Picnic, Plants, and Native Plant Friends
Let's celebrate our love of native plants and renew our friendships with other native plant enthusiasts from across the state at an exciting new location.
(registration is open and will close on April 28, 2025 )
NEW Location
Morrow Mountain State Park
49104 Morrow Mountain Road, Albemarle, NC 28001
Directions
Register early! This event will be limited to MEMBERS ONLY for a total of 150 participants. Volunteers for the event must register. Register each family member separately.
If you are registered and can no longer attend, click Here to access your registration then click "Already Registered" which leads you to a screen where you can click "Cancel registration".
Our new site at Morrow Mountain State Park is located in Stanly County 50 miles northeast of Charlotte, 65 miles Southwest of Greensboro, and 110 miles from Raleigh. Morrow Mountain State Park provides a myriad of adventures from the summit of the namesake mountain, along the banks of the Yadkin River State Trail, and to the shores of Lake Tillery. The mountain is a study in geologic wonder. Come experience these mountains with us.
Agenda
10:00 - 11 am attendees drop off plants and food at the Community Bldg.
10:15 - 11 am Ken Knight Quarry Trail Walk
11:15 - 11:45 am Annual meeting and awards – Ken Bridle, President
11:45 - 2 pm Plant Sale and Lunch
1:15 - 2 pm Ken Knight Laurel Trail Walk
Drop off your plants and food starting at 10:00am. Directions will be provided in your registration email.
Park Map PDF
Exploration of Quarry Trail or Museum 10:15 am
Join Ken Knight, retired wildlife biologist for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, for a short walk on the Quarry Trail, a .6-mile loop rated easy.
Others may explore the small Morrow Mountain Museum located at the end of the Community Building parking lot on their own.
Annual Meeting & Awards 11:15-11:45 am
The annual meeting will be held in the Community Building beside the Park Office. Join President Ken Bridle as he recaps activities from the past year, shares plans for next year, and announces awards.
Native Plant Sale & Silent Auction 11:45 am
Grow your native plant garden! NCNPS members from across the state donate a variety of homegrown native plants each year. Silent auction plants will be displayed outside along the patio. Bid early and often!
No early browsing of plants will be permitted, to allow for more organized plant pricing and set-up. Our volunteers will be working hard to get the sale set up for everyone, please be respectful by giving them space to work. But there will be other activities in which you can participate!
Lunch 11:45 am
NCNPS will provide chicken and drinks. We encourage each attendee to bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to share, along with a serving utensil. Deliver side items to the Community Building near the Park Office before the annual meeting. Please bring a reusable water bottle and/or cup for yourself. You may eat inside the Community Building, or bring a picnic blanket and/or chairs to eat outside. We encourage outside gatherings along the patio or grassy area behind the building as there is limited seating inside.
Laurel Trail Walk 1:15 pm
Ken Knight will lead a second walk along the Laurel Trail. Ken has a wealth of knowledge of Morrow Mountain's history and natural areas. Walk off your lunch and stretch your legs before heading home.
Details for Plant Sale
☼ Put aside extra plants from your collection for donation
☼ Bring native plants with developed roots in plain 3" or larger sturdy pots
☼ Label with both scientific and common names
☼ Arrive at 10 am with your donations for volunteers to arrange plants
☼ Bring a variety of plants, no more than 15 of any species
☼ Donate large, hard to find, and/or unusual plants for the silent auction
NCNPS accepts CASH or CHECK ONLY. Our new location does not have cell service or Wi-Fi to process credit cards. You will be able to renew your annual membership at the picnic or renew online before the event. Payment locations will be outside on the Community Building Patio from 12:00 - 2:00 for all plant purchases.
To process your payment quickly, you can fill out the payment form, total your purchases, and drop this off with your check for fast and easy checkout.