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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 $1,000) 
  • Native plant guidance and eco-region alignment 
  • Volunteer engagement support 

Annual Cemetery Grant Program — $1,000 per Cemetery 

To support this collaborative conservation effort, NPSOT members can apply for an annual $1,000 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

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason