Arizona Native Plant Society facts for kids

The Arizona Native Plant Society (AZNPS) is a group based in Tucson, Arizona, USA. Its main goal is to help people learn about, appreciate, and protect Arizona's native plants. They also work to bring these plants back into their natural homes. The society encourages using native plants in city areas and gardens too.

This society has eleven different local groups, called chapters. These chapters are found in places like Cochise County, Flagstaff, Phoenix, Prescott, Tucson, and Yuma. In 2023, the society had 650 members. They also publish a newsletter called Happenings four times a year. It shares news about what the different chapters are doing.

History of AZNPS

How the Society Started

The Arizona Native Plant Society began in 1977. It was started by people who owned plant nurseries, worked in landscaping, and other plant experts. They created this non-profit group to teach people in Arizona about the state's native plants. They also taught about other plants that need very little water, known as xeric plants. Early on, AZNPS made eight small books. These books helped teach the public how to use native and xeric plants in desert gardens.

Why Native Plants Are Important

Around the year 2000, AZNPS started to strongly encourage using only native plants in gardens. Native plants are the best choice because they are already used to the local weather and soil. This means they need the least amount of water. They are also easier to take care of and stay healthy without getting sick. Native plants also help create a natural space for local insects that pollinate plants and other wildlife, even in cities.

Leadership and Community Events

In 2024, Doug Ripley was the director of the society. The AZNPS often holds events where people can join in. These events help the public get involved in caring for natural plants in their local areas.