NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY TO GATHER

The Missouri Native Plant Society will hold its annual meeting in Cape Girardeau today and Sunday. The meeting, a joint session with the Illinois Native Plant Society, features six field trips and an evening program.

The public is invited to join the group on a choice of two hikes Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning to view wildflowers in the area.

A program on the unique plants and natural communities in Southern Illinois was presented Friday night by Illinois state botanist John Schwegman.

The two Sunday hikes leave from the Missouri Department of Conservation Regional Service Center, 2302 County Park Road, in Cape Girardeau. Information about the hikes may be obtained at the Friday program.

The Missouri Native Plant Society is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1979 to promote the study and enjoyment of the flora native to Missouri. It holds quarterly meetings around the state. Membership includes both professional and amateur botanists.