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Native Plant Society of Texas

Clear Lake Chapter

Six Projects Awarded a Native Pollinator Habitat Grant

Galveston County Master Gardeners Pollinator Habitat in the Discovery Garden at Carbide Park. Photo by Vicki Blythe.

We are thrilled to announce the six grant winners for our chapter’s Native Pollinator Habitat Grant Program. Each of these projects demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering native pollinator habitats and furthering the cause of environmental conservation in our community.

Here are the recipients:

JP Cornelius Elementary PTO (Houston ISD): This initiative promises to create a thriving native pollinator garden at JP Cornelius Elementary, enriching the learning environment for students while supporting local wildlife.

Environmental Institute of Houston (UHCL): The Environmental Institute of Houston’s project aims to restore vital prairie/savanna ecosystems, providing a valuable educational resource and habitat for pollinators.

Galveston County Master Gardeners (Carbide Park): The project led by the Galveston County Master Gardeners at Carbide Park is centered on enhancing a pollinator habitat within the Discovery Garden. This initiative will not only provide essential support to local pollinators but also offer valuable learning opportunities for visitors.

Friendswood Jr High (Friendswood ISD): Friendswood Jr High’s project will create an engaging and educational native pollinator garden, fostering a connection between students and the environment.

Ward Elementary (Clear Creek ISD): Ward Elementary’s grant will support the development of a native pollinator habitat, providing a hands-on learning experience for students and benefitting local pollinators.

UHCL Green Thumb League (student organization): The UHCL Green Thumb League will be instrumental in creating a vibrant native pollinator garden, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship among students.

Our Education Committee is proud to support these incredible projects that contribute to the conservation of our local ecosystems and the education of future generations. For more information about the Education Committee and the Native Pollinator Habitat Grant Program, please visit our web page.

Congratulations to the grant winners and thank you for your dedication to pollinator habitat conservation! Together, we are making a positive impact on our environment and community.

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About the Region

New Braunfels, the location of our Fall 2024 Symposium, straddles both the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion and the Blackland Prairie ecoregion. Interstate 35 divides the city of New Braunfels; its path through the city closely parallels the boundary of these two ecoregions, with the Edwards Plateau on the west side and the Blackland Prairies region to the east. 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