Signaling spring are wildflowers popping up in public places, parks and along our highways. One organization responsible for this beauty is the Oklahoma Native Plant Society, dedicated to the study, protection, propagation, appreciation and use of our state's native plants.
Its Color Oklahoma Project raises money specifically for wildflower seeds, which are sown throughout the state in areas where the most people can admire and enjoy them. One of the newest ongoing programs for raising money is selling a license plate that represents the ONPS.
"Oklahoma has the greatest amount of specialty tags," said Kim Shannon, ONPS president. Since a variety of specialty car tags are available for Oklahomans to chose from, the group is excited about this fund-raising endeavor. The organization's tag costs $35; of that fee, $25 goes to the society.
PROJECTS
The ONPS, which began in Tulsa in 1986, has 350 members from across the state. Field trips, presentations and workshops are scheduled at various times and places during the year.
One way the ONPS ensures beauty throughout the state is by offering a seeding grant to individuals and groups. Those who are chosen for the award receive a $500 matching grant for their seed-planting project. Among past winners are churches and schools. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation works with the ONPS to keep the planted areas attractive.
"We keep track of those areas to make sure they are kept up," Shannon said. "We are off to a good start with ODOT."
For more information, visit their site. "Gina A. Dabney
