Native Plant Society of Texas facts for kids

The Texas bluebonnet is a native plant and the state flower of Texas.

The Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) is a group in Texas that works to protect and learn about the state's natural plants and the places they grow. They do this by teaching people, reaching out to communities, and setting a good example.

This organization has programs across the state and many local groups. More than 4,000 members and volunteers in 34 local chapters help with community projects. They also do plant studies, hold workshops, work on landscaping, and create special gardens to show how native plants look. Members include plant lovers, gardeners, scientists, and nature photographers.

The Native Plant Society of Texas gets its money from gifts, grants, and membership fees. Carroll Abbott from Kerrville, Texas, started the group in 1981. Some teachers from Texas Woman's University and other interested people helped him.

The Native Plant Society of Texas also publishes a magazine four times a year. It shares news about the group's activities. It also features stories and photos of Texas native plants and their natural homes.

Why Native Plants Matter

The Native Plant Society of Texas wants to teach everyone about Texas's amazing native plants. They hope to help people understand why these plants are so important.

Learning About Texas Plants

The society helps its members and the public learn more about native plants. They want everyone to know about the different kinds of plants that naturally grow in Texas.

Gardening with Native Plants

They encourage people to use native plants in their yards and gardens. Using plants that are already from Texas helps them grow better and needs less water.

Protecting Native Plants

The group works to protect native plants and their habitats. Sometimes, new buildings or roads can threaten these plants. The society tries to save them.

Growing Native Plants Safely

They also encourage people to grow native plants in a responsible way. This means making sure the plants are healthy and not harming the environment.

Understanding Plant Uses

The society helps people appreciate and understand how native plants have been used. This includes their uses in the past, present, and future.

Cool Programs and Projects

The Native Plant Society of Texas has several programs that help people learn and get involved. These programs make it easier to find and use native plants.

Native Plant Partners

The Native Plant Partners program helps local plant stores sell more native plants. The society works with these stores to make sure people can easily find native plants for their homes. Local chapters pick the best native plants for their area. They then tell people about them at nurseries with special displays.

Native Landscape Certification

The Native Landscape Certification Program teaches people how to use native plants in their yards. These classes are a full day long. They are offered in the spring and fall to both members and non-members. You can find these classes in many parts of Texas.

Bring Back the Monarchs

The Bring Back the Monarch to Texas Program helps save monarch butterflies. Monarchs need milkweed and other nectar plants as they fly through Texas. The society gives money to schools and communities to create special gardens for these butterflies. A program to collect milkweed seeds is also helping to grow more of these important plants. The organization has even built and takes care of Monarch Waystations at rest stops along Interstate 35 in Texas. They do this with the help of the Texas Department of Transportation.

Research and Scholarships

Each year, the organization gives money to college students. This money helps graduate students at Texas universities study native plants. They also give scholarships to undergraduate students.

Awards for Plant Lovers

There is an annual awards dinner that celebrates people who do great work with native Texas plants. They recognize books, research, and other activities in this field.

Local Chapter Fun

Local chapters of the Native Plant Society of Texas organize many events. These events are usually free and open to everyone. They help the society teach people and reach out to the community.

• Native plant sales happen in the spring and fall.
• General meetings are held every month or every other month.
• Lectures, talks, and workshops teach people new things.
• Field trips let people explore nature and see native plants up close.

Yearly Gatherings

Every fall, the society holds a big educational event called a symposium. It lasts several days and takes place in a different part of Texas each year. This event celebrates the unique plants of that region. The symposium includes an awards dinner, exhibits, talks, and field trips. The society also has a one-day symposium in the spring at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin.