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Native Plant Society of Texas

Video Contest 2026

Thanks for considering our 2026 video contest! If you’d like to enter our 2026 native plant video contest, please fill out the form below. Winners will be announced at our 2026 Fall Symposium.

The Rules

Videos must be in mov or mp4 format, and should be at least 45 seconds in length and no more than 5 minutes maximum. The contest is open to all our members. One entry per person. Videos must feature some aspect of native plants or our organization. Here are some possible examples:

  • Show and tell about a project you or your chapter is doing to promote or conserve native plants or habitats.
  • Interview with a local official or “expert.”
  • A profile of a particular plant, such as a plant of the month for your NICE Program or monthly meeting.
  • A walk through your backyard garden.
  • A plant walk through a local park or field.
  • The relationship and interdependence of native plants and wildlife

Contestants must be members of the Society and may only submit their own work. Entries will be judged in the following categories by a panel of  Society peers (judges are not eligible for contest entry).

Go to Contest Entry

The Judging Criteria

Theme Value

  • How well does the theme promote the value of native plants or habitats?
  • Videos should address Native Plant related themes.

Clarity of Theme

  • How well does the video express the chosen theme?
  • Is the theme clear and obvious?
  • Is relevant and significant  content provided in support of the theme?

Originality / Creativity

  • How well does the video draw in the viewer & keep their attention?
  • Is the video memorable?
  • Does the video utilize unique elements to emphasize/reinforce the theme?   
  • Is the video innovative in some unique way?

 

Content Quality

  • Does the video provide informative content?
  • Is the information accurate?   
  • Is the information relevant to the theme? 
  • How well organized is the content?

Video Production Values

  • Were shots and scenes paced so as to maintain interest and direct attention?
  • Was the camera work consistent throughout? In focus, well lit, sufficient contrast, steady camera and smooth movements? themes.
  • Was the editing appropriate – not choppy or erratic feeling?
  • Were text overlays clear, readable, and left on screen long enough to be read?
  • Did special effects or transitions support or detract from the content?

 

Audio Production Values

  • Was the vocabulary of the narration appropriate for the intended audience?
  • Was the speed of the narration slow enough to be understood?
  • Was the music (if used) fitting for the visual effects or audio narration?
  • Were background noises used that enhanced the message?
  • Did ambient noises detract from the presentation?
  • Were sound effects used to add emphasis to the visual track?

Inspiration/Activism Quality

  • Does the video provide a call to action?
  • Does the video provide any solutions?
  • Is the video inspiring?

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