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A Desire to Learn and Engage with Nature

The Idaho Native Plant Society - Pahove Chapter

Article by Chelsea Chambers

Photography by Karie Pappani

Originally published in Boise Lifestyle

The Idaho Native Plant Society (INPS) is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting interest in native plants by collecting and sharing information on all aspects of the botany of Idaho and undertaking projects and programs that promote the conservation of Idaho's native flora. INPS aims to foster an understanding and appreciation of Idaho's native flora and its habitats, encourage the responsible use of native plants in landscaping and restoration, and advocate for the conservation of this rich natural heritage for future generations.

Karie Pappani has been involved in INPS for over 20 years, currently serving as the Pahove Chapter President, a role she has held for over 15 of those years. “I first joined INPS when I was in graduate school at Idaho State University in Pocatello,” Pappani shares enthusiastically. “Dr. Karl Holte, a botany professor there, offered these fun Friday classes to anyone who wanted to learn more about how to identify plants. Later, I came to find out that there was a Sawabi Chapter of the INPS and I immediately joined. The year was probably 2002.”

Pappani grew up in central Idaho and is grateful to live in a state with such a diverse landscape. “I feel fortunate to have spent time wandering and observing many parts of Idaho.” Pappani carries her mission of conservation and native plant enthusiasm with her in all aspects of her life, from her career and volunteerism, to her own home garden. “I have over one hundred different species of native plants growing around my home. While some plants are trickier to establish than others, if you keep in mind what soil type, drainage, sun/shade, and moisture regime they prefer, then you have a good chance of them surviving and flowering for years to come.”

Pappani encourages everyone to plant and to plant native! She loves that she can step outside her door and be immediately immersed in a whole new world “full of brilliant blooms, buzzing pollinators, crawling insects, and spiders of all sorts. There are chirping birds nesting and raising young, and changing colors that vary with the seasons. It’s like an oasis in a desert. Full of life.”

For those interested in INPS, the Pahove Chapter offers monthly presentations from October through April/May. They host an annual native plant sale and a Wildflower Plus Show. “This spring we hosted a table on “Planting with Natives” at Franz Witte’s Spring Open House and we often chaperone wildflower walks from spring through the fall as weather and schedules permit,” Pappani explains.

The Pahove Chapter, and the Idaho Native Plant Society as a whole, is a warm and welcome group that fosters connection and conservation of Idaho’s beautiful natural landscape. “I have met and become friends with plant society folks and have known them for many, many years. I truly feel that they are the salt of the Earth—very good people.” She continues, “Anyone and everyone is welcome to join us! You don’t have to have a degree or know much about plants or have any particular affiliations. All you need is a desire to engage with and learn more about nature.”