NPSOT  Chapter  of the Year - 2002 - - 2006 -

The Standing Up for Natives (SUN) Award recognizes individuals in our community who defend native plants and plant habitats through example or education.

The Lende Foundation (2006)

The Lende Foundation was the fifth recipient of the Sun Award. The foundation provided a $10,000.00 grant to be renewed annually for 10 years for the sole purpose of establishing the Bigtooth Maple on grand scale back to the Hill Country. Over 100 trees were awarded to qualifying residents in the Boerne City limits at an Award Ceremony at the Agricultural Heritage Museum which included a tree planting and care demonstration. These trees will provide beautiful fall color in years to come thanks to the generosity and foresight of the Lende Foundation.

Chris Turk and Linda Donarski (2004)

Chris Turk, Boerne City Planner is a long time supporter of native flora. He was an early champion of the Cibolo Wilderness Trail and of native-plant landscaping on city property. Take a look at Veterans Park, City Park, Cibolo Nature Center, Boerne Cemetery, and River Road Park and you will see and appreciate his utilization of native plants.

Linda Donarski, City Parks and Recreation Director and Chris Turk accepted our chapter's proposal to adopt a section of the No. 9 Greenway. Betty Dunn, Rebecca Rogers and Bill Ward represented our chapter and submitted a proposal to landscape an area using native trees and shrubs. Chris and Linda agreed and granted us the Blanco Road Rest Station. In the spring, Texas mountain laurel, Mexican plum and red bud trees will provide blossoms and wonderful sweet smells along the trail. Already, the big-tooth maple and cedar elm have provided us with fall color.

Marilyn Tremper (2003)

Our second recipient was Marilyn Tremper, Cibolo Nature Center Board Member and chairperson of their Mostly Native Plant Sale. This well attended annual event held in April, promotes native plants and educates the public on the environmental benefits of native plant gardens.

Bob and Dani Vollmer (2003)

Our first award was presented to Bob and Dani Vollmer, residents of the City of Boerne. They created an urban native-plant landscape and successfully persuaded our city leaders to waive a city ordinance requiring them to cut their native grasses and wildflowers before they had gone to seed. Now, with a better understanding of the importance of native plants in water conservation and quality, the City Council discusses ways to encourage and preserve native plants.