The Kentucky Native Plant Society (KNPS) is dedicated to serving as a medium of fellowship and information exchange among botanists, both amateur and professional, to promote conservation of native plants and natural plant communities of Kentucky, promote public education in botanical science, and encourage botanical research in Kentucky.

The Society has always depended on volunteers and the contributions of members and friends to accomplish our goals. Over its 40 years, hundreds of people have volunteered thousands of hours to make KNPS the outstanding organization it is.

Volunteering can be the best part of KNPS membership—you will meet the most interesting people and feel a sense of accomplishment as you join others to support the Society and the native plants and plant communities of Kentucky. We have volunteer activities to suit every interest and energy level that are compatible with all lifestyles, with volunteer work ranging from 2-hour shifts to 2-year officer terms. Simply put, we cannot do this without the generous donations of time by people like you!

Hello all native plant and nature lovers!

As we enter 2026, KNPS has transitioned into a new term with new officers. As your new KNPS President, I would like to introduce myself to all of you!

My name is Kendall McDonald, and I am a lifelong Kentuckian from the rural central bluegrass. My love for nature started early, as I explored the tributaries of Elkhorn Creek and the Kentucky River with my family. As I grew older, my love for nature was mostly expressed through painting, photography and continuing to play in the creek. I attended Morehead State University, where I focused on botany and lichens in my coursework and research. As a research student I conducted a lichen inventory of the Eagle Lake watershed.

Continue reading President’s Message: An Introduction and a Botanical 2025 →

Jeff Nelson, KNPS President

As Fall winds down and the Winter Solstice fast approaches, this time of year is one of reflection and consideration of the year that is passing and the year to come. In 2026, the Kentucky Native Plant Society will be 40 years old. In 1986, several prominent botanists in the state came together to found a society dedicated to serving as a medium of fellowship and information exchange among botanists, both amateur and professional, to promote conservation of the native plants and natural plant communities of Kentucky, to promote public education in botanical science, and to encourage botanical research in Kentucky.

In the decades since it was founded, KNPS has grown to be a statewide organization of over 600 active members. It has introduced and educated thousands of Kentuckians to the importance and beauty of the state’s native plants and plant communities. Every year, more and more of our neighbors are planting native species for their beauty and, even more importantly, for their value to native butterflies, moths, bees, birds, and other wildlife. It seems that every week one hears or sees stories in the media about the native plant movement. We believe that the efforts of the Kentucky Native Plant Society, and native plant societies in other states, over the past 40 years have played no small part in this growth of interest in native plants.