WELCOME
to the
Noyo Chapter
of the
American Rhododendron Society
A club devoted to Rhododendrons, based on the Mendocino Coast of California
Volunteer Needed!
The Noyo Chapter is looking for a volunteer to do Publicity for our meetings and events. Would you like to help your Chapter? Please respond to our email below. THANK YOU!
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New Directors for the Board?
Would you like to help the Noyo Chapter? This time of year we reach out for new board members. You don't need special expertise or a long standing membership...just interest in Rhododendrons!
EMAIL US IF INTERESTED:
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aPRIL MEETING
Marc Colombel
of France
Marc has been working with tetraploid rhododendron parents to produce new plants with more chromosomes; we'll learn about his fascinating work!
April 23 6p.
First Presbyterian Church, Fort Bragg
About Us
We are the Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. The ARS is an international organization devoted to Rhododendrons.  The Noyo Chapter of the ARS has been a local non-profit organization for over 45 years on the Mendocino coast, based in Fort Bragg, California. We are a vibrant club with over 100 members. Our stated mission is to promote the study and culture of rhododendrons and to stimulate interest in rhododendrons by any appropriate means, including the holding of frequent meetings of members and education of the public with Rhododendron shows. Our locale is also of utmost importance in preserving the rhododendron species. Although these plants grow in many places in the world, they particularly thrive in the favorable climate of the Mendocino Coast. The area spanning Eureka to Fort Bragg is an important production center of new hybrid rhododendrons.
Meetings and Programs
Meetings for 2024-25 are held at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Bragg, 6pm, on the following dates: The public is always welcome. September 25, 2024 Don Wallace, Singing Tree Nursery October 23, 2024 Dennis Bottemiller, Species Botanical Garden January 22, 2025 Steve Hootman, Species Botanical Garden February 26, 2025 Molly Barker, Director, Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden March 26, 2025 Dennis McKiver How to enter The Show and judging criteria - lots of information about Rhodies. April 23, 2025 SPECIAL GUEST from France Marc Columbel May 28, 2025 Members Mini-Show
Special Events
In addition to the educational and fun programs at our regular meetings, the following are special events in 2024-25:​ Holiday Pot Luck Saturday, December 7, 2024 First Presbyterian Church Fall Plant Sale Saturday, December 14 300 Main St. Fort Bragg Great Rhodies for sale!! Rhododendron Care Workshop, Saturday, February 1, 2025, 11a-1p, at the home of Dennis McKiver, 32530 Forest Lane, Fort Bragg. Rhody care, planting, pruning, mulching, pest control and more! RSVP to 707-813-8383. Earth Day Festival Booth at the Fort Bragg High School Festival, April 19, 2025 Garden Tours, Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the homes of various members - always inspirational!
Become a Member
We would love to have you join our club. Annual dues are reasonable and you get some nice benefits including a the national ARS magazine, our club newsletter (with expert seasonal advice) and 'members only' presale selections at our show sale. Email us (link at bottom site) if you are interested in becoming a member, and include a phone number if you'd like a call.
Rhododendron Show
Each year the Noyo Chapter holds a major Rhododendron Show at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden. This year's show will be held on the weekend of May 3rd and 4th, 2025. Admission is free for our show; normal entrance fees are charged for the whole Botanical Garden. Click on the link at the top of the page for more information on visiting this fine display, instructions on how to enter your Rhododendrons in this wonderful show, as well as the 2025 Show Rules.
Volunteer !
We always need volunteers with events and projects. Whether you are a member or not a member (maybe you'd like to get to know us before joining or you would just like to help out..) please let us know if you'd like to help with events (like The Show and more). Email us (link at bottom of site) and tell us you'd like to help out...we'll contact you. Thanks!
The Board
The Board meets one week prior to regular club meetings. The 2024-25 Board members are: Paul Beadleston Secretary Devon Billings 2nd-year Director Kathe Charters Treasurer Tom Charters 1st-year Director Mary Gill President Lucy Johnson 1st-year Director Dennis McKiver Past President Pam Rivette 1st-year Director Pat SeCoy 1st-year Director Fran Steinhardt Vice President
Donate
Consider donating to the Noyo Chapter. Our budget is slim; we'll make good use of extra funds. If you are a member you can donate by adding funds to your annual membership, or at any time of the year, of course. If you are not a member but just love Rhododendrons, we'd love to have your support, too! Email us (link at bottom of site) so we can get in touch with you about your generosity.
