In early 1982, 35 local plant enthusiasts convened to establish the Alaska Native Plant Society. By March, they had a Constitution and Bylaws, with Verna Pratt as their inaugural President and Frank Pratt as editor of the newsletter, the Borealis. The emblem chosen was the Twin Flower, *Linnaea borealis*. Summer field trips became a hallmark, with activities extending into winter, and in 1999, they partnered with the U.S. Forest Service for public events. The society also organized art contests, educational programs, plant rescues, and initiatives against invasive species. In 2014, co-founder Verna Pratt was honored in the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame.
