Rooted in Plants. Growing IN Community.
About us
Dedicated to the study,
appreciation, and conservation of the
native flora and natural communities of Illinois.
PROTECTING ILLINOIS' NATIVE FLORA FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
The Illinois Native Plant Society is dedicated to the study, appreciation, and conservation of Illinois’ native plants and natural communities. Through education, research, and community involvement, we work to preserve our state’s botanical heritage and support healthy ecosystems for generations to come.
our "why"
The Illinois Native Plant Society was founded in 1972 by a group of individuals who recognized the need to preserve the state’s native plants and natural landscapes. Since then, INPS has grown into a statewide organization of members, chapters, and partners working together to ensure healthy ecosystems for Illinois.
Honoring Our Botanical Legacy
Dr. Robert H. Mohlenbrock was a respected botanist, educator, and author whose work greatly influenced the study and conservation of Illinois’ native plants. A longtime professor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, he dedicated his career to botanical research, mentoring future botanists, and documenting the state’s diverse flora.
The Illinois Native Plant Society, originally known as the Southern Illinois Native Plant Society, was conceived in Dr. Mohlenbrock’s laboratory. He also helped establish Erigenia, the Society’s journal, which published its first issue in 1982. His contributions continue to shape the Society’s commitment to understanding, appreciating, and protecting Illinois’ native plants.
Figure 1. Dr, Robert H. Mohlenbrock in March 2020 holding a copy of the recently published Asteraceae Volume 2 for the Illustrated Flora series. Photo by Chris Benda.
Join a Community That Makes a Difference
Support Conservation
Your membership helps protect native plants and natural communities across Illinois.
Learn & Connect
Enjoy programs, publications, field trips, and events with others who share your passion.
Take Action
Members play a vital role in advocating for our natural heritage and future.
OUR CHAPTERS
Our regional chapters connect people to local plants, places, and conservation efforts. Find a chapter near you!
- Northeast Chapter
- Quad Cities Chapter
- Central Chapter
- Forest Glen Chapter
- Southern Chapter
- Kankakee Torrent
- Grand Prairie
INPS Govering board Meeting Schedule
INPS Board meetings are open to INPS members. To receive attendance information, please email secretaryINPS@illinoisplants.org for instructions on how to join meetings via Zoom or in person.
Meet the team
Get to know the friendly faces behind Illinois Native Plant Society.
Executive Board
Nick Seaton
President
Ecologist, US Forest Service at the Shawnee National Forest
Carolyn Villa
Vice-President
Ecologist, Project Manager in Ecological Restoration at V3 Companies
nancy smith
Secretary
Retired Program Manager, NVIDIA, Writer
Becky Croteau
Treasurer
Plant Ecologist, Retired Professor, Lincoln Land Community College
Sheri Glowinski, PhD
Membership Chair
Biologist, Professor, Administrator, Native Plant Gardener
Emily Dangremond, PhD
Past President
Biologist, Author, Host of “Kid’s Questions Answered Podcast with Dr. Danger”
CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES
Central Chapter Representative
Trish Quintenz
Central Chapter President
Retired RN, Plant Enthusiast
Kankakee Torrent Chapter Representative
Floyd Catchpole
Kankakee Torrent Chapter President, Past INPS President
Ecologist, Retired Will County Forest Preserves
Southern Chapter Representative
Kurt Neubig
Southern Chapter President
Plant Systematist, Southern Illinois University
Forest Glen Chapter Representative
Paul Marcum
Forest Glen Chapter President
Botanist, Illinois Natural History Survey
Grand Prairie Chapter Representative
Joe Armstrong
Grand Prairie Chapter President
Quad Cities Chapter Representative
Grant Fessler
Quad Cities Chapter President
Northeast Chapter Representative
Vlad Nevirkovets
Northeast Chapter President
MEMBERS AT-LARGE
Eric Ulaszek
Erigenia Associate Editor, Grants Committee
Illinois Natural History Survey
Brian Charles
Harbinger Editor-in-Chief, Grants Committee
Illinois Natural History Survey
Kristin Adams
Project Ecologist, Arcadis U.S., Inc.
Plant Systematist, Southern Illinois University
Current And Upcoming Open Positions:
- Secretary
- Webmaster
- Member At-large (Multiple Positions Available)
Reach out to illinoisplants@gmail.com
We'd love to hear from you!
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