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Native Plant Society of Texas

Fredericksburg Chapter

Year-Round Discovery for Citizen Scientists (and landowners) – “iNaturalist”, our sleuth for native plants

Do you know what the plants, animals and insects are in your yard? The answer is as close as your cell phone when you become a citizen scientist using the iNaturalist app to identify them.

“There are so many plants, animals and insects in our Gillespie County region that newcomers and long-time residents may not be able to identify them,” said Jonathan Watt, president of NPSOT-Fredericksburg. “Peter’s talk is going to help everyone learn how to easily identify our flora and fauna, while contributing to the understanding of our region’s biodiversity.”

Peter Joseph Hernandez, a seasoned iNaturalist user for the past ten years, will speak at the April 22 meeting of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT), Fredericksburg chapter. His talk focuses on how to use the iNaturalist app to document plants, animals and insects, while gaining a deeper awareness of the ecology and expanding the biodiversity around us. He adds challenges beyond our own gardens: participating in the Global City Nature Challenge 2025; initiatives like BioBlitz; adding long-term contributions to local environmental efforts.

“Since retiring from the telecommunications industry in 2015, I have devoted myself to understanding nature and advocating for native biodiversity,” said Hernandez, a Global City Nature Challenge Coordinator representing the Greater San Antonio Area. “I’m looking forward to explaining how iNaturalist can be used in your own backyard, along with upcoming events that everyone can participate in even if you’ve never used the app before.”

Hernandez is an avid user of iNaturalist and an active member of NPSOT-San Antonio, serving on the Native Landscape Certification Program Committee. He has co-coordinated the City Nature Challenge for the San Antonio Metro Area since 2020, which includes Gillespie County and 11 other counties. In 2024, the Global Bioblitz saw participation from 690 cities across 51 countries. Through teamwork and strong leadership, the Greater San Antonio Area ranked 1st nationally and 3rd globally in flora and fauna observations.

Hernandez is also a member of the Alamo Area Master Naturalists and the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners, specializing in Earth-Kind practices, composting, and vermicomposting techniques and presentations. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering.

This will be a great program for all ages interested in learning how to use iNaturalist. Our monthly presentations are free to the public and begin at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Halle (212 W. San Antonio St., Fredericksburg). Doors open at 6:30 for social time.

The public is invited to attend in person or via online streaming (https://www.youtube.com/@fredericksburgtexasnativeg4884). More information is online at Facebook (@fbgtxnpsot),and Instagram (@npsot_fredericksburg_chapter).

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 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