Preserve & Protect Rhode Island’s Native Plants & Their Habitats

rose pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides), DMcGrady

Our Native Plants

  • We provide opportunities to study and enjoy them.
  • We encourage and offer guidance in their cultivation and use.
  • We educate the public on their ecological and aesthetic values.
  • We support land preservation and practices fostering their natural communities.
Why native plants matter
What you can do

Sightings

Picture of summer plants

NEW iNaturalist Project.

 We have created a new iNatural Project RI Summer flora where we can share our photos.  Check it out.

Sarracenia purpurea (purple pitcherplant), South Kingstown, RI 06/10/2021

Doug McGrady, a RIWPS walk leader, is passionate about exploring plant communities in and close to RI. He also tracks rare and endangered plants for the Plant Conservation Volunteer Corps. Click image.

Save the Date

November 14, 2021

Lisa Lofland Gould Lecture

How Native Plant Cultivars Affect Pollinators

Annie S. White, Lecturer in the Department of Plant and Soil Science at the University of Vermont, will consider research on the ecological value of “true” natives vs. cultivars and its implications.Annie S White

This lecture is underwritten by the Lisa Lofland Gould Native Plant Program Fund and cosponsored by Rhode Island Natural History Survey and University of Rhode Island, Master Gardener Program.

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Upcoming Events

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Recent RIWPS News

In Memory: Irene Beauregard

Irene was a member of RIWPS for more than thirty years starting in 1990.  For many of these years she both actively shared her extraordinary knowledge of plants and her professional landscape talents to foster the mission of RIWPS and forged a shared sense of community among volunteers and members alike.
Read more

In Memory: Sandra Thompson

For more than 15 years, Sandra was a tireless, meticulous volunteer, who wanted things done right. In 2013 she was honored with a Lifetime Service Award.
Read more
riwps annual grant

Annual Grant Recipients

RIWPS is pleased to be able to support a number of projects related to native plants through our Annual Grants.  We thank our members and other donors who make these grants possible.
Read more

Resources

Find online resources and printed references from organizations that steward native plants, including the Rhode Island Natural History Survey, New England Wild Flower Society,  University of Rhode Island Outreach Center, Among Rhode Island Wild Flowers and, of course, RIWPS .

Grow

The Rhode Island Wild Plant Society (RIWPS) has seed starter groups in Exeter, RI (Seed Starters West) and Portsmouth, RI (Seed Starters East). Seed starters cultivate most of the plants at RIWPS plant sales.

Both groups would welcome more members. Dig in the dirt in non-gardening seasons and enjoy constantly learning about native plants!

Explore

People of all botanical abilities are welcome at RIWPS events — beginners, experts, amateurs, and professionals. Come to enjoy and learn about wild plants.

Some RIWPS programs, especially the walks and workshops, can only accommodate a limited number of participants, however; so register early.