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Native Plant Society of Texas

Dallas Chapter

NLCP – Native Landscape Certification Program

NPSOT’S Native Landscape Certification Program (NLCP) is available for individuals to have greater understanding in planning, implementing and maintaining native plant gardens and other spaces. Learn how to bring natural beauty and wildlife into your landscape while lowering water bills and maintenance. 

Four levels of classes are available. Each NPSOT chapter presents courses that are focused on the ecosystems of their region. 

Current class schedules can be found at https://npsot.org/our-work/class-schedule/.

Consider taking these courses to broaden your knowledge and confidence in growing and promoting native plant ecosystems.

Level 1, Introduction to Native Landscapes
Appreciate the benefits of including and preserving native plants in landscapes and building wildlife habitat.
Distinguish between sustainable and conventional development.
Identify your local Texas ecoregion, including soil type.

Level 2, Landscape Design with Native Plants
Learn to create landscape designs using native plants.
Recognize important considerations for creating a design.
Outline steps in the design process; practice creating a native landscape design.

Level 3, Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes
Recognize the differences between native and non-native landscapes.
Become familiar with how to install the different types of native plants into a landscape, including: plant choice, purchase, placement, spacing; soil choice; bed and soil preparation; planting seeds and plants; mulching.
Understand maintenance requirements and techniques. Create maintenance schedules for different types of native plants.

Level 4, Stewardship of Native Plant Communities
What land stewardship is and why it matters
Application of stewardship, from urban neighborhoods to large-scale natural areas.
Threats to natural habitats and resulting impacts
How to create an effective land stewardship plan, including:
Researching and assessing what you have,
Setting and prioritizing your goals,
Prioritizing and implementing appropriate land management practices, and
Monitoring and re-assesing the effectiveness of your land stewardship

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