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Native Plant Society of Texas

Collin County Chapter

Monarch Waystation Help Needed

Seeking Volunteers

On Saturday February 15 there will be a workday at the Hill County rest area monarch waystations. This effort is part of a NPSOT project to maintain monarch waystations along Interstate 35. These waystations, including those in Hill County, are part of an NPSOT project and receive 5.2 million visitors annually, according to TxDOT.

We will start on the southbound waystation at 9:00 am. Please come and go as your schedule allows. Most of the work will be weeding and pruning. We recommend that you bring the following items if you have them (trash bags and some tools will be provided): 

  • Gloves
  • Hat and Sunscreen
  • Knee pads or kneeling pad or towel to kneel on
  • Weeding tool, Pruners and Loppers
  • 5-gallon bucket

The Hill County Southbound Rest Area is located at Exit 362A on Interstate 35, (about 5 miles south of Hillsboro, near Abbot). Access from Texas Interstate 35 is in the southbound direction only. If you are coming from the south (Waco) go past the rest area and take the first exit and do a U-turn, get back on the interstate going south and take Exit 362A.

The Hill County Northbound Rest Area is located at Exit 362A on Interstate 35, (about 5 miles south of Hillsboro, near Abbot). Access from Texas Interstate 35 is in the northbound direction only. If you are coming from the north (Dallas) go past the rest area and take the second exit and do a U-turn, get back on the interstate going north and take Exit 362A.

The Hill County Rest Area Monarch Waystations workdays are on the third Saturday of the month.

Please email Betsy Farris or Kay Jenkins to be added to the contact list in case there are changes in the schedule or other updates.

About the Region

New Braunfels, the location of our Fall 2024 Symposium, straddles both the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion and the Blackland Prairie ecoregion. Interstate 35 divides the city of New Braunfels; its path through the city closely parallels the boundary of these two ecoregions, with the Edwards Plateau on the west side and the Blackland Prairies region to the east. 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 four host chapters (New Braunfels, Lindheimer, Guadalupe, and the Hill Country chapters) are located in one or both of the ecoregions above. However, the eastern portion of Guadalupe County also falls within the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. Annual rainfall averages 35 to 45 inches, with higher averages to the east. A wide variety of hardwood trees are found, including several species of oaks, elms, and in the Bastrop area, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Grasses and forbs dominate in the open savannas, with most common grass being little bluestem. Ranching, agriculture, and fire suppression have allowed woody species to encroach on the once-open savannas.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason