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Native Plant Society of Texas

San Antonio Chapter

San Antonio Chapter Meeting September 2025

Bulverde Oaks Nature Preserve

September 2025 Presentation by Cleveland Powell, Brad Weir, Juan Soulas Conservation Planners at SAWS
Cultivating Water Savings with Native Plants, A Retrospective of SAWS Conservation

When it comes to saving water in a rapidly growing and drought-prone service area, SAWS Conservation’s thinking about what works in SA landscapes has changed a lot even in the past twenty years. While native plants and the gardeners that love them have always been an important part of conservation messaging, their availability has improved dramatically from what was once a somewhat niche market, with many more options available from plant vendors. Looking at whether WaterSaver plants once recommended are still thriving in today’s conditions, Cleve Powell, Juan Soulas and Brad Wier will discuss how SAWS is using native plants to update its programs today.

View Recorded Lecture

https://youtu.be/qVggmJn9MJM

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