North Central Chapter

A Renewed Commitment to Monarchs and to the Future

The volunteers of the White Settlement Monarch Waystation were recently honored with a formal proclamation from Mayor Faron Young, reaffirming the City of White Settlement’s participation in the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge and its continued commitment to monarch and pollinator conservation.

The proclamation recognizes the monarch butterfly as an iconic migratory species whose populations have declined across North America due to habitat loss, climate pressures, and the loss of native milkweed and nectar plants. It underscores the essential role municipalities play in restoring habitat, fostering environmental stewardship, and engaging communities in meaningful conservation action.

Since first joining the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge in 2017, the City has continued enhancing parks, open spaces, and natural areas to support pollinators and wildlife. The renewed proclamation outlines goals to expand pollinator-friendly habitats, strengthen educational programming and partnerships, encourage conservation practices among residents and businesses, and deepen collaboration across the community.

In presenting the proclamation, Mayor Young expressed his appreciation for the White Settlement Monarch Waystation and its dedicated volunteers, acknowledging their leadership in native plant restoration, public education, and community engagement. His support reflects a shared vision: that local action can contribute to large-scale conservation.

For members of the North Central Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, this moment represents more than recognition; It affirms that native plant advocacy, when rooted in partnership and persistence, can shape public policy and inspire lasting change.

Looking ahead, we are energized by this renewed commitment. We envision expanding the Waystation as a living classroom, a refuge for migrating monarchs, and a gathering place where future generations can connect with the natural world. Our goal is not only to support monarch populations along their migratory journey, but also to cultivate a community that values and protects native habitats.

Together, we look forward to growing the White Settlement Monarch Waystation for future generations of both monarchs and people.

About the Region

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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