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Native Plant Society of Texas

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Grasses of Phil Hardberger Park (Read WARNING note)

September 27 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am

Location: Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78231

WARNING: Be sure to wear long pants. Bring water and a hat as well as use a heavy amount of repellent and sunscreen. We may be walking in the sun, on grassy areas prone to chiggers!

The purposes of our event include appreciating the beauty of our natural area, observing how nature changes through the seasons, and learning about our native and invasive grasses.

Our presenter is Cleve Powell, NPSOT-SA member, a self-described plant nerd heavy into collecting, identifying, and propagating natives. With an MS from TCU in Environmental Science, his expertise in grass identification is only exceeded by his willingness to share knowledge. This will give you a chance to see more grass and more fully-developed grasses, especially grass inflorescences, than is possible earlier in the year as well as see the progress expanding our savanna area.

Please arrive by 7:45 am to sign up for an 8:00 am start. The event begins with a talk in the small classroom covering What is a grass, grass and spikelet structure, and grass terminology. There will be pictures of the common grasses seen on the savanna, with close ups of the structural characteristics that help ID the grasses. After the talk we will walk in the savanna restoration area and some grassy areas of adjoining trails. There will be brief explanations of grass species encountered along the way with ample time for participant questions.

Minors only when accompanied by an adult parent/guardian. Dogs not allowed as the talk is in the small classroom. DIFFICULTY: Easy, definitely suitable for families. Flat terrain, slow-paced. This will only be about a one mile walk and with the talk last about two and a half hours ending back at the Urban Ecology Center around 10:30 am

The trail is a natural surface so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and, dependent on the weather, bring water, sun protection, and dress appropriate for the day and season. Suggested $3 individual or $5 family donations to the PHP Conservancy to support enhancements to the park.

This event’s general sponsors are the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy, the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department’s Natural Areas Office, the Alamo Area Master Naturalists, and the Alamo Group of the Sierra Club. The SA chapter of The Native Plant Society of Texas is a special sponsor.

Contact Stan Drezek (stanwendre@gmail.com) for additional information or questions.

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San Antonio Chapter

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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 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