The Georgia Botanical Society was formed in 1926 by Eugene Schofield Heath (1880-1972) with the original mission to promote the study of botany; to promote a botanical garden for Georgia; to protect and preserve native flora of Georgia; to encourage the use of native Georgia species in landscaping; and to encourage youth to study and practice botany. The society was an invitation-only organization until 1970 when Marie Mellinger (1914-2006) became president and opened membership to all interested persons. The society is governed by elected officers such as president, vice president, and treasurer. One of the society's earliest projects was to help establish the Fulton County Botanical Garden which later closed. In the 1960s, the society also developed the Heritage Garden at the Georgia Govenor's Mansion. The garden closed in 1975 and the plants were moved to the Swan House Woods at the Atlanta Historical Society (later Atlanta History Center). The Georgia Botanical Society has been active in the conservation and preservation movement in Georgia and fought against the extension of the Blue Ridge Parkway and road construction over Brasstown Bald and Pine Log Mountain. In 1984, the society published the Atlas of the Vascular Flora of Georgia, compiled by Marie Mellinger, based on years of biological surveys completed by society members. The society also publishes an annual journal, Tipularia and offers frequent field trips and wild flower pilgrimages to study natural areas and complete plant inventories.