Profile of Kathleen Mpulubusi, President of Edmonton Native Plant Society

I am excited to be serving as the President of the ENPS! I have been involved with the Society for many years in a variety of capacities. I have led field trips around the Edmonton area, manned Society displays at numerous events, and coordinated judging of Natural Yards for Front Yards in Bloom. I am also involved in the Society’s work in advocating for the protection of natural spaces like the Gibbons Badlands. All my life, I have had a deep passion for the natural world, and plants in particular. I like to say that “From the moment that I could walk, I walked into the woods.” In many ways, I have never left. 

I have a B.Sc. in Physical Geography and Botany and a B.Ed. from the University of Alberta. I spent several years working as a Parks Interpreter and Naturalist for Alberta Parks. I have always been excited to share my passion and love of our natural spaces, and encourage people to care and then advocate for their protection. 

ENPS is playing a unique and vital role in educating people about native plants, and encouraging people to grow them in their gardens. This has a two-fold result: biodiversity is protected and people care about what is happening in the environment. The interest in native plants has grown exponentially in the last few years. The Society is playing a vital role as a respected advocate for the preservation of native plants and the places that support them. As President, I want to continue and grow our work along with the dedicated Board members and volunteers who care deeply about our native plants and protecting the spaces where they grow.