The Iowa Native Plant Society is a volunteer operated, nonprofit organization, open to all curious persons whose interest encompasses native Iowa habitat types (prairie, savanna, wetland, woodlands, etc.). We provide a forum of native plant enthusiasts to connect through field trips, workshops, newsletters, and more.
Our goals are to increase awareness and education of native ecosystems and to promote the conservation and ethical use of native plants, as well as appreciation and enjoyment of Iowa’s native flora.
Do you have a story to share? Photos to share?
You’re in luck! We happily welcome various pieces of creative and scientific writing and photography related to Iowa’s native plants for our biannual newsletters! Please reach out to us at iowanativeplantsociety@gmail.com!
Photo courtesy of Kara Grady
What is a paha? Great question. A paha is significant due to its geological characteristics. The word “paha” is Dakota-Sioux for ridge or hill. Pahas can be found in the state within the Iowan Surface Read more…
INPS Field Trip(s) to Lafayette and Center Ridge Cemetery Prairies in Keokuk County Our two field trips were led by Mark Leoschke, Botanist for the Wildlife Bureau of the Iowa DNR, along with Mr. Eric Read more…
Over 25 attendees joined the INPS board to celebrate 30 years of native plant advocacy and appreciation. The event lasted two days and offered multiple field trips, dinner, and a presentation. Backbone State Park was Read more…
Long-time INPS member, Dr. Tom Rosburg, led two different field trips in northeast Iowa on May 3, 2025. The original intent was to explore Hayden Prairie State Preserve, but Mother nature had other plans. The Read more…
Erythronium Winter 2025 Newsletter Featured Photo: Sarah Nizzi, INPS President
The focus of the September 14, 2024 annual meeting was to highlight the often overlooked fauna of Iowa, aquatic insects. Professor Dr. Greg Courtney of Iowa State University gave an hour long presentation titled Aquatic Read more…