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Native Plant Society of Texas

San Antonio Chapter

San Antonio Chapter Meeting February 2026

Texas Hill Country

February 2026 Presentation by Ben Eldridge
Executive Director, Heart of Texas Conservancy
Preserving Natural Infrastructure in the Texas Hill Country

Ben started his career as the manager of a 5,000 acre ranch and has also been instrumental in shaping development rules, transportation plans and water management policies in Boerne and Kendall County. In addition to facilitating the conservation of land, Ben also serves on the board of directors at the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District, influences regional groundwater management and participates in state water data initiatives.

Ben Eldredge is the Executive Director of the Heart of Texas Conservancy, a land trust and civically engaged conservation organization based in Boerne, Texas. Ben will discuss the importance of conserving natural infrastructure in the Hill Country with a focus on policy and conservation easements for preserving the region’s waterways, water supply and mitigating risks to humans in “Flash Flood Alley.”

View Recorded Lecture

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