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Native Plant Society of Texas

Annual Cemetery Grants 

Through the Constellation of Living Memorials (CLM) program, historic cemeteries are being restored with native plants, transforming sacred spaces into thriving habitats that honor both cultural heritage and Texas’ natural landscapes. Originally launched in North Texas by the Friends of the Warren Ferris Cemetery, CLM’s mission is to broaden this model statewide and nationally.  

In partnership with the Native Plant Society of Texas, this program provides: 

  • Reimbursement restoration grants (up to $500) 
  • Native plant guidance and eco-region alignment 
  • Volunteer engagement support 

Annual Cemetery Grant Program — $500 per Cemetery 

To support this collaborative conservation effort, NPSOT members can apply for an annual $500 grant per cemetery. This annual award is intended to help chapters and community partners: 

  • Remove invasive plant species and nurture native vegetation 
  • Restore ecological function and wildlife habitat 
  • Educate neighbors and visitors about native plants and cultural history 
  • Enhance community stewardship of these unique places 

Cemetery Eligibility Criteria 

The following criteria are required to be eligible for the grants: 

  • Affiliation with NPSOT: Applicants should be current NPSOT members working through a local chapter, or in collaboration with a Master Naturalist or Master Gardener chapter.  
  • Historic & Cultural Significance: The cemetery should possess historical or cultural importance to its community.  
  • Ecological Focus: Restoration efforts must include the promotion and establishment of native plant habitat and stewardship practices.  
  • Engagement & Visibility: Projects should involve community outreach, education, or volunteer opportunities that connect people with both the cultural and natural heritage of the site.  
  • Recognition: Participants agree to identify their cemetery as “A Star in the Constellation of Living Memorials Program” in promotional materials and outreach, including use of the CLM logo.  

Ready to Begin? 

Application instructions, required documentation, reporting templates, and full guidelines are available inside the NPSOT Member Portal. 

Submit your grant application

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 fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason