Enjoyment, Conservation, & Study

Oregonians live in a state with exceptional natural beauty and diversity that includes alpine lava fields to coastal sand dunes.

For over 40 years, members of the Native Plant Society of Oregon have been visiting the wild places of Oregon to enjoy, conserve, and study its natural vegetation. Founded in Portland in 1961, NPSO has grown to a statewide network of 13 chapters and over 1000 members. We invite you to JOIN US!

NPSO works tirelessly for plant and habitat conservation. Oregon would not have an Endangered Species Act if, in the mid-80s, NPSO members had not sought out farsighted legislators, attended endless committee meetings, testified at hearings, and educated legislative staff in order to explain the importance of plant protection.

Today, NPSO state conservation chairs track major issues and chapters are involved in local efforts to protect and conserve threatened and endangered species. We carry out rare plant surveys and monitoring programs; we have developed guidelines and policy regarding native plant gardening, ethics, grazing, mining, and forest management; and we are involved in plant salvage and re-introduction.

Chapters sponsor field trips and work parties, involving our members in conservation of Oregon's diverse plant heritage.

NPSO is pleased to offer a yearly college scholarship for study within the State, as well as field research grants for botany students, giving many young people the opportunity for hands-on experience in plant research and conservation.

Also, NPSO is proud to be helping the Oregon Flora Project in its efforts to produce a modern Flora, online Atlas of Oregon Plants, and up-to-date Plant Checklist.

What benefits can NPSO membership offer you? Monthly chapter meetings with interesting speakers, programs, and workshops; field trips to see unusual land forms and uncommon plants; and the Annual Meeting at a beautiful location to celebrate the blooming of the wildflowers.

Your membership also includes The Bulletin, our monthly newsletter which provides news of meetings, field trips, and special events, and a subscription to our magazine, Kalmiopsis. You will also have the opportunity to purchase NPSO Occasional Papers.

NPSO is a member of Earth Share, whose logo we display on our publications.

The Native Plant Society of Oregon does not discriminate in regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, or legal source of income. This policy applies to persons served, board members, and any staff which we may employ.

Red-fruited Desert Parsley
Lomatium erythrocarpum

Drawing: Charlotte Hannan