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.
Congratulations to our note card photo contest winners!
Aaron Basten
Kara Grady
MJ Hatfield
Teresa Testroet
Tom Scherer
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
National Public Lands Day is celebrated each year on the fourth Saturday of September. The day is the nation’s largest, single-day event for public lands volunteerism. It is an opportunity for nature enthusiasts to give Read more…
Erythronium Summer 2025 Newsletter Featured Photo: Sarah Nizzi, INPS President
Ten attendees enthusiastically made their slow crawl up a ridge to explore remnant plants of the Loess Hills on August 30, 2025. Turin Loess Hills State Preserve is 220-acre of rugged terrain and home to Read more…
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…