Midwest Native Plant Society, Inc.
We advocate the vital role of native plants in the landscape to preserve ecological integrity and connect people with nature.
Who We Are
The Midwest Native Plant Society, Inc. is a charitable non-profit organization 501(c)(3) which is operated by a board of volunteers. Currently, most of our events are located in Ohio.
Our Mission
Our mission is to connect people and nature by promoting native plants. These plants play a crucial role in restoring habitats and the natural food chain for wildlife. By planting native plants, including trees and shrubs, we can help strengthen lost biodiversity and restore our land to a healthy and functional ecosystem. We are dedicated to advocating for the conservation of natural areas to protect and preserve intact ecosystems.
Education and Conservation
Each year, we organize a native plant conference and other events such as nature safaris, themed conferences and workshops, yard tours, and field trips.
We explore both urban and suburban settings including wilder areas of Ohio that take us into the heart of our forests, prairies, wetlands, bogs, and fens. Our ultimate goal is to learn all about our natural world, and we invite you to join us in this quest to understand and appreciate the native flora and fauna of our region.
Join, Support or Donate
Join our email lists expanding community and discover valuable information on our website, such as event registration and other relevant resources.
We have no membership fees, but we welcome donations to aid our conservation and education endeavors, allowing us to host events that promote the significance of cultivating and protecting native plants and the wildlife that depend on them. A
list of donors and a donor form is located on this page. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization and your donation can be considered tax deductible.
What We Do
In addition to our annual Midwest Native Plant Conference, Public Native Plant & Artisan Sale, and other enjoyable events, we’ve curated some exciting programs to support our mission.
Cheryl B. Harner Wonder Fund
The CBH Wonder Fund provides free access and volunteer opportunities at Midwest Native Plant Society events. Selected recipients learn from leading naturalists while contributing 2–3 volunteer hours per day. It’s a great way to build experience and connect with nature.
White Oak Young Naturalist Fund
The White Oak Young Naturalist Scholarship offers free event registration for youth under 18 with a passion for nature or science. Recipients gain learning opportunities from expert speakers and field leaders while connecting with Ohio’s naturalist community. Limited scholarships available—apply early!
Biodiversity Pledge & Yard Sign Program
Take the “Grow Native Plants for Biodiversity” pledge and turn your yard into a thriving habitat for birds and butterflies. Inspire others by displaying our beautiful yard sign. Every living landscape planted with native plants helps strengthen biodiversity—join the movement today!
Who We Support
The Midwest Native Plant Society selects organizations that meet specific criteria for the distribution of event proceeds. In addition, we also offer the White Oak Scholarship Program to support young naturalists and adults in related fields. Since 2010, we have donated more than $135,000 to worthy causes as we continue to hold events to educate about the importance of creating biodiversity using native plants in landscapes and the restoration of native habitats. Previous recipients of donations include:
- YETI-Young Ecologist Training institute-Edge of Appalachia, Cincinnati Museum Center
- Ohio Botanical Symposium
- Beaver Creek Wetlands Association
- Friends of Magee Marsh – Boardwalk Project
- Ohio University Winter Sparrow Project
Board of Directors
Officers & Steering Committee: Diana Malas, President; Cheryl Vargas; Vice-President; Ned Keller, Treasurer; Cathy Plum, Secretary. Accounting Assistant: Debbie Karr, Exec. Director: Kathy McDonald.
Trustees: Michele Martin Hisney, Teri Gilligan, Jennie Hefren, Tom Borgman, Ann Geise, Austin Miller, Jim McCormac, Debi Wolterman.
Volunteers & Associates
Kim Banks, Penny Borgman, Natasha McColman, Lisa Rainsong, Wendy Partridge, NIkki and Norah Tempus, Judy Semroc, Lexie Stevenson, Michelle Soski.
Images on this site courtesy of Jim McCormac, Chris Zacharias, Brook Decubellis, Kathy McDonald, Nina Harfmann, Ned Keller.
Artwork by Ann E. Geise.
"Chances are, you have never thought of your garden – – indeed, of all of the space on your property – – as a wildlife preserve that represents the last opportunity we have for sustaining plants and animals that were once common throughout the U.S. But that is exactly the role that built landscapes are now playing and will play even more in the near future."
~ Doug Tallamy, Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants
