Operation NICE!™
Operation NICE!™ is a program intended to increase both supply and demand for Texas native plants. NICE!™ is a local program which has been adopted by a growing number of NPSOT chapters.
The Operation NICE!™ program:
- Creates lists of potential Plant of the Month (POM) plants (some chapters call it Plant of the Season).
- Identifies participating nurseries and assigns each a chapter representative.
- Identifies wholesale contacts for plant availability.
- Selects an individual POM each month.
- Writes and reviews POM care instruction sheets which are provided free with the plants.
- Publicizes the POM through newspaper articles, posters at the nurseries, and other means.
Plant availability is determined by contacting local wholesalers. This results in the selection of plants that are currently available in quantities in sufficient sizes and number to supply the participating nurseries. These quantities will vary depending on the type of plant – perennial vs. tree, for instance.
Operation NICE!™ originated with the Boerne Chapter of NPSOT. Members there saw a need to educate the public about which plants are native to their region. The hope was that people would then request these plants from their local nurseries. Demand for the plants would encourage nurseries and wholesalers to seek out and supply native plants.
To see all the plants selected by the Boerne NICE! Committee since the start of the program, visit the Boerne Chapter website. Remember that Texas is a large state with many varied climates so some of the plants on the list may not be the best choice in every area of the state.
Other NPSOT chapters have adapted the program to fit their own region. To learn more about Operation NICE! in your own area visit the website of the NPSOT chapter nearest you or contact the chapter representative.
