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News and Events

News and announcements from our committee chairs, board members, and chapter leaders. Subscribe to our mailing list to stay up to date. For chapter news, visit Chapters. If you are looking for a calendar of events, see our Events Calendar.

  • Chapter or Committee

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Wildscapes Workshop is the Houston Chapter’s only annual fundraiser. Proceeds support wildscaping grants, monthly meetings, invasive plant removal, field trips, classes, the Kate Hillhouse Scholarship Fund, local conservation efforts, and other efforts to further our mission of promoting research, conservation and utilization of native plants and plant habitats of Texas.

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State

Fall 2024 Plant Sales

Fall is the best time to plant native flowers, shrubs, and trees, and many of our chapters have upcoming fall plant sales. Take advantage of this opportunity to easily obtain native plants suited to your ecoregion and along with making your space beautiful, you’ll be providing food and habitat for

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State

Help us stop species loss!

Concerned Texans, Help us stop species loss!  At a time when critical habitat is rapidly being lost, the Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas (BBMT) committee of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) works to increase native plant habitat for Monarchs. The good news is that everything you do for

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Jordy Bennet photo
Fredericksburg

Reduce Your Lawn, Save Water, and Feed the Pollinators!

With the Local Drought Index at -2.88, which is moderate drought stage (as of August 10, 2024), we need to rethink how we’re using water in the landscape. This month’s meeting of the Fredericksburg Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will provide information and tips about using native

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Houston

Speakers – 2024

Wildscapes Workshop’s expert speakers will inform and delight us with their knowledge of Texas water issues, trees for sustainable water management, and creatures that thrive in wet habitats.

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Native Plant Society of Texas Fall Symposium 2024 Logo, designed by Nate Krytal
State

Register Now for Fall Symposium

Register now for in person attendance to the Fall Symposium. In person registration closes September 20 and space is limited. The symposium is in New Braunfels on October 10-12. You can also register to attend virtually. Get more information and register here.

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Highland Lakes

September 21 Meeting

The next scheduled meeting of the Highland Lakes Native Plant Society is Saturday, September 21 from 1-3pm at the Marble Falls Public Library, 101 Main Street. An educational presentation will follow a 30 minute chapter business meeting. Speaker: James Green of Green Tree Co. TOPIC: Texas Native Trees – Selection

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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