Join / Renew / Gift Donate Shop Member Portal Language

Search
npsot_bluebonnet_full_color

Native Plant Society of Texas

School Pocket Prairie Program

The Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) is excited to announce a partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) to create pocket prairies at six Texas elementary schools during the 2025-26 school year. This project is made possible by Pollinators and Prairies, a program of TPWF with support from their partners.

Schools in the program have been chosen to represent different Texas ecoregions, including: 

  • Blackland Prairie 
  • Edwards Plateau 
  • Coastal Prairie 
  • South Texas Plains 
  • Southern Post Oak Savanna 
 

Each school’s prairie will be representative of historic prairies in that eco-region of Texas. Volunteers from nearby Society chapters will choose plants and seeds specific to the eco-region and assist with site prep, educational signage, curriculum resources, and prairie-related books. 

What is a Pocket Prairie?

A pocket prairie is a small, intentionally planted area that mimics the look and function of a natural prairie ecosystem. It typically includes a mix of native grasses and wildflowers and is designed to support local wildlife such as pollinators, birds, and small animals. Because it’s “pocket-sized,” it can fit into backyards, parks, and school campuses—bringing the benefits of prairies (biodiversity, habitat, stormwater absorption, soil health) to places where large prairies no longer exist.

Why a School Pocket Prairie? 

A school pocket prairie offers a hands-on, real-world outdoor classroom for students! It is the ideal place to learn about biology, environmental science, agronomy and more. Art and photography students will have a source for inspiration, just outside the classroom door. Texas history, ecology, insect study and adaptation, soil science, and art are just a few of the ways that teachers on campus can utilize a pocket prairie.  

2025-26 Pocket Prairie Initiative Timeline

  • Spring 2025: School selections and site visits. 
  • Summer 2025: Solarization of growing sites if needed to kill existing grass and weeds. 
  • Fall 2025: Final preparation of site, including addition of compost and micro-organisms, as needed. Society to provide prairie education to partner schools.
  • October 2025: Installation of pocket prairie with transplants and seeds.  
  • Fall-Winter:  Maintenance of site as needed—watering, weeding, etc. 
  • Spring 2026: First season of new pocket prairie. NPSOT volunteers to provide additional educational activities in the prairie.  
  • Ongoing: Maintenance and prairie education/activities in partnership with the Society

Learn More about Pocket Prairies!

Supporting Partner

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