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Native Plant Society of Texas

Dallas Chapter

Dallas May Mtg – Water from Rocks: Uncovering Hidden Reservoirs Beneath Our Feet w/ Eli Hartung

All are welcome to join us in person or via Zoom for this month’s meeting and presentation. We’ll be at the Gaston Christian Center (map) starting around 6:30pm, and the meeting and zoom will begin at 7pm.

After the meeting, join us at Gabriela & Sofia’s Tex-Mex for dinner and/or drinks. 10455 N Central Expressway, Suite #117, Dallas, TX 75230 (map)

Water from Rocks: Uncovering Hidden Reservoirs Beneath Our Feet

Can plants really drink from stone? Join us as we explore how four native grasses of the Edwards Plateau survive drought by tapping into an unlikely source—water stored in limestone. This presentation investigates whether common warm-season grasses access rock-stored moisture and which species are best at making use of these hidden reserves. Discover how ancient geology supports modern resilience in Texas grasslands.

ZOOM INFO: If you can’t join in person, log on using this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83725236133?pwd=MnRoZlRWMEd4ZENkaXdjalpkRFFIdz09

If needed, use:
Meeting ID: 837 2523 6133
Passcode: 882399a*

SPEAKER BIO:
Eli Hartung is a doctoral candidate in biology at Texas State University, where he is conducting research on plant water use in the Edwards Plateau region of Texas. In recognition of his work, he was awarded the 2023 Ann Miller Gonzalez Graduate Research Grant by the Native Plant Society of Texas. This grant supports graduate students at Texas universities who are performing academic research related to Texas native plants and/or to the conservation and restoration of native plant habitats of Texas. 

Hartung’s research focuses on understanding how native plants utilize rockwater resources in the Edwards Plateau, a region characterized by its unique geological formations and diverse plant communities. By studying the interactions between plant physiology and the hydrological characteristics of the region, his work aims to inform conservation strategies and enhance the resilience of native plant species in the face of environmental challenges.

Through his academic and research endeavors, Eli is contributing valuable insights into the conservation of native plant species and the ecosystems they inhabit.

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