What is the Native Plant Society of Oregon (NPSO)?

Updated

The Native Plant Society of Oregon (NPSO) is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to the enjoyment, conservation, and study of Oregon's native plants and habitats. Founded in Portland in 1961, it has grown into a network of 11 chapters with over 1,000 members. It is relevant to you if you live in or visit Oregon and want to learn about, garden with, or help protect the state's native flora—whether as a member or simply as a participant in chapter activities, which are open to members and non-members alike.

What NPSO does

NPSO organizes its work around three pillars, each with a distinct way to get involved:

Pillar What it means in practice
Enjoyment Engage with other plant enthusiasts and explore the diversity of Oregon's 3,600+ native plant species.
Conservation Join citizen science initiatives, learn to garden with native plants, and advocate for protection of species and their ecosystems.
Study Attend meetings, join guided field trips, and use NPSO resources to build knowledge about Oregon's flora.

The "Gardening with Natives" initiative is a concrete example of the conservation pillar: NPSO provides guidelines for gardeners and landscapers and supports tools that help you select species matching your native-plant gardening goals.

How the chapter network works

NPSO's 11 chapters cover different regions of the state:

  • Cheahmill
  • Corvallis
  • Emerald
  • High Desert
  • Klamath Falls
  • Portland
  • Siskiyou
  • South Coast
  • Umpqua Valley
  • William Cusick
  • Willamette Valley

Each chapter holds its own meetings, field trips, and workshops. These are open to members and non-members, so you can sample local programming before deciding whether to join. The statewide map on the website links to information for each chapter—use it to find the one nearest you.

What kinds of events to expect

NPSO maintains a statewide calendar alongside chapter-level events. A partial list of upcoming events on the site illustrates the range:

  • Volunteer outreach — assisting with native plant nursery tasks (a half-day, hands-on conservation activity)
  • Programs and presentations — e.g., "Conserving Water and Wildflowers in the Willamette Valley" and "Wetland Restoration," typically evening talks
  • Field trips — including the multi-day NPSO Annual Meeting field trip (the site lists one for June 4–6, 2027)

Check the Calendar page for the complete and current schedule, since listings change.

Is it for you?

NPSO fits you if you want any of the following:

  • Local, low-commitment entry — chapter meetings and field trips welcome non-members, so you can attend first and join later.
  • Hands-on conservation — volunteer nursery work and citizen science give you direct participation rather than just information.
  • Native-plant gardening guidance — the Gardening with Natives resources help you choose species suited to your goals.
  • Structured learning — talks, workshops, and guided trips build knowledge of Oregon's native flora.

If you are outside Oregon or focused on non-native horticulture, the society's chapter-based programming will be less directly useful. For everyone else, the practical first step is to open the chapter map, find your regional chapter, and check its upcoming meetings or field trips on the calendar.