You Can Help Build a Sustainable Future for NPSO
Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Tom Pratum
 Photo by Diane Wilson. |
| What happens when people who love Oregon’s native plants come together? They learn. They teach. They explore wild places. They restore habitat. They notice what is changing. They share knowledge, seeds, stories, photographs, and enthusiasm. They help one another become better stewards of the plants and places we all depend on. That is what we do together. For more than sixty years, NPSO has been powered almost exclusively by volunteers. Today, some 1,200 members across Oregon contribute their time, knowledge, creativity, and passion through our chapters, programs, committees, publications, conservation efforts, and educational activities. We want to make sure that this remarkable volunteer community continues having the support it needs to thrive. Will you help us sustain NPSO and bring together more native plant lovers? NPSO needs your help to reach a more sustainable organizational structure that utilizes a modest level of paid support to keep essential operations moving and growing. A little organizational continuity can make a big difference. Paid staff help basic systems function consistently, meaning volunteers can spend less time managing administrative details—and more time doing the work they care about to help plants and reach people. And the heart of NPSO will always be its people. Diane from the Umpqua Chapter recently shared her story of how NPSO and native plants build community: No matter how old we are, we all need to feel a sense of belonging. When I relocated from out of state, I wasn’t sure  Oregon was a right fit. The best thing I could’ve done was find my tribe with the Native Plant Society of Douglas County. No matter my background, my age, my appearance, these folks were as fascinated and appreciative of native flora as I was. Hikes were a great introduction to the best hidden gems of the area, even places that had limited entry and public attention. Thanks for the sunny treks, the lunch time breaks in beautiful places, the friendships that were made during carpooling adventures, and the ecological education from dedicated naturalists. These experiences are exactly what we are working to sustain. Your contribution to NPSO helps provide the foundation for all of this: supporting volunteers, maintaining essential organizational systems, communicating with members, providing educational opportunities, advancing native plant conservation, and ensuring that NPSO can continue growing to reach the next generation. Would you consider a year-end gift to our General Fund to help build a sustainable NPSO and continue our conservation mission? We have a vision of flourishing and diverse native flora in reciprocal connection with a thriving, enthusiastic community of Oregonians. Help us build the foundation to make that vision possible. MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY Your gift will support our vision of organizational sustainability as well as our conservation efforts. With gratitude for all that you bring to this community, – Steven Yeager, NPSO President Above photo by Diane Wilson. |