound Urban Resources Partnership, Natural Resource Stewardship Network, the Seattle Foundation, Snohomish County Surface Water Management, and the generous support of WNPS members.
 Stewards learn how to monitor restoration sites. |
Starting in 2000, the Program expanded to include two training classes, one in King County and one in Snohomish County. In 2006 we will have our first Native Plant Stewardship Program in Pierce County.
The Program is administered by the Washington Native Plant Society with the assistance and technical support of non-profit organizations, local government agencies, scientists, and previous native plant stewards.
A Stewardship Advisory Committee provides guidance and direction in program goals and policy.
Get Involved!
A great opportunity to develop your knowledge and have a positive effect on your community.
Volunteers who want to learn about native plants so they can restore and protect natural habitats in the Puget Sound Region are encouraged to apply. The ten week program is free in exchange for a 100 hour volunteer commitment. For more information call or e-mail:
Washington Native Plant Society
6310 NE 74th Street, Suite 215 E
Seattle, WA 98115
206-527-3210, or 1-888-288-8022
wnps@wnps.org
Goals
- To train and create a citizenry informed about native plant ecosystems and their critical value to the health of Washington’s natural resources and quality of life.
- To provide the highest quality training utilizing experts and specialists in a variety of disciplines.
- To make the Native Plant Stewardship Program accessible to a wide range of individuals.
- To provide motivation and inspiration for community service and involvement in restoring native plant ecosystems and educating others.
How you can help
- Donate generously to the program.
- Contribute expertise to stewards' training.
- Provide continuing education for stewards.
- Volunteer for Stewardship projects.
The Native Plant Stewardship Program educates community volunteers about our region’s native plants and plant communities, and teaches how to use this knowledge to protect and restore Washington’s natural
ecosystems.