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Native Plant Society of Texas

“Wildscape” Gardening: Creating an Urban Wildlife Habitat

Presentation Details

As urbanization expands, there is an associated decrease in natural resources available to birds, butterflies, and other native species. The generation of “heat islands” and the lost opportunity for citizens to enjoy an outdoor experience has worsened. The fundamental requirements to support birds, butterflies, native bees, and native animals are described according to the National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat guidelines. The critical need for native plants in the landscape is presented. The overall benefits to the homeowner and the living elements in the landscape represent the improvement of the ecology gained in a Certified Wildlife Habitat. A homeowner, farmer, or rancher can be enriched in experiences with nature while having a cost-effective, attractive property.

The lecture includes the ecological value of birds, butterflies, native bees, and native fauna.
The presenter shares his experiences in the certification process and the physical results of landscaping using native materials and no toxic chemical applications. Finally, the presenter describes his satisfaction while making a “discovery” in the yard or assisting birds during a severely cold winter storm. In all matters of fact and/or recommendation, the author relies upon well-recognized primary sources. The lecture concludes with a Q&A session.

Equipment Required:
Will Provide
Additional Requirements:
None
Ecoregions Covered:
Central Great Plains, Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, High Plains, Southern Texas Plains, Southwestern Tablelands, Texas Blackland Prairies, Western Gulf Coastal Plain

Presenter Information

Lennard Nadalo

Lennard A. Nadalo, MD has a long-standing interest in Ecology, as seen in the survival of millions of plants, animals, and insects during the ongoing climate change. He holds a […]

  • Lennard Nadalo

    Lennard A. Nadalo, MD has a long-standing interest in Ecology, as seen in the survival of millions of plants, animals, and insects during the ongoing climate change. He holds a BA in the Natural Sciences, Suma Cum Lada granted to him by North Park University, and an MD degree with Honors from Northwestern University Medical School. In each of his duty assignments in the military, he learned the history and ecology of the area where he served. Lennard was born in Chicago, Illinois, where he helped maintain a family, "Victory Garden." He created a backyard in a new home in San Antonio, TX, Eastern Maryland, Hawaii, and the Northwest USA. He has developed a Certified Wildlife Habitat in Parker, Texas, and is currently in Dallas, Texas.

    Dr. Nadalo is a Certified Dallas County Master Gardener (2020). He is also a current member of the Native Plant Society of Texas, Dallas Chapter. He belongs to the Speaker's Bureau of the Dallas County Master Gardeners and is a member and lecturer in the Allen Garden Club and a member of the Garden Club of Dallas.

About the Region

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