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Native Plant Society of Texas

Annual awards presented in Houston

NPSOT Archive

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Annual awards were presented in Houston during the symposium to acknowledge the achievements of individuals whose work enriches our understanding of native plants and their environments. Nominations are being accepted now for the 2012 year awards.

Brian and Shirley Loflin are recognized at the 2011 Symposium in Houston for their book Grasses of the Texas Hill Country. Presenting the award is Ron Loper, chair of the awards committee in 2010. Photo by Alan Middleton.

The awards recognize excellence in writing, acts of conservation and public service, as well as lifetime achievement in the field of Texas native plants. The awards are presented annually at an Awards Banquet during the Fall Symposium.

Brian and Shirley Loflin were recognized for their latest book Grasses of the Texas Hill Country and the Houston Wilderness Society for their book Houston Atlas of Biodiversity.

Native plant grower Pat McNeal was also recognized for his work in propagation and education. The non-profit organization Native Prairie Association of Texas was presented with an award for its work in conservation of prairie remnants through land stewardship, and Boerne educator Bill Ward was recognized posthumously for his lifetime  commitment and service in promoting, conserving and educating about our native flora.

Visit our Awards Page for a description of the various awards and lists of all the previous recipients.

This coming year the banquet will be in Kerrville on October 7. A committee appointed by the State Board and chaired by former President Cynthia Maguire will make the decisions on the awards.

Email your nominations to Cynthia Maguire.

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**ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: Bill Hopkins

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