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Native Plant Society of Texas

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

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