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Event Series Event Series: Austin Chapter Meeting

Austin Chapter Meeting – Native Grasses and Grasslands of Texas – November 19

November 19 @ 7:00 pm 8:00 pm

Our guest speaker this month is Chris Best (State Botanist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin, Texas) presenting, “Native Grasses and Grasslands of Texas:  Ecology, conservation, and restoration of native grasslands in Texas.”   

This will be a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options.

The in-person location is Lakewood Clubhouse (off 360) 7317 Lakewood Drive, Austin, TX 78750

Chris Best earned degrees in Plant Biochemistry and Botany and presented a master’s thesis on the role of arbuscular mycorrhizae in strip mine spoil restoration. From 1985–1989 he was an agroforestry extensionist with the Peace Corps and a consultant for CARE International in Guatemala. He has worked for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a Plant Ecologist at Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR (1990–2006) and since 2006 as the agency’s State Botanist in Texas. His primary responsibilities include assessments of plant species for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act and recovery planning of listed plants in Texas. His current research interests include estimating the population sizes of rare plants, the role of rhizosphere symbionts in the establishment of rare cactuses in harsh environments, and the effect of smoke substances on the germination of bracted twistflower seeds.

Please check back closer to this meeting to register for the Zoom.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

7317 Lakewood Dr.
Austin, Texas 78750 United States
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Lakewood Clubhouse

7317 Lakewood Dr.
Austin, Texas 78750 United States

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About the Region

New Braunfels, the location of our Fall 2024 Symposium, straddles both the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion and the Blackland Prairie ecoregion. Interstate 35 divides the city of New Braunfels; its path through the city closely parallels the boundary of these two ecoregions, with the Edwards Plateau on the west side and the Blackland Prairies region to the east. 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 four host chapters (New Braunfels, Lindheimer, Guadalupe, and the Hill Country chapters) are located in one or both of the ecoregions above. However, the eastern portion of Guadalupe County also falls within the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. Annual rainfall averages 35 to 45 inches, with higher averages to the east. A wide variety of hardwood trees are found, including several species of oaks, elms, and in the Bastrop area, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Grasses and forbs dominate in the open savannas, with most common grass being little bluestem. Ranching, agriculture, and fire suppression have allowed woody species to encroach on the once-open savannas.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason