The Beginning of the Kinnikinnick Chapter
as Described by its Founder, Lois Wythe
"In 1997, a very strong interest in the native plants of north Idaho region was beginning to be noticeable in the Master Gardener classes, in my own gardening classes, and in inquiries to local nurseries from people who wanted to learn more about our native plants and how they might be incorporated into home landscape habitats as well as enjoyed in the wild. More than 60 people responded with interest in the formation of the Sandpoint Chapter of the Idaho Native Plant Society.
The creation of an Arboretum of North Idaho native plants began when the City Council 'enthusiastically approved' our request for space in Lakeview Park in December of 1998."
(In January of 2010 the Chapter officially became Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society, Inc.