The Native Plant Society of Texas is pleased to welcome our 2024 Fall Symposium Speakers!
Click the speaker names to view presentation descriptions and speaker bios.
Andrea DeLong-Amaya, "Making the Most Out of Native Plants in Cultivated Spaces"
Andrea DeLong-Amaya, Director of Horticulture, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Topic: Making the Most Out of Native Plants in Cultivated Spaces
Description: Native plants in private landscapes fill a critically important ecological role and bolster our botanical heritage during this age of habitat destruction. For some of us, doing the “right thing” to preserve biodiversity is enough, but to bring more folks into our tent, it is critical that native plants are pleasing to people, too. This talk will describe how to use central Texas natives in a range of garden styles from wild to formal, as well as how to create a dynamic landscape with plants that can serve a variety of needs including sunny or shady areas, lawns, containers, water gardens, wildlife, maximizing plantings for all seasons, and even natives that feed people.
About: Andrea DeLong-Amaya oversees the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s gardens and nursery programs and is passionate about sharing the value of native plants in planned landscapes. She’s been a staff member since 1998 and has over 30 years of experience with Texas native plants in horticulture, ecology and garden design. She teaches classes in native plant horticulture and has contributed numerous gardening articles to publications such as Taunton’s Fine Gardening, Rodale’s Organic Gardening, American Public Gardens Association’s Public Garden, Neil Sperry’s Gardens and e-Gardens, Texas Gardener and Wildflower (the Center’s member magazine). Keep an eye out for her upcoming book, Texas Native Plant Primer, to be published by Timber Press in March of 2025. DeLong-Amaya has appeared numerous times on Central Texas Gardener, PBS’s long-running television program, and was a two-time guest on WNYC’s Science Friday. Jennifer Jewell featured Andrea’s work in her 2020 book, “The Earth in Her Hands: 75 Extraordinary Women Working in the World of Plants,” and interviewed DeLong-Amaya on the podcast Cultivating Place. OTHER INTERESTS: Gardening (go figure!), botanizing, traveling, scratching on a violin, languages, Ashtanga yoga
Andy Blair, "Building Climate Resiliency from the Soil Up"
Andy Blair
Topic: Building Climate Resiliency from the Soil Up
Description: This talk will delve into the relationship of plants with the living soil and will describe how we can make our landscapes and gardens more resilient to climate variability by focusing on improving the health of our soil.
About: Andy Blair is a plant-centric ecologist and conservation biologist with over 20 years experience studying Texas plant communities and considerable experience with Texas insects, freshwater mussels, birds, and herptofauna. He also has a burgeoning interest in soil ecology and a fascination with complex systems and how to work with Nature to solve complex problems. Andy holds a BS in Biology from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and an MS in Population and Conservation Biology from Texas State University. He has a passion for learning about the great diversity of native plants, insects, and other living creatures that call our area home and loves to share that knowledge with others.
Annalisa Peace, "Challenges and Opportunities in Texas' Fastest Growing Counties"
Annalisa Peace, Executive Director, Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance
Topic: Challenges and Opportunities in Texas’ Fastest Growing Counties
Description: Annalisa will talk about what’s happening to water availability and quality in the Comal-Hays -Kendall county region caused by the explosive growth the counties are experiencing.
About: Annalisa Peace holds an MS in Urban Administration from Trinity University and has over thirty years’ experience working with government and non-profit organizations in a variety of capacities, including as a San Antonio City Council Aide, Public Information Officer for the City of San Antonio’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Executive Director of Youth Orchestras of San Antonio, and Director of Development of the Carver Community Cultural Center. She has been instrumental in organizing citizens’ campaigns and has served on many governmental advisory boards, including as co-chair of the Kelly Air Force Base Restoration Advisory Board, the City of San Antonio Open Space Advisory Board, the City Task Force that drafted San Antonio’s water quality rules, the Southern Edwards Plateau Habitat Conservation Plan, the Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program, and the City of New Braunfels Technical Committee for Stormwater Planning, and the City of New Braunfels Master Plan Committee for Water and Natural Resources. Since 2004, Ms. Peace has been the Executive Director of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, which unites 58 organizations throughout a 21 county region in Central and South Texas behind a plan to protect the Edwards and Trinity aquifers, their contributing watersheds, and the Texas Hill Country. She currently serves on the Texas Water Development Board’s Regional Flood Planning Group for the Guadalupe watershed, the City of San Antonio’s Water and Natural Resources Stakeholder Group for the Climate Action Plan, the Environmental Advisory Committee of the San Antonio River Authority, the Steering Committee of the Texas Hill Country Conservation Network, UTSA Urban Planning Advisory Committee, the Camp Bullis Sentinel Landscape Project, and participates in many other efforts to maintain the environmental integrity of our region.
Ashley Landry, "Rescuing Native Plants in a Time of Rapid Development"
Ashley Landry, Native Plant Rescue Project, Central Texas
Topic: Rescuing Native Plants in a Time of Rapid Development
Description: Development is a constant in Central Texas. The Native Plant Rescue Project works with landowners to ethically rescue uncommon native plants ahead of construction. Learn how we maximize the impact of plant salvage through conservation, propagation and habitat creation projects.
About: Ashley Landry is a Texas Master Naturalist and the founder of the Native Plant Rescue Project. She has been featured in Wildflower magazine, The Austin Chronicle, Central Texas Gardener and the Liberty Hill Independent. She is an avid iNaturalist user and enjoys spending her free time botanizing.
Barney Lipscomb, "Discovering and Preserving Texas' Botanical Heritage: Good for Science, Good for Conservation"
Barney Lipscomb, Director of BRIT Press and Library
Topic: Discovering and Preserving Texas’ Botanical Heritage: Good for Science, Good for Conservation
Note: This session will not be recorded per speaker request and will only be available through live streaming.
Description: The 19th Century ushered into Texas a wave of zealous naturalists who labored tirelessly in the great age of discovery. Notable Texas expeditions occurred in the Rolling Plains/High Plains (James 1820), the South Texas Plains (Berlandier 1828–1834), Lower Portions of the Post Oak Savannah and Blackland Prairies (Drummond 1833–1834), Edwards Plateau (Lindheimer 1836–1879), Pineywoods, Gulf Prairies & Marshes, lower portions of the Post Oak Savannah, and Trans-Pecos (Wright 1837–1852), and finally the Blackland Prairies and Cross Timbers and Prairies of North Central Texas (Reverchon 1848–1905). These early sojourners gave science a wealth of herbarium specimens which represent an important source of knowledge about Texas’ biodiversity. The 20th Century marshaled in a new era of collecting and botanists who made new observations and discoveries. Collecting habits in Texas ebbed and flowed over the years—slowing down during the Civil War, then increasing afterwards, then decreasing at the turn of the century, and finally peaking in the late 1900s. A current decline of plant collecting continues into the 21st century but at what price? Herbarium specimens are a gold mine of information; deciphering the information is good for science and good for conservation in the 21st century. Collections are leading the way to advances in plant science and conservation (Funk pers. comm. 2016). We will examine herbarium collections to 1) map under-collected areas in Texas, 2) look at the rate of plant collecting in the 21st century, and 3) identify areas of Texas in need of further exploration and collecting
About – Short Biographical Sketch of Barney L. Lipscomb, Dorothea L. Leonhardt Chair of Texas Botany, Fort Worth Botanic Garden|Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Fort Worth, Texas:
Barney L. Lipscomb, editor, author, writer, public speaker, and researcher, is the Leonhardt Chair of Texas Botany at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. He is from Temple, Oklahoma. He attended Temple High School (1968); Cameron University, Lawton, Oklahoma (B.S Biology, 1973); and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville (M.S. Botany, 1976). He began his career in 1975 at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas Texas as the herbarium botanist. Soon after his arrival at SMU, he became assistant editor of a botanical journal Sida, now called Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. Barney is presently working at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) in Fort Worth, and was appointed the Dorothea L. Leonhardt Chair of Texas Botany in February 2001. He is now Director of BRIT’s scientific press. Mr. Lipscomb is one of the co-authors of the “Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas” (1999), a 1640 page, fully illustrated, comprehensive guide to a large portion of the diverse plant life of Texas. Lipscomb is also a co-author of a three-volume flora, the “Illustrated Flora of East Texas.” [Vol. 1, 2006, 1612 pp]. He is co-author of the 392 page, Ferns and Lycophytes of Texas (Feb 2014). In addition, he has authored another 30 scientific publications. Barney has an interest and expert knowledge of poisonous plants, and has given many lectures and talks on the subject; he serves on the board for the North Texas Poison Center, as a member of the board of consultants. He enjoys teaching about botany at schools and being called “Barney the Botanist.” Barney also has an interest in forensic botany, and has provided expertise and assistance in several criminal cases. Mr. Lipscomb has appeared in many newspaper, radio, and television pieces on botany. In summary, Mr. Lipscomb has lectured, demonstrated, guided, taught, trained, educated, explained, and described plants and botanical science to just about every conceivable nonscientist and scientists alike. From pre-kindergarten to retired individuals to colleagues, Barney Lipscomb has shared his enthusiasm and passion for plants through personal contact with thousands of individuals. In 2010, he received the American Society of Plant Taxonomists’ Peter Raven Award for exceptional outreach activities that advance the public’s understanding of plant systematic work and its value to society.
Bill Neiman, Panelist: “Independent Growers - History, Challenges, Solutions – 2022 Fall Symposium Sequel”
Bill Neiman, Native American Seed
Topic: Independent Growers – History, Challenges, Solutions – 2022 Fall Symposium Sequel
Description: At the 2022 Fall Symposium in Alpine, Texas, we began a discussion about the difficulty of getting a greater quantity and diversity of native plants into the hands of Texans. The question became: What can the Native Plant Society of Texas do to further the cause of native plant growers? We had some ideas: provide internships for people who want to grow native plants or help others do the same, make land available to those who might want to grow and sell native plants, and bring growers together to discuss roadblocks and solutions. The panel is a chance to re-assess where the Society stands and give a progress report to the members. Next steps and additional opportunities will be captured during the session.
About: Bill Neiman started his first company, Neiman Environments Landscape Construction Company, in 1974 when he was nineteen years old. He borrowed a shovel, a rake, and lawn mower and advertised in the local garbage collector’s monthly billings offering “total outdoor care.” Six years later the company was big enough to take on large-scale commercial projects. From 1979 to 1990, Bill also operated Neiman’s Native Plant Nursery in Flower Mound, Texas, one of the first outlets for native plants in the North Central Texas area. He also farmed numerous sites certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture for organic food and seed production. In 1989, Native American Seed was formed to specialize in the harvest and sale of wildflower seeds and prairie grasses native to the Texas-Oklahoma-Louisiana bioregion. Each year Native American Seed provides thousands of pounds of wildflower seeds to the Texas Department of Transportation for use in highway beautification programs. Bill says, “In today’s economic realities, the only sensible approach to effective land management is with the use of native species for vegetation. Take a ‘holistic’ approach; include the conservation and care of all the natural resources including land, water and air, and use organic cultivation methods where possible. Recognize that public education is an integral part of restoring and maintaining the health of the environment, and whenever possible design a significant educational component into the projects you undertake.” The company headquarters was moved in 1995 to Junction, Texas on the western edge of the Texas hill country. Growing operations are being expanded and new opportunities for restoration and education are being pursued.
Christopher Riggins, Co-Presenter, "A murky path in the restoration of aquatic vegetation in the crystal-clear waters of the Upper San Marcos River"
Christopher Riggins, Wildlife & Fisheries Biologist – The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Topic: A murky path in the restoration of aquatic vegetation in the crystal-clear waters of the Upper San Marcos River: mixed methods and continuing adaptation.
Description: The headwaters of the San Marcos River is a thermally stable groundwater system with high levels of endemism, having seven protected species within the first 6.1km. Federal protections and restoration efforts are in place to preserve and improve resiliency of these species including efforts as part of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan. These aquatic macrophyte populations have been managed and monitored for decades, with restoration efforts increasing in 2013, resulting in significantly reduced non-native and increased native vegetation. These intensive restoration efforts have evolved through adaptive management and are nearing a completion point with functional eradication of targeted species. The resulting ecosystem is a diverse community of aquatic vegetation, providing diverse habitats, natural sediment transport, and more resilient populations of endangered species.
About: Christopher Riggins is an US Army veteran that received a B.S. in Aquatic Biology from Texas State University in 2018. He began working on aquatic restoration activities as an undergraduate in 2015, and transitioned into a research staff position at The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment after graduation. His nine years of experience include aquatic vegetation restoration efforts in the Upper San Marcos River, aquatic invasive species research, habitat suitability assessments, and mussel reintroduction studies. He employs skills in geospatial analysis, drone technology (remote sensing), SCUBA diving, and adaptive management planning to lead a team of staff, students, and volunteers in the successful restoration of submerged aquatic vegetation. He is currently pursuing a M.S. in Aquatic Resources at Texas State focusing on the impacts of drought, recreation, and restoration activities on aquatic vegetation community dynamics within the San Marcos River.
Claire Sorenson, "NICE Programs: Tips and Tools to Start a New Program or Boost an Existing One"
Claire Sorenson, NPSOT NICE Program Chair, NPSOT Native Plant Database Subcommittee
Topic: NICE Programs: Tips and Tools to Start a New Program or Boost an Existing One
Description: The NICE Native Plant Partner program is a collaboration between the Native Plant Society of Texas and local nurseries around the state to offer native plants that are right for the local environment. NICE Partner committees, run by our local chapters, highlight native plants in cooperation with participating local nurseries and wholesalers in order to assure availability. The NPSOT chapter then helps promote native plant sales at the nursery by providing signs, plant information at the point of sale, advertising on its website, and assisting with onsite plant sale events. In the last two years, the NICE Program has added 10 new chapter programs, and 15 new nursery partners. Join us to learn how to start a new program in your area or boost your current one. I will share some tips and tools to help promote your NICE Program. Our State Level NICE Committee is here to help.
About: Chair of NICE Program. Master Naturalist Canyonlands Chapter. Masters in Plant Ecology, University of South Dakota. I live on 3 acres on the edge of South Austin. I love creating habitat for wildlife and encouraging others to do the same. I also work with the NPSOT Plant Database and HEB Initiative teams. When not volunteering for NPSOT my husband and I love to travel and post photos of wildlife to iNaturalist.
Collin Garoutte, Co-Presenter, "A murky path in the restoration of aquatic vegetation in the crystal-clear waters of the Upper San Marcos River"
Collin Garoutte, Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist for The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University
Topic: A murky path in the restoration of aquatic vegetation in the crystal-clear waters of the Upper San Marcos River: mixed methods and continuing adaptation
Description: The headwaters of the San Marcos River is a thermally stable groundwater system with high levels of endemism, having seven protected species within the first 6.1km. Federal protections and restoration efforts are in place to preserve and improve resiliency of these species including efforts as part of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan. These aquatic macrophyte populations have been managed and monitored for decades, with restoration efforts increasing in 2013, resulting in significantly reduced non-native and increased native vegetation. These intensive restoration efforts have evolved through adaptive management and are nearing a completion point with functional eradication of targeted species. The resulting ecosystem is a diverse community of aquatic vegetation, providing diverse habitats, natural sediment transport, and more resilient populations of endangered species.
About: Currently serving as a Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist for The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University, Collin Garoutte has conducted and subsequently managed restoration efforts for the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan since 2015: a program aimed at the preservation of federally listed species through the establishment of native macrophyte communities within the Upper San Marcos River. This task has required the manual removal of non-native species, the propagation of native species – including Texas wild-rice, and the ability to identify aquatic and riparian plants to achieve goals set forth by the plan. In addition to the EAHCP, restoration efforts have also been conducted on behalf of the Office of Sustainability at Texas State University, alongside the Southeastern Aquatic Resources Partnership, and through the TPWD Angler Access Program to mitigate to species that are unmanaged and extend wild-rice populations beyond its current extent respectively. Research objectives have also parallel conservation efforts and will be enhanced through the pursuit of a PhD focusing on fluvial geomorphology this fall, building on the experiences gained from years spent within the San Marcos River.
Craig Dalton, Co-Presenter, "Using Digital Tools for Communication Across our Society"
Craig Dalton, NPSOT Webmaster
Topic: Using Digital Tools for Communication Across our Society
Description: Explore the power of social media and websites to connect with plant enthusiasts, share knowledge, and advocate for native plants. Transcend geographical and cultural boundaries by showcasing native plants in landscapes and gardens with appealing visuals, helpful information, and engaging narratives. By curating and disseminating educational content, we engage and empower our community, with each chapter adding its unique voice to the shared mission of the Society.
About: Craig is webmaster for NPSOT. He is relatively new to native plants and learned most of what he knows through the NLCP classes. He is passionate about restoring several acres of the Edwards Plateau in Spicewood using native plants to create a native sanctuary in the midst of encroaching development. He is a member of the Austin chapter. He continues to learn more about native plants every day and loves sharing his knowledge.
Craig Hensley, "A Naturalist's Guide to the Native Plants of Our Local Ecoregions"
Craig Hensley
Topic: A Naturalist’s Guide to the Native Plants of Our Local Ecoregions
Description: Join Naturalist and Educator Craig Hensley for a introduction to the diversity of native plants of the Balcones Canyonlands to the Southern Blackland Prairie and Southern Post Oak Savanna. You’ll learn not only who’s who, but how they interact with native pollinators as well as selected natural history of specific species.
About: Craig Hensley is a lifelong naturalist and educator, sharing his passion for, and love of, the natural world to all who are willing to join the adventure of learning. He served professionally as an Interpretive Naturalist for more than 30 years from Iowa and Minnesota to Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas. He holds a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management and a M.S. in Zoology. His interests range from birds and butterflies to bees and growing native plants. For the past nearly 14 years he has worked for Texas Parks and Wildlife, currently in the roll of Texas Nature Trackers Biologist. He is father to two adult children and grandpa to four granddaughters and one grandson.
Dennis Perz, "Soil improvement Using Sustainable Management Practices"
Dennis Perz, Owner, Georgetown Pecan Company, Georgetown TX
Topic: Soil improvement Using Sustainable Management Practices
Description: We describe our journey taking an ill-advised soil type and location to building a successful pecan business using sustainable methods and emphasizing natural processes.
About: Dennis and Marilyn Perz own and operate the Georgetown Pecan Company. They have operated this business starting from scratch and Dennis’ near total ignorance of pecans, farming, soil, tractors, etc. After a 32 year career as a professional engineer working at NASA and The Dow Chemical Company, they “retired” early, bought this orchard property but then decided to live on a better property for nurturing and enjoying natives. On the spur of the moment, Dennis decided to try his hand at growing pecans. The orchard had been planted by others; the site was ill-chosen for many reasons. But an 18 year collaboration with Betsy Ross Builta based on soil food web principles from Elaine Ingham has turned this into a consistently profitable orchard. We are currently working under the rubric of Regenerative Ag principles with context defined by our sustainable business model. Key elements of sustainability are minimum inputs and maximum dependence on natural processes. In 2022 we were recognized as the Small Grower of the Year by the Texas Pecan Growers Association for our focus on soil health and sustainable management practices. Dennis and Marilyn are long time members of the Williamson County chapter.
Donald Gerber, Panelist: “Independent Growers - History, Challenges, Solutions – 2022 Fall Symposium Sequel”
Donald Gerber, Owner, Pollinatives
Topic: Independent Growers – History, Challenges, Solutions – 2022 Fall Symposium Sequel
Description: At the 2022 Fall Symposium in Alpine, Texas, we began a discussion about the difficulty of getting a greater quantity and diversity of native plants into the hands of Texans. The question became: What can the Native Plant Society of Texas do to further the cause of native plant growers? We had some ideas: provide internships for people who want to grow native plants or help others do the same, make land available to those who might want to grow and sell native plants, and bring growers together to discuss roadblocks and solutions. The panel is a chance to re-assess where the Society stands and give a progress report to the members. Next steps and additional opportunities will be captured during the session.
About: Donald and Melanie Gerber are the owners of Pollinatives, a Texas native specialty plant nursery serving San Antonio and surrounding areas. Opened in 2023, Pollinatives strives to have the best selection of Texas native plants in Central Texas.
Elizabeth McGreevy, "Mountain Cedars: Junipers that Benefit Limestone Groundwaters"
Elizabeth McGreevy, Program Director, Project Bedrock
Description: For almost 100 years, we’ve been fighting the woody brush spreading across Texas karst country (limestone bedrock + shallow soils). Much of this woody cover consists of mountain cedars, species of juniper trees that prefer limestone soils. We’ve been taught these trees cause harm. But, instead of causing harm, we recently learned there’s a deep connection between mountain cedars and the limestone bedrock beneath our feet. Whereas the bushy pioneer thickets act as nature’s ecosystem engineers to regenerate degraded karst country, the old-growth cedar forests sustain groundwaters, healthy soils, deep carbon storage, and biodiversity, and reduce fire risk. You will learn how to identify karst country, why we need to start using mountain cedars and other nature-based solutions to help regenerate these lands, and management basics.
About: Elizabeth McGreevy is an ecologist, author, permaculture planner, painter, and sixth-generation Texan. With over 20 years of experience, her company, Land Steward, produces site-specific ecosystem management plans for Hill Country landowners. As the author of Wanted! Mountain Cedars, Dead and Alive, Elizabeth teaches that mountain cedar trees (limestone junipers) regenerate and sustain Texas karst country soils, groundwaters, and biodiversity. In 2022, she founded Project Bedrock, now in partnership with The Watershed Association, to continue teaching that mountain cedars are part of the solution, not the problem. She serves as program director, provides presentations and testimonies, and has begun working on a mountain cedar-focused decision support tool for landowners.
Eric Strickland, "Invading Our Native Space: Plant Armies From Beyond the Realm"
Eric Strickland
Topic: Invading Our Native Space: Plant Armies From Beyond the Realm
Description: While some of them may be “pretty”, the impact invasive plant species have on our Texas native plants, insects and birds is anything but pretty. From crowding out native species, to polluting rivers and streams to killing some birds, invasive plants can be a menace. Some, like Bastard Cabbage, march across the landscape, shading out native Bluebonnets much like an invading army – they take no prisoners and our native species suffer, This presentation will introduce you to some of the most invasive plant species and will discuss steps you can take to go to war with them.
Haeley Giambalvo, "Native Plants in Schools Program"
Haeley Giambalvo, Owner of Native Backyards; Native Plants in Schools Committee Chair
Topic: Native Plants in Schools Program
Description: Learn how NPSOT is working to help schools incorporate native plants into their schoolyards and engage students through native plant-related activities and curriculum. See examples of collaborations between chapters and their local schools, and learn how your chapter can help encourage more schools to grow Texas native plants!
About: Haeley Giambalvo is a Texas Master Naturalist, and board member of the Native Plant Society of Texas – San Antonio chapter. A professional blogger and online content creator for the past decade, Haeley launched NativeBackyards.com in 2020 to encourage people to help the Earth from their own yards by growing native plants that support insects and wildlife and conserve water. Over the last four years, Haeley has transformed her San Antonio backyard with Texas native plants and turned it into a haven for butterflies, bees, and birds while helping thousands of native plant newbies make small but impactful changes to their own yards. Her book “Native Plant Gardening for Beginners” is available on Amazon.
John Hart Asher, "Pocket Prairie Design and Installation" and Panel Moderator
John Hart Asher, Principal/Senior Environmental Designer Austin, TX
Plenary Topic: Pocket Prairie Design Design and Installation
Panel Topic: Installation and Independent Growers – History, Challenges, Solutions – 2022 Fall Symposium Sequel
Plenary Description: Much of the United States was once covered in grassland plant communities. We are just now grasping the scale of this coverage and how much of a role these ecotypes played in sequestering carbon, cleaning water and air, and providing vital habitat for other species. Furthermore, the medical community has established that human health and well being is exponentially increased when we surround ourselves with biodiversity. John Hart will discuss techniques for designing and installing pocket prairies so that you can help save the world!
Panel Description: At the 2022 Fall Symposium in Alpine, Texas, we began a discussion about the difficulty of getting a greater quantity and diversity of native plants into the hands of Texans. The question became: What can the Native Plant Society of Texas do to further the cause of native plant growers? We had some ideas: provide internships for people who want to grow native plants or help others do the same, make land available to those who might want to grow and sell native plants, and bring growers together to discuss roadblocks and solutions. The panel is a chance to re-assess where the Society stands and give a progress report to the members. Next steps and additional opportunities will be captured during the session.
About: John Hart Asher has over 14 years’ experience designing and building functional ecosystems within urban conditions. He has conducted basic research in ecological engineering, ecological restoration, and land management, offered workshops to professionals and the general public, and provided fee-supported ecological consulting expertise to clients across the United States. As part of Blackland Collaborative’s consulting, John Hart works with integrated design teams composed of engineers, architects, landscape architects, and developers to optimize the sustainable design strategies and ecological components for landscape designs. He specializes in translating sustainable design into successful projects that provide varying layers of ecosystem services. His main interest is the application of ecological design, resulting in functional sustainable landscapes within urban ecologies. A few of his current projects include: Tall grass prairie restoration in an urban riparian corridors, green roof research and implementation, water conservation through the incorporation of LID (Low Impact Development) and vernal pools, soil remediation, and green infrastructure. John Hart also worked on green roof design and implementation for Bercy Chen Studio’s Edgeland House, which was featured in Dwell and Texas Architect magazines and has won several awards, including Architizer’s A+ Jury and Popular Choice Awards, the 2016 Design Award of Excellence from Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and the Texas Society of Architects 2016 Design Award. Edgeland House was also featured in Phaidon’s “Elemental Living: Contemporary Houses in Nature,” and most recently was documented in AppleTV’s HOME series that explores exemplary and innovative designs. He holds a bachelor’s in history from the University of Mississippi and a master’s in landscape architecture from The University of Texas at Austin, which awarded him a President’s Outstanding Staff Award in April 2018. In 2019 he also stepped in to serve as host of the award winning and nationally syndicated PBS show, Central Texas Gardener. Some of his pocket prairie projects will be featured in upcoming books from Gardenista and Texas gardening author, Pam Penick. A dedicated environmental professional who specializes in bridging design concepts and ecological function and demonstrates strong project management skills with the proven ability to design, assess, and investigate landscape restoration installations, performance, and measures. He has carried out research and development of green roof technology with the aim of improving performance and application within semi-arid, sub-tropical climates, and has helped design and build numerous native prairie green roofs all over the state of Texas.
Mandy Pixler, Panelist: “Independent Growers - History, Challenges, Solutions – 2022 Fall Symposium Sequel”
Mandy Pixler, Tree Grower/Sales – Native Texas Nurser
Topic: Independent Growers – History, Challenges, Solutions – 2022 Fall Symposium Sequel
Description: At the 2022 Fall Symposium in Alpine, Texas, we began a discussion about the difficulty of getting a greater quantity and diversity of native plants into the hands of Texans. The question became: What can the Native Plant Society of Texas do to further the cause of native plant growers? We had some ideas: provide internships for people who want to grow native plants or help others do the same, make land available to those who might want to grow and sell native plants, and bring growers together to discuss roadblocks and solutions. The panel is a chance to re-assess where the Society stands and give a progress report to the members. Next steps and additional opportunities will be captured during the session.
About: I am the head tree grower at Native Texas Nursery in Austin, Texas where I have been for over 8 years. I hold a BS in Plant and Soil Science from Texas Tech University, where my passion for native plants began. I am a native Texan and care deeply for our state’s rich and diverse ecosystems. I am dedicated to cultivating and promoting Texas’s flora by combining my academic background with practical expertise to enhance our local landscapes sustainably. When I am not at work, I enjoy hikes, roadside botanizing, and tending to my vegetable beds at home with my husband, two children, and garden buddy, Freyja (a 100 pound Labradane).
Michael Eason, Panelist: “Independent Growers - History, Challenges, Solutions – 2022 Fall Symposium Sequel”
Michael Eason, VP of Conservation, San Antonio Botanical Garden
Topic: Independent Growers – History, Challenges, Solutions – 2022 Fall Symposium Sequel
Description: At the 2022 Fall Symposium in Alpine, Texas, we began a discussion about the difficulty of getting a greater quantity and diversity of native plants into the hands of Texans. The question became: What can the Native Plant Society of Texas do to further the cause of native plant growers? We had some ideas: provide internships for people who want to grow native plants or help others do the same, make land available to those who might want to grow and sell native plants, and bring growers together to discuss roadblocks and solutions. The panel is a chance to re-assess where the Society stands and give a progress report to the members. Next steps and additional opportunities will be captured during the session.
About: Michael Eason joined the San Antonio Botanical Garden in 2017 as the Center for Plant Conservation representative guiding the South Texas rare plant conservation efforts. In 2022 he moved to full time to continue to develop their rare plant conservation program and curate the living collections, focusing on native plants of Texas and northern Mexico. Michael brings over twenty years of experience as a conservation botanist, with extensive knowledge of the flora and ecology of the southwest region of the U.S. Previously, Michael worked for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, where he managed their conservation and field survey programs. Through his consulting business, Texas Flora, he designs and installs native plant gardens, as well as performs plant inventories, wetland delineations, and rare plant surveys on public and private lands. In 2018, he published Wildflowers of Texas and is currently working on several other book projects. Additionally, he has served on the State Executive Board for the Native Plant Society of Texas and is currently the State Botanist for the organization.
Nancy Denmark, "Milkweed Propagation Demonstration Workshop"
Nancy Denmark
Topic: Milkweed Propagation Demonstration Workshop
Description: Nancy will give a thorough live demonstration of the propagation method in her NPSOT fall symposium workshop covering all the products and steps from seed preparation, germination, sprout harvesting, planting and growing instructions. Come prepared to take notes. Participants will receive native milkweed seeds and the growing medium to start the Cold Moist Stratification (CMS) process along with a printed outline of the steps they’ll learn in the workshop.
About: Nancy Denmark is an experienced butterfly gardener, dedicated to teaching about butterflies, their lifecycles, the host and nectar plants to attract them, and the array of insects that makeup a healthy ecosystem in the home garden. After learning a proven native milkweed seed propagation method developed by Barbara Keller Willy, Nancy has been committed to teaching the method under Barbara’s continued tutelage. Nancy has been teaching the method online through her Facebook groups since 2019, leading 100’s of members each year to successfully grow native milkweeds. She offers an annual native milkweed guided grow out group experience in Joys of Butterfly Gardening SE Texas using specific products and offering detailed instructions and coaching. Using this method, Nancy has successfully grown native milkweeds to establish her own butterfly habitat that now supports a healthy migratory monarch population.
Nancy Pappas, "Lessons in Restoration: Transformation of a Retired Utility Property into a Texas Treasure"
Nancy Pappas, Managing Director, Headwaters at the Comal
Topic: Lessons in Restoration: Transformation of a Retired Utility Property into a Texas Treasure
Description: What is the process for transforming that underutilized empty lot or retired property into a thriving native habitat? Hear the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned from removing acres of asphalt and impervious cover and installing a native prairie and rehabilitated riparian area, installing pervious walking trails, and green stormwater system. Spoiler alert: the challenges have been big, and the rewards are only growing!
About: Nancy Pappas is Managing Director for the Headwaters at the Comal, New Braunfels Utilities’ conservation legacy project. She has been in this role since December 2016, when she was hired to create a non-profit to partner with NBU and develop the programs, operations and funding for this visionary project. Prior to her work with NBU, Nancy worked as independent non-profit consultant, helping small non-profits with management and program implementation. Nancy is a member of the Go Green Initiative Board of Directors, a national organization advancing environmental justice through health, safety and sustainability in public schools, is a founding member and immediate past-president of the Comal Trails Alliance. She also serves on the TIPHER board and as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. As a former Comal ISD trustee Nancy was elected to serve on the Comal Appraisal District Board. Recent accomplishments include earning a Texas Water Leadership Certification. A non-profit management certificate was obtained in 2015. Nancy started her career with Bell Atlantic Mobile Systems in customer service and product management for the fledging mobile phone industry. She is a graduate of Emory University with B.A. in Economics.
Patty Leslie Pasztor, "Ethnobotany - Native American and Pioneer Uses of Native Plants"
Topic: Ethnobotany – Native American and Pioneer Uses of Native Plants
Description: Discover the uses of our native plants for food, medicine, fiber, dyes, basketry and more! Patty will give a slide presentation discussing the human uses of our plants by Native Americans and early settlers, and relate that to modern day usage. She will also touch on their benefit for wildlife.
About: Patty Leslie Pasztor is co-author of the book, “Texas Trees, A Friendly Guide”. A graduate of Texas A&M, her experience includes many years as the Native Plant Horticulturist/Curator at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, Park Naturalist at Friedrich Wilderness Park and Adjunct Professor at Alamo Community Colleges. Patty presents workshops on topics including Landscaping for Birds & Butterflies, Tree ID, Edible & Medicinal plants, Survival and more. She conducts plant I.D. hikes and natural resource surveys for landowners in the Hill Country and South Texas, as well as for several city and state parks. Patty teaches a class entitled, “Walk on the Wild Side”, which includes nature hikes to area parks discovering plants, birds, butterflies and more. Pasztor also works for Road Scholar serving as the naturalist on several of the Big Bend trips. She organizes and leads butterfly counts in San Antonio and the Hill Country for the North American Butterfly Association and is an instructor for the Alamo Area Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists.
Roberto Gaitan, Co-Presenter "Using Digital Tools for Communication Across our Society"
Roberto Gaitan, NPSOT Chapter President, Rio Grande Valley
Topic: Using Digital Tools for Communication Across our Society
Description: Explore the power of social media and websites to connect with plant enthusiasts, share knowledge, and advocate for native plants. Transcend geographical and cultural boundaries by showcasing native plants in landscapes and gardens with appealing visuals, helpful information, and engaging narratives. By curating and disseminating educational content, we engage and empower our community, with each chapter adding its unique voice to the shared mission of the Society.
About: Roberto Gaitan is a native Texas, born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. He left south Texas after high school to attend college and chase his technical career. He returned almost three decades later when he took up his second career as a High School Science Teacher. To help him become a better teacher, he became a Texas Master Naturalist in 2014. It is then that Roberto discovered the uniqueness of his backyard and the peril of our native species and native habitat. Roberto served as President of the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist for three years. He is also a board member of the Friends of Estero Llano Grande State Park, board member of the Native Plant Project group, and recently became President of the organization he helped establish, the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. What drives Roberto above anything else, is the desire educate the public on the natural treasures of our home and promote public support for conservation projects and activities. Only through a unified public effort can we hope to maintain the unique flora of Texas. The survival of our native species depends on the efforts of citizens that care.
Steve Nelle, "Land Stewardship (It Might Not Be What You Think)"
Steve Nelle, Natural Resource Consulting, San Angelo, TX
Topic: Land Stewardship (It Might Not Be What You Think)
Description: Presentation will convey lessons learned about the true nature of land stewardship from 48 years of working with private landowners in Texas and with heavy reliance on the philosophies of Aldo Leopold.
About: Over the last 48 years, Steve Nelle has had the privilege of working with over a thousand different landowners on millions of acres across Texas to support and assist their conservation efforts. He has also become a student of Aldo Leopold and understands the practical relevance of Leopold’s land philosophies to today’s landowners. By observing and listening to landowners and studying Leopold, Nelle has learned how genuine land stewardship works and what it means. Nelle received a B.S. degree in Range and Wildlife Management from Texas Tech in 1976 and has worked for the Natural Resources Conservation Service and in private consulting.
Suzanne Scott, "How Native Landscapes Create Resilient Communities"
Suzanne Scott, Texas State Director, The Nature Conservancy
Topic: Developing Naturally: How Native Landscapes Create Resilient Communities
Description: Recent studies have shown that natural grasslands and the birds they support are the fastest declining large ecosystem in North America. As The Nature Conservancy expands conservation actions to address both climate change and biodiversity, a focus of the work in Texas is to protect and restore native grasslands and promote improved agricultural land practices. As the state continues to experience rapid growth, TNC is promoting the use of nature as infrastructure to maximize the function and benefit of native landscapes to build resilience to improve soil health, increase carbon sequestration, reduce flooding, decrease heat island, and enhance habitat. Scott’s presentation will highlight TNC’s programs throughout the state to harvest thousands of pounds of native seed every year, promote conservation-friendly ranching techniques and sustainable land management practices while promoting nature-based solutions in urban and coastal communities.
About: Suzanne Scott joined the Nature Conservancy in Texas as the State Director in November 2020 after a 20-year career with the San Antonio River Authority serving as its General Manager for 13 years. Texas has wide-open spaces, thriving cities, a strong farming and ranching culture, and a rapidly growing population. As State Director for The Nature Conservancy in Texas, Scott establishes conservation strategy and public policy leadership to protect the state’s cherished landscapes and support ecology, economy, public health, and equity. Collaborating closely with a talented staff of dedicated conservationists, scientists, and multi-disciplinary experts, she is focused on promoting resilience through on the ground nature-based projects in rural and urban communities and along coasts while supporting the protection and restoration of connected and diverse habitats and ecosystems throughout Texas. At the River Authority, she steadfastly elevated the agency’s crucial role and impact and implemented more than $600 million in highly visible river and creek improvement and restoration projects. She also guided the development of successful programs to improve flood protection, water quality, habitat restoration, and increase access and use of the river and its tributaries for recreation and public enjoyment. In addition, Scott chaired the South-Central Texas Regional Water Planning Group and the Guadalupe and San Antonio Rivers Bay and Basin Area Stakeholder Group. She also led the first Interregional Planning Council, created by the Texas Water Development Board. Currently, she serves on the State Flood Planning Group for the San Antonio River Basin. Suzanne obtained her undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University and a Master of Science in Urban Administration from Trinity University. She is based at TNC Texas headquarter office in San Antonio.
Weston Neiman, "Creating Sustainable Outdoor Living Spaces"
Weston Neiman, Business Development, Native American Seed
Topic: Creating Sustainable Outdoor Living Spaces
Description: Learn about the critical role native plants play in maintaining ecological balance. Discover how to transform traditional lawns into sustainable outdoor living spaces that harmonize with nature. You will gain practical strategies for transitioning to native turf, including site evaluation, non-native species removal, seed bed preparation, and maintenance tips. Get inspired by stunning visuals of native plant ecosystems and understand how to enhance the biodiversity and beauty within your corner of the planet. Whether you’re a seasoned native plant enthusiast or just starting, this session will equip you with the knowledge and motivation to make impactful changes. Don’t miss this chance to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to creating a healthier planet for future generations.
About: Weston grew up on the Native American Seed Farm in Junction, TX. Once he was old enough to work (somewhere around the ripe age of 12)… he realized playing sports was a valid excuse to hang out with his friends and get out of moving irrigation pipes all summer long. His father always told him “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, so Weston continued this strategy into his college years where he played football at NMSU. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and a career ending back surgery at the age of 21 closed out this “sports to avoid work” loophole. Upon earning his MBA from TTU in 2010, he quickly integrated back into the family business working in production, ecological restoration, warehousing and fulfillment, customer service, and business development. He is most proud of the recent team effort to relocate the warehouse facility to the I-35 corridor to improve awareness and access to native plants. Weston is extremely passionate about educating others on the value plants provide the ecosystem and the importance of utilizing diverse native plant communities to support and protect Texas’ natural resources for generations to come.
Wizzie Brown, "Gardening for Native Bees"
Wizzie Brown, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Topic: Gardening for Native Bees
Description: The presentation will cover identification of common native bees as well as things you can do to welcome them into your landscape.
About: Wizzie Brown is a Senior Extension Program Specialist- IPM with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in entomology from Ohio State University and a Master’s of Science in entomology from Texas A&M University. After leaving Texas A&M, Wizzie worked in structural pest control before taking a job with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Austin. She is a Board Certified Entomologist with a specialty in Urban Entomology and holds a non-commercial license from the Texas Structural Pest Control Service. Her research interests include red imported fire ants, bed bugs, and termites.
