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Native Plant Society of Texas

Trinity Forks Chapter

History

A Brief History of the Trinity Forks Chapter

The year 1990 was the year of official recognition of Trinity Forks Chapter, although many members were very active in the North Texas area even before that. The formation of the new chapter was announced in the society’s newsletter, Native Plant Society of Texas News, Volume VIII/Number 3 of May/June 1990 by Doug Williams, NPSOT President: ‘We have more new chapters forming every month. The folks located in and around Denton have coalesced into the Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas.’ Two other chapters were announced at the same time, Permian Basin Chapter of Midland-Odessa and Trans-Pecos Chapter of Big Bend area and Fort Stockton. Williams ended his announcement with: ‘Congratulations are in order for these already active groups of native plant enthusiasts and also thanks for your support of the Native Plant Society of Texas.’

 See our Historian, Dr. Camelia Maier, provide an overview of the history of Native Plant Society of Texas chapter on our YouTube channel at Early History of Native Plant Society of Texas. .

Off to a Good Start

That first year, Trinity Forks:

  • ·       Began publishing its newsletter
  • ·       Hosted numerous field trips
  • ·       Hosted numerous programs
  • ·       Provided educational booths and speakers for local events
  • ·       Held our very first plant sale

Through all these various activities, the chapter was well on its way educating the local communities in
understanding, appreciating, and using their regional flora. From the very beginning, Trinity Forks have pursued their mission with enthusiasm and dedication. Their commitment to the mission of NPSOT was commendable from the very first year of existence and we, current members, are forever grateful for their work and follow their example.

Trinity Forks provides resources for getting more plants in the ground:

Trinity Forks has hosted Texas native plant sales almost every year since its founding. Some years there was both a
spring and a fall sale. Sales have been held in conjunction with the Upper Trinity Regional Water District,  Keep
Denton Beautiful and the City of Denton’s Redbud Days, and since 2013 with Keep Flower Mound Beautiful’s Spring Trash Bash and Environmental Fair.

Plant sales are one of our best educational outreach opportunities as we handle many species not generally
available at nurseries, and our members have made wonderful information sheets for each one. These are available for buyers to read before buying or to take with them. We generally sell around 1500 plants in the three-hour sale and now have a solid following waiting anxiously for the opening bell each year.

Additionally, we have been implementors of the NICE (Natives Improve and Conserve the Environment) Native Plant Partners program supporting local nurseries who carry native plants.

 

Trinity Forks supports local projects and gardens:

  • 1995 – Restoration of native prairied north-east of North Lakes Park, Denton
  • 1998 – Benny J. Simpson Memorial Garden, Texas Woman’s University Campus, Denton
  • 2018 – Planting a Native Landscape at the entrance to the Marshall Ridge subdivision, Keller
  • 2020 – Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden, Phase 1
  • 2022 – Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden, Phase 2
  • 2023 – Rewilding of a public space, Fire Station #511, Argyle
  • 2023 – Bluebonnet planting at Bluebonnet Elementary School, Flower Mound
  • 2023 – Expansion of Monarch Waystation at Town Hall, Flower Mound
  • 2023 – Prairie restoration at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center, Denton
  • Ongoing – Provide funds for Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas grants

 

Trinity Forks supports our state organization:

  • hosted 3 state annual meetings & symposiums,
  • numerous members have served as state officers & executive board members,
  • won state awards 

Trinity Forks teaches:

  • Wildflower Art Contest and Exhibition
  • Native Landscape Certification Program

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason