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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

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