Background information on scientific exploration in Texas in the 19th century. Examines stories of important botanists of the era.
Can be customized for some eco-regions based on the botanists who collected there.
Background information on scientific exploration in Texas in the 19th century. Examines stories of important botanists of the era.
Can be customized for some eco-regions based on the botanists who collected there.
Lonnie Childs enjoyed a 30-year career as a manufacturing and supply chain executive capped by a stint leading his own management consulting firm. In 2001, he semi-retired to the Fredericksburg area to pursue his interests in history, natural history, and land conservation.
In the ensuing years, he has been involved with multiple non-profit organizations including serving on the Board of Directors of the Gillespie County Historical Society and serving as State President of the Native Plant Society of Texas where he received Benny Simpson Fellows Award for service to the society. He currently serves as President of the Friends of the Fredericksburg Nature Center.
He has authored numerous articles on natural history subjects and has been a frequent presenter. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and he's working on a new presentation he calls "Landscaping for Biodiversity - Native Plants, Healthy Habitats, and How to Save Your Little Piece of the World".
New Braunfels, the location of our Fall 2024 Symposium, straddles both the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion and the Blackland Prairie ecoregion. Interstate 35 divides the city of New Braunfels; its path through the city closely parallels the boundary of these two ecoregions, with the Edwards Plateau on the west side and the Blackland Prairies region to the east. 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 four host chapters (New Braunfels, Lindheimer, Guadalupe, and the Hill Country chapters) are located in one or both of the ecoregions above. However, the eastern portion of Guadalupe County also falls within the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. Annual rainfall averages 35 to 45 inches, with higher averages to the east. A wide variety of hardwood trees are found, including several species of oaks, elms, and in the Bastrop area, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Grasses and forbs dominate in the open savannas, with most common grass being little bluestem. Ranching, agriculture, and fire suppression have allowed woody species to encroach on the once-open savannas.
Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason