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Native Plant Society of Texas

Clear Lake Chapter

Chapter Meeting: Pollinator Road Trip 3: A Habitat Grant Update, Part 2

Monday, June 10

For June’s chapter meeting, we continue on our virtual road trip to visit pollinator habitats funded by the chapter’s Native Pollinator Habitat Grant Program. You will hear from current projects at two sites: Ward Elementary Pollinator Garden at John F. Ward Elementary, and Hometown Heroes Park in League City. In addition, we will also have updates on previously funded projects that are currently thriving, showcasing the continued impact and success of our grant program.

About the Sites

Ward Elementary Pollinator Garden at John F. Ward Elementary (Clear Creek ISD): Ward’s school garden aims to serve as a safe haven and nursery for pollinators. And, importantly, will also provide context for teaching students and their families about the importance of pollinators and native plants.

Pollinator Garden at Hometown Heroes Park (League City): This Eagle Scout project, located on the 5K Loop Trail at Hometown Heroes Park, features plants that provide nectar and pollen sources to a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Meetings are open to members and non-members. If you would like to become a member, you may join online. For more information about the Native Plant Society of Texas and the benefits of membership please visit: www.npsot.org.

Hosted by the Environmental Institute of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake.

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