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Native Plant Society of Texas

Membership Contest 2023

Stephanie Long

About the Contest

It is time for all chapters to take part in the annual membership contest.

Two chapters are recognized: (1) the chapter with the largest numerical increase in primary memberships, and (2) the chapter with the greatest percentage increase in primary memberships.

Chapters with the highest numerical increase and highest percentage increase in primary memberships in the first quarter of 2023 will be recognized at the State Board meeting in May.

Deadline – April 30th

The timeframe to increase membership has been extended from January 1 to April 30 since the board meeting will be held in early May. Take advantage of this extra time to help your chapter reach new primary members and share our love of native plants with friends and neighbors.

Contest Rules

This is the eleventh year for the contest. Rules are the same as in previous years.

The number of primary memberships for each chapter on the morning of January 1 will be compared to the primary membership total for the morning of April 30, then the numerical increase and the percentage of increase will be calculated to determine the winners.


Membership has steadily increased since the first year of the contest. Bringing in new members gives new energy and experiences to chapters. Members can find many ideas to help their chapter on our website and in the Chapter Tool Chest. A tool that many chapters have found useful is a one-page tip sheet, Ten Tips for Increasing Membership, which can be found on the Membership tab of the Chapter Tool Chest.

Find your chapter’s numbers

Chapter leaders: View your chapter numbers in the Membership Portal.

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