Founded in 1980 at Texas Woman’s University, the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) began as a grassroots effort to preserve and promote Texas’ plant heritage, they celebrate 45 years of championing the state’s native flora. Conservationist Carroll Abbott and a group of educators originally recognized the urgent need to protect native species from habitat loss and the spread of invasive plants.

 

NPSOT has grown to more than 5,000 members and 35 chapters statewide, each dedicated to conservation, education and the promotion of native plants. The organization has played a vital role in launching initiatives such as the Native Landscape Certification program and the Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas program. They has also published an official magazine since 1983 documenting the progress of the native plant movement and providing valuable resources for Texas gardeners.

 

Native plants are uniquely suited to the North Texas climate, offering multiple benefits that include water conservation, requiring little to no irrigation once established; resilience,  withstanding extreme heat, sudden freezes and droughts; wildlife support, providing food and shelter for pollinators and birds; and low maintenance, thriving without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

 

NPSOT is hosting Texas Wildflower Day and featuring a presentation by ecologist Doug Tallamy. North Texans can also support native plant conservation by attending upcoming native plant sales in the region.

 

Trinity Forks Chapter – 10 a.m. to noon, April 12, Flower Mound High School back parking lot, 3411 Peters Colony, Flower Mound; Dallas Chapter – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 3, Bath House Cultural Center, White Rock Lake, Dallas; North Central Chapter – 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., May 3, , Elm Grove Pavilion, River Legacy Park, Arlington; and Cross Timbers Chapter – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 3,  Heritage Park, First Monday Trade Days, Weatherford.

 

To find a local chapter or learn more, visit npsot.org.