Mar 1, 2026
Here is a recap of the activities and accomplishments of the Edmonton Native Plant Society over the past year, as compiled by ENPS President Kathleen Mpulubusi.
The Edmonton Native Plant Society acknowledges that we are on Treaty 6 Territory. We acknowledge this land as the traditional territories of many First Nations including the Nehiyaw (Cree), Denesuliné (Dene), Nakota Sioux (Stoney), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) and Niitsatipi (Blackfoot), and the Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4.
We, as a Society, are dedicated to the conservation and protection of local native plant ecosystems. We respect the knowledge held by the Indigenous peoples, traditional stewards of this land, and are committed to developing respectful and meaningful relations with First Nations and Métis peoples. We work with hope, and purpose, to protect native plants and the natural systems we all call home.
It was a very busy year for ENPS! The interest in native plants blossomed more fully than ever before! We had more requests to attend events from more community groups. Both seed and plant sales were more popular than ever with lineups beforehand and plants selling out within 1 ½ hours. As your newly elected President, it was a steep learning curve. I want to thank the Board members and Volunteers who always stepped up and worked tirelessly to make this last year a success. With climate change, loss of habitat and biodiversity, growing native plants in our gardens matters more than ever.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
Overview by the Numbers
Wildflower News Subscribers: 2027 (+ 200 from 2025)
Current Memberships: 269 (+ 48 from 2025)
Volunteers Active in 2025: 85
Edmonton Native Plant Society (Facebook Group: 10,000 members
@edmontonnativeplants (Instagram): 1,010 followers
Activities
Overall, ENPS participated in or organized 34 different events in addition to ongoing gardening and restoration projects. Many of the events were with new organizations. Again, thank you to our dedicated volunteers who made it possible. Below is a breakdown of all of our activities.
Dreaming of Fireflies Seed Planting Workshops ENPS partnered with the Touch Grass Club to present four seed planting workshops. More workshops are planned for 2026.
Seedy Teas
At Seedy Teas, volunteers package native plant seeds for sale at events and local businesses. Five “Teas” were done.
Plant Sales
Two Plant Sales were held in May and in August. Both sales were extremely popular with long lineups.
Guided Walks
A guided hike in Wedgewood Ravine at the end of May was led by Kristina Haagsma and Daniella Liknes, who also guided a walk in Bunchberry Meadows later in the summer. Both walks were well received, and there is great interest in holding more such excursions. A walk also took place in Gibbons Badlands Prairie. If anyone is interested in organizing a walk, contact kathleen@enps.ca or info@enps.ca.
The Garden Driving Tour was popular with people interested in seeing native plant gardens and to be inspired for their own garden. We visited 5 different gardens around the city.
Other activities included participation at the following events:
Sakaw Gardens Seedy Saturday | Edmonton Seedy Sunday |
Earth Day Festival | Sustainability Social (Waste Free Edmonton) |
St. Albert Backyard Gardening Group | Everything Garden Day |
Partners in Parks | Fulton Place Gardener’s Swap |
Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues AGM | Alberta Horticultural Association AGM |
Edmonton Horticultural Society Garden Festival | St. Albert Clean & Green Riverfest |
Bennett Centre Climate Summit | Woodcroft Sustainable Market |
Migratory Bird Day (Edmonton Valley Zoo) | Muttart Conservation Days |
West Meadowlark Community Garden Seed Swap |
Ongoing Work
Buttercup’s Urban Farm
Seeding, potting, and labelling plants for sale.
Garden & Natural Areas
Helping to maintain and steward garden beds and natural areas:
Bunchberry Meadows
Edmonton Valley Zoo
Mill Creek Thistle Patrol
Muttart Conservatory Bed
Nisku Prairie
Volunteer Appreciation
ENPS would not exist without the hard work and dedication of all our great volunteers. There are many volunteer opportunities available, including serving on the Board, leading walks and events, working with plants, maintaining natural areas, assisting at tabling events and plant sales, and more.
Two Volunteer Appreciation Events were held - the Volunteer Picnic in June and a Volunteer Appreciation Potluck in January. It was great to meet so many fellow native plant lovers who share a common interest.
Come Grow With Us!
For more information please contact us at info@enps.ca or kathleen@enps.ca.
Submitted by
Kathleen Mpulubusi
President, ENPS