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The Native Plant Society of Texas on Saturday committed itself to developing a state-wide education program, with a series of classes focussed on landscaping with native plants geared toward the public and professionals.
“We’re witnessing a sea change in landscape design due to the pressures of population increase and water scarcity,” said State Board President Bill Hopkins.
“The public recognizes the wisdom of landscaping with plants that are already perfectly adapted to local conditions. Our intention is to provide classes both for the homeowner and for landscaping professionals who want to learn how to incorporate native plants into built environments.”
Previously, separate but related classroom programs have been operated by the Dallas Chapter and by the San Antonio Chapter, both of which have been very popular. The State Board appointed a new committee to incorporate the local programs, steer development of the project and ensure consistent classes around the state.
Dallas landscape architect Carol Feldman, who was appointed chair of the committee, said they expected to develop new classes for East Texas and the Hill Country. Classes in new regions will be rolled out slowly because the committee wants to adapt each class to the local ecoregion where it is offered.
The project will be partially underwritten by a generous grant from the Faye and William L. Cowden Charitable Foundation with additional financing provided from registration fees. Other grants are being sought.
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**ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: julieallen
