Monarch garden grants deadline approaching

There’s still plenty of time to get on board! The Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas committee of the Native Plant Society of Texas awards grants up to $600 for the planting or improvement of pollinator gardens. We want to support gardens that create more usable Monarch habitat while showcasing native Texas plants in an appealing way. Our partners at the US Forest Service and Monarch Joint Venture help make this program possible.

More information and a link to the simple application can be found here.

When is the deadline? February 1st, 2024

Don’t panic: the application is easy to complete, and layout drawings don’t have to be fancy.

Who or what is eligible? Many non-profits, schools, nature centers, parks, municipal buildings, camps, worship centers, museums and more could qualify if they are located in Texas. If you have specific questions send an email to bbmt@npsot.org.

What is not eligible? Landscaping on private residential property.

What can the grant money be spent on? Only the purchase of native Texas plants or seeds for native plants is permitted. Non-natives like Tropical Milkweed are prohibited under the grant terms. Hardscaping, borders, signs, rocks, benches, soil products, and all non-plant items are also excluded.

We’re accessible! Ask us anything about the grants by emailing bbmt@npsot.org

Think about anyone you know or any groups you are affiliated with who need this information and please either share this notice directly to them or copy and send this information page link to them.

https://www.npsot.org/our-work/bring-back-the-monarchs-to-texas/garden-grants/

The Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas Committee can’t wait to see your great ideas and read your applications! Get them in soon.

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