In 1935 The Southern Appalachian Botanical Club was formed at West Virginia University for “all persons interested in the botany of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.” Today, the name and purpose has changed slightly to the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society (SABS) with its focus on the botany of the eastern states. The membership includes professional and amateur botanists from across the country who are interested in eastern botany, in the journal, and in the activities of the society.