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Native Plant Society of Texas
2024 Fall Symposium Logo in White

Our Symposia

Photo, Video, & Newsletter Contests

Contest Entry Closed July 31: join us in person or online at the 2025 Fall Symposium, when contest winners will be announced! 

From  human prehistory to the present, people have told stories to explain who they are and what is important to them.  These stories have been told in many  forms, from cave art and campfire songs to Hollywood movies, Instagram, and TikTok. We use some of those story forms to tell what the Native Plant Society of Texas is about.  Many years ago we began having contests in a few of the forms to recognize those members who tell the story best.

This year we offer contests in photography, videos and newsletters:  

  • PHOTO CONTEST: The photography contest is the most popular contest by far. It’s really 12 contests in one, since we recognize the best photo from each of the 12 ecoregions of Texas. So even though there are a lot of entries there are a lot of winners too.
  • VIDEO CONTEST:  For the past eight years we’ve  also been offering a video contest. We are talking about videos that are from 45 seconds in length up to a maximum of 5 minutes, similar to what you might post on Facebook or Instagram.  Last year our winner created his entry in one shot using his phone.  Short videos have become very popular on social media. Your choice of vertical or portrait orientation. Give it a try!
  • CHAPTER NEWSLETTER CONTEST:  Our third contest will recognize the best chapter newsletter.

The entry deadline for these contests was July 31. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and announced during the fall symposium in Salado, Texas.  You do not have to be present to win.

Questions? Contact bill.hopkins@npsot.org.

More Fall Symposium Details

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