WELCOME
to the
Noyo Chapter
of the
American Rhododendron Society
A club devoted to Rhododendrons, based on the Mendocino Coast of California
Time to Think About Taking an Active Role in the Noyo Chapter
2026 is an election year for the club. Would you like to serve as an officer or director on the board? No experience required and new members are welcome. Think about it!
January Meeting
Join us for a fun presentation on Bonsai
January 21, 2026 6p
First Presbyterian church
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 2025-26 are held at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Bragg, 6pm. Our first meeting of 2025-26 will be on September 24th. Our September guest speaker will be Jaime Jensen, the new Executive Director of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Our October 24th meeting will be a workshop on propagation of new Rhododendron hybrids. There are no meetings in November or December (but we will have a potluck supper on November 12th.) Additional meeting this year: January 21, 2026 (note! 3rd Wednesday instead of the usual 4th.) February 25, 2026 March 25, 2026 April 22, 2026 May 27, 2026 The public is always welcome.
Special Events
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. Call our Membership Coordinator, Fran Steinhardt, at 707-357-1064 to learn all about the club and to become a member.
Rhododendron Show
Each year the Noyo Chapter holds a major Rhododendron Show at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden. The 2025 show was held on the weekend of May 3rd and 4th, 2025 and it was a great success. Join us May 2nd and 3rd, 2026 for another wonderful display of Rhododendrons.
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 on Wednesday, one week prior to regular club meetings, at 1p. at the Farmhouse meeting room at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. MEMBERS OF THE CLUB ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AT THE BOARD MEETINGS! The 2025-26 Board members are: Paul Beadleston Secretary Kathe Charters Treasurer Tom Charters 2nd-year Director Julee Estes 1st-year Director Jim Rolfe 1st-year Director Mary Gill President Lucy Johnson 2nd-year Director Dick Jones 1st-year Director Dennis McKiver Past President Pam Rivette 2nd-year Director Pat SeCoy 2nd -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.
