Your Native Plant Society in the Finger Lakes

We are an organization located in central New York, founded in 1997, dedicated to promoting the appreciation of our native flora. We hold free public field trips throughout the year and free indoor programs during the colder months. Members receive our newsletter, Solidago, and participate in a seed exchange, a spring native plant sale, and a December celebration of native plants.

We are meeting in person at the Cornell Botanic Gardens' Nevin Center. Click here for map of our meeting location.

The slide portion of the October 2025 meeting can be viewed below or in YouTube by clicking here

Videos from September 2020 through September 2025 can be seen by clicking here for a list of past events. (The September '22 & December '22, December '23, April '24 & Oct 24 & Dec 24 & March 25 meetings were not recorded.)The recordings are embedded in the meeting announcement along with a YouTube link if you prefer to go direct.

Steven Daniel Elymus riparius in winter, Ontario Co. NY

Rick Lightbody David Werier describing a local moss at the Solstice gathering

Steven Daniel Corylus americana fruit, taken in Powder Mills Park, Monroe Co, NY

Norm Trigoboff Getting a close look at moss on a winter walk

Steven Daniel Alnus glutinosa (European alder) mature fruit in Monroe Co. NY

Steven Daniel Fruit of Hamamelis virginiana at Powder Mill Park, Monroe Co. NY

Preservation of Native Plants for Future Generations

FLNPS is primarily an educational organization, with programs for experts and those who have just discovered native flora. We organize talks, walks and other activities related to conservation of native plants and their habitats. We also organize education and activities on threats to our native flora, including invasive plants and insects and their control.

Learn more about invasive plants.

Gardening with Native Plants

FLNPS is not a native gardening organization, but encourages the use of ethically propagated native plants in private and public gardens. Many members are gardeners, who collect seeds and spores from private lands and propagate seedlings for our annual spring sale. Please explore our list of Finger Lakes natives suitable for gardens, plus a short list of non-native garden plants you can safely include or should avoid.

Explore our list of garden-worthy native plants | Advanced Search by Plant Characteristics