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Native Plant Stewardship Program

Stewardship Class studying plant characteristics.

Identifying key characteristics of native plants.

The Native Plant Stewardship Program educates community volunteers about our region’s native plants and plant communities, and teaches how to use this knowledge to protect and restore Washington’s natural ecosystems.

Topics covered in the ten week training include native plant identification, Puget Sound ecosystems and plant communities, forest ecology, ethnobotany, wetlands, invasive species, native plant landscaping and restoration of native habitats. Expert training through lectures, workshops and field trips.

A wide range of citizens participate in this program each year. This community-based program is designed to provide opportunities for participants to conserve, protect and sustain native plant habitats in their communities. Examples of past projects.

Become a Native Plant Steward

Learn to identify local native plants
Learn about Puget Sound ecology
Learn current restoration and landscaping skills
Learn how to control invasive weeds

Commit to Restoring Native Habitat

Help restore our valuable urban forests, salmon streams and wetlands
Help create native plant gardens and schoolyard habitat
Help educate the public about native plants and habitats

Share Your Expertise with Others

Provide guidance and inspire others
Work with children and young adults

Forest ecology is an important component.

In Their Own Words

"I've learned so much about plants that I didn't know before. Not only how to identify natives but also how they work together, what environments they grow best in and how they benefit the ecosystem as a whole. It provided a clear "big picture" for me and a deeper understanding of the importance of native plants."

"The program has encouraged me to take on volunteer projects that, frankly, I would never have considered myself capable of prior to training."

"The WNPS Stewardship Program provided the impetus for starting Heron Habitat Helpers."

"Most of all the program has provided me with an outlet for my boundless enthusiasm about the natural world."

The Program's History

The Program was started in 1996 by the Central Puget Sound Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS) and Washington State University Cooperative Extension, King County. Since it began, funding has come from many sources, including the Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team, King County Water Quality Block Grant, USDA Forest Service, Starflower Foundation, King County Waterworks, the Puget Sound Urban Resources Partnership, Natural Resource Stewardship Network, the Seattle Foundation, Snohomish County Surface Water Management, and the generous support of WNPS members.

Stewards learning out to monitor restoration sites.

Stewards learn how to monitor restoration sites.

Starting in 2000, the Program expanded to include two training classes, one in King County and one in Snohomish County. In 2006 we will have our first Native Plant Stewardship Program in Pierce County.

The Program is administered by the Washington Native Plant Society with the assistance and technical support of non-profit organizations, local government agencies, scientists, and previous native plant stewards.

Get Involved!

A great opportunity to develop your knowledge and have a positive effect on your community.

Volunteers who want to learn about native plants so they can restore and protect natural habitats in the Puget Sound Region are encouraged to apply. The ten week program is free in exchange for a 100 hour volunteer commitment. For more information call or e-mail:

Washington Native Plant Society
6310 NE 74th Street, Suite 215 E
Seattle, WA 98115
206-527-3210, or 1-888-288-8022
wnps@wnps.org

Goals for the future

Develop partnerships with cities, counties, and educational and volunteer organizations to coordinate training and volunteer projects.
Ensure funding for the program through donations, grants, and endowments.
Provide continuing education for stewards.
Expand the program to other parts of Washington and the United States.

How you can help

Donate generously to the program.
Contribute expertise to stewards' training.
Provide continuing education for stewards.
Volunteer for Stewardship projects.
Raise public awareness of the program and the Washington Native Plant Society.

2007 Stewardship Grants Available

The Central Puget Sound Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society (WNPS) is please to continue its fifth year of awarding stewardship grants to help support projects. The projects must restore, protect, maintain native habitat, and/or educate the public about native plants and native plants habitats. Funding for these grants is made available for the Chapter's annual plant sales proceeds.

The Native Plant Stewardship Program is an education project of the Washington Native Plant Society's Central Puget Sound and South Sound Chapters.