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Native Plant Society of Texas

Big Bend Chapter

Program – December 7: Fighting Invasive Species on the Rio Grande

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[from Dallas Baxter]

Fighting invasive river cane on the Rio Grande.
Fighting invasive river cane on the Rio Grande.

Photo credit: Raymond Skiles

The Big Bend Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will present a program on invasive species on the Rio Grande from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 7 at the Warnock Visitor Center one and a half miles east of Lajitas on Hwy. 170 (the River Road).

Participants will leave from the depot parking lot in Alpine at 8:30 a.m. to travel to Lajitas. Program presenter, Raymond Skiles, will present a program on invasives at the Center followed by a hike along the river to examine and discuss the invasive plant species threatening the health of the river and food and habitat for native species of birds and animals.

Skiles was a wildlife biologist in Big Bend National Park for 30 years, specializing in invasive species removal.

Following the program, participants will return to the Warnock Center for a brown bag lunch and the trip back to Alpine. Participants should dress for the weather, wear close-toed shoes and bring a lunch and water.

The mission of the Native Plant Society is the promotion of research, conservation and utilization of native plants and habitats through education, outreach and example. The Big Bend group meets monthly with programs and field trips. The public is invited to attend and is asked to make a $5 donation which can be used toward a membership on the day of the meeting. Membership information is available at every meeting.

Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Fonda Ghiardi.

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**ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: billarmstrong

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