Our Purpose
(a) to promote public awareness and understanding of North Carolina’s Plant Conservation Program,
(b) to provide the public with opportunities to help protect the rare and native plant flora of the state,
(c) to provide support for those programs and activities that are compatible and consistent with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Plant Conservation Program.
(d) to solicit, hold, and invest funds in support of plant conservation program activities in North Carolina.
(b) to provide the public with opportunities to help protect the rare and native plant flora of the state,
(c) to provide support for those programs and activities that are compatible and consistent with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Plant Conservation Program.
(d) to solicit, hold, and invest funds in support of plant conservation program activities in North Carolina.
Our History
The Friends of Plant Conservation, Inc., is a nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service to receive tax deductible contributions under section (501)(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Chartered in N.C. in 2004, the first full board was organized by Gene Cross, Plant Industry Division Director, NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The first official meeting was held in 2008 with the following board members elected:
Bruce Williams, President; David Blevins, Vice President; Katherine Schlosser, Secretary;Kurt Schlimme, Treasurer;Paul Hosier; Mark Rose;Tom Harville; Marsh Smith; Andy Wood; Mike Kunz
Chartered in N.C. in 2004, the first full board was organized by Gene Cross, Plant Industry Division Director, NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The first official meeting was held in 2008 with the following board members elected:
Bruce Williams, President; David Blevins, Vice President; Katherine Schlosser, Secretary;Kurt Schlimme, Treasurer;Paul Hosier; Mark Rose;Tom Harville; Marsh Smith; Andy Wood; Mike Kunz
Our Commitment to Inclusivity
We at Friends of Plant Conservation believe everyone should feel welcome in our natural environment. We acknowledge the roots that racism has in the conservation movement. We acknowledge that we on Native land. We acknowledge that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) do not always feel safe in our natural environment. We acknowledge that enjoying the outdoors provides a greater risk for BIPOC. We acknowledge that BIPOC in science have had to deal with prejudices in the workplace. We know we need to confront these racist foundations and actively work to dismantle them. We believe nature and biodiversity are for everyone, no matter of gender, age, sex, race, class, religion, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, or sexual identity. We hope for a society where all people can enjoy nature without fear of discrimination. We commit to working harder to welcome diversity in botany, environmentalism, conservation, nature, and society. Wise stewardship of our natural environments is important to everyone! We look forward to learning and growing with you all.
Click the button above to print our brochure and give to a friend who might be interested in becoming a member!
In Memory of David Welch
NC Plant Conservation Program Administrator, 2013-2016.

David Welch, NC Plant Conservation Program Administrator, died on Saturday, July 4, 2016 after months of struggle with cancer. He worked until his last few weeks, even then communicating from home or occasionally stopping in the office.
The last I heard from him was two words: "Good news :-)" which he wrote shortly before he died. He was announcing the successful addition of a tract of land to Tater Hill Preserve. The purchase was made by the Blue Ridge Conservancy and transferred to NCPCP. This tract within the Tater Hill Preserve will now be knows at the Welch Tract.
David was committed to land conservation and eager to learn and practice restoration. He was passionate without rancor, supportive without being intrusive, and always listened--a rare attribute. He knew how to compromise without giving up his principles or expecting that of others.
We will miss David, and grieve with his family over the loss of this unassuming man of great personal strength and integrity.
The last I heard from him was two words: "Good news :-)" which he wrote shortly before he died. He was announcing the successful addition of a tract of land to Tater Hill Preserve. The purchase was made by the Blue Ridge Conservancy and transferred to NCPCP. This tract within the Tater Hill Preserve will now be knows at the Welch Tract.
David was committed to land conservation and eager to learn and practice restoration. He was passionate without rancor, supportive without being intrusive, and always listened--a rare attribute. He knew how to compromise without giving up his principles or expecting that of others.
We will miss David, and grieve with his family over the loss of this unassuming man of great personal strength and integrity.
Legal and organizational information
Friends of Plant Conservation, Inc. is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization. A copy of Form 1023 (Application) is available by contacting us, along with copies of Form 990, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Conflict of Interest policy.
Friends of Plant Conservation, Inc. is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization. A copy of Form 1023 (Application) is available by contacting us, along with copies of Form 990, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Conflict of Interest policy.