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Native Plant Society of Texas

Enter One of Our Contests by July 31

Bill Hopkins

From  human prehistory to the present, people have told stories to explain who they are and what is important to them.  These stories have been told in many  forms, from cave art and campfire songs to Hollywood movies, Instagram, and TikTok.

We use some of those story forms to tell what the Native Plant Society of Texas is about.  Many years ago we began having contests in a few of the forms to recognize those members who tell the story best.

This year we offer contests in photography, videos and newsletters.  The contests are open to all members.  You have until July 31 to enter.  Entry forms and complete rules are available by logging into the membership portal.

The photography contest is the most popular contest by far. It’s really 12 contests in one, since we recognize the best photo from each of the 12 ecoregions of Texas.  So even though there are a lot of entries there are a lot of winners too.

For the past eight years we’ve  also been offering a video contest. We are talking about videos that are from 45 seconds in length up to a maximum of 5 minutes, similar to what you might post on Facebook or Instagram.  Last year our winner created his entry in one shot using his phone.  Short videos have become very popular on social media. Your choice of vertical or portrait orientation. Give it a try!

Our third contest will recognize the best chapter newsletter.

You must enter by July 31. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and announced during the fall symposium in New Braunfels.  You do not have to be present to win.

Questions? Contact bill.hopkins@npsot.org.

 

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