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Native Plant Society of Texas

Big Bend Chapter

Program, Feb 1: Native Plant Meeting looks at Wasps

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[from Dallas Baxter]

Paper Wasp (Polistes) with captured caterpillar prey.
https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/31469005

Native Plant Meeting looks at Wasps

The Big Bend chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas meets from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, February 1 at the Alpine Public Library AEP Room.

Presenter Cynthia McAlister, biologist and environmental scientist, has long taught programs on pollinators, especially bees. Her program on wasps is designed to increase understanding of and appreciation for this often maligned insect.

“Wasps are often dismissed as insects that build nests in inconvenient places,” said chapter president Dallas Baxter, “but they are really heroes in the natural world – as pollinators and as excellent pest control.”

The mission of the Native Plant Society is the promotion of research, conservation and utilization of native plants and habitats through education, outreach and example. The Big Bend group meets monthly with programs and field trips.

The public is invited to attend and is asked to make a $5 donation which can be used toward a membership on the day of the meeting. Membership information is available at every meeting.

Reservations are requested and can be made by e-mailing fondag@sbcglobal.net.

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**ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: billarmstrong

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