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.
For the Love of Flies – Praise for the forgotten pollinators and unsung allies
Andy Blair is a plant-centric ecologist and conservation biologist with 20 years of experience with central Texas plant communities and considerable experience with Texas insects, freshwater mussels, birds and herpetofauna. He has a passion for learning about the great diversity of native plants, insects, and other critters that call our area home and loves to share that knowledge with others.
Plant Sale – Extended Date/Time
New – Extended Date/Time: Saturday, May 2, 2026 / 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Location: behind Forever West Texas, 308 W Ave. E (corner of Ave E and 8th St) in Alpine Please consider donating one or more plants to the Patty Manning Pollinator Garden being developed at the Alpine Public Library.
Annual Spring Plant Sale 2026 – Native Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, Flowering plants
Date/Time: April 25, 2026 / 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Location: behind Forever West Texas, 308 W Ave. E (corner of Ave E and 8th St) in Alpine Please consider donating one or more plants to the Patty Manning Pollinator Garden being developed at the Alpine Public Library. Cash, checks, and
Neither Hops Nor Ash: Getting to Know Ptelea trifoliata
This tough, host plant with unique samaras is more than an “informal” understory tree. Ptelea trifoliata is one of those native plants that at first glance is easy to misunderstand. One of its common names is Wafer Ash, but it is not a true ash. The other popular common name
Chapter Meeting: Get Ready for the City Nature Challenge
Scott Buckel introduces iNaturalist and explains how your nature observations can support community science and the upcoming City Nature Challenge.
Prosper Prairie Walk – April 30th
Join the NPSOT-Collin County Chapter for a chapter-led native plant walk through the prairie at the Raymond Community Park in Prosper on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 6:45 PM. The walk will be led by Melanie Schuchart. Plan on about one hour, though participants are welcome to leave earlier if needed. Location (Updated): Do not use
Chapter Meeting: Insects: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Bob Dailey explores the roles of beneficial and harmful insects, along with organic ways to manage pests like mosquitoes while protecting pollinators and the environment.
Boerne Chapter Meeting May 5
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Michele Fissel, who will be sharing the importance of Texas wild rice (Zizania texana) and its four species. Texas wild rice is a member of the genus Zizania, a native grain to the North American continent. The genre has historically been of importance to
BE SEED MINDED!
Native Plant Seed Library Initiative – The Lakes and Pines Chapter is partnering with the Mineola Memorial Library to create a local native plant seed library. By collecting and donating native plant seeds, you help preserve local plant diversity and expand access to plants that support pollinators, wildlife, and healthy
Lakes and Pines Mineola Memorial Library Outreach Program
The Lakes and Pines Chapter is excited to share a new outreach partnership with the Mineola Memorial Library as we expand opportunities to connect with our community.
May 6 – Lakes & Pines Chapter Meeting: “How Native Vegetation Creates Reptile and Amphibian Habitat” presented by Shelby Rodriguez-Edward, TPWD Wildlife Biologist
Maintaining native vegetation supports biodiversity, soil and water quality, and preserving the ecological conditions necessary for reptiles and amphibians. Shelby Rodriguez-Edwards, District Wildlife Biologist for TP&W, will discuss how native vegetation creates reptile and amphibian habitat.
Designing for Maintenance with Paula
In 2009 Paula Stone bought 10 acres of worn out land on the edge of Fredericksburg. The vision this avid native plant gardener had was not what she saw – a land littered with tires, washing machines and golf balls – but of one that incorporated the natural beauty and life of Texas.
