Collin County Chapter

Prosper Prairie Walk – April 30th

Join the NPSOT-Collin County Chapter for a chapter-led native plant walk through the prairie at the Raymond Community Park in Prosper on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 6:45 PM. The walk will be led by Melanie Schuchart. Plan on about one hour, though participants are welcome to leave earlier if needed.

Location (Updated): Do not use the official park address; it will take you to the wrong side of the park. Instead, follow these three steps:
1) Search your GPS for the intersection of Coit Rd & First St, Prosper, TX.
2) From that intersection, drive North on Coit Road.
3) Watch for a gravel road on your left (the West side of Coit). Turn there into the gravel parking lot where we will meet.

Note: Because of construction on Coit Road, please allow an extra 15 minutes of travel time to ensure you arrive by the start of the walk! This prairie is in a period of change. The park is under development, sidewalks have been added, and parts of the prairie have been disturbed, making this a good opportunity to observe both the blooms and how the prairie responds over time.

What to wear and bring: Long pants, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended. You may also want to bring a camera, binoculars, and a wildflower guide.

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