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Native Plant Society of Texas

Proposed project would help Monarchs

NPSOT Archive

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Discussions are underway regarding a joint project between Monarch Watch and the Native Plant Society of Texas that would help restore to their native range milkweed species that are used as food by monarch caterpillars and would encourage the planting of nectar-producing flowers to support adult monarchs.

Under the terms of the project, the Society would pay growers to start native milkweed seedlings, which would then be distributed to nature centers, to our chapters and through other channels for planting or resale. The Society would provide volunteer labor to collect seed, plant, advise and coordinate distribution of plants.

Funding is being sought from grants and donations. The Stare Board estimates that $15,000 to $20,000 will need to be raised to fully fund the project.

A similar small-scale project was conducted in 2011 with one grower.

Monarch Watch is a 20-year-old organization based in Kansas that is dedicated to preserving Monarch butterflies.

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**ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: Bill Hopkins

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason