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Native Plant Society of Texas

Congratulations to our 2024 Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients

Craig Dalton

Caitlyn Lankford
Bobbi Brosamle-Norton
Jada Martinez
Emma Wleczyk

The Native Plant Society of Texas State Board Education Committee is excited to announce our 2024 Undergraduate Scholarship Recipients. The committee is currently comprised of four Society members from across the state and is led by the VP of Education (NPSOT Executive Board), Amy Birdwell. Scholarship applications open in January each year and awards are decided based on academic achievement, community involvement and focus on studies adjacent to the NPSOT mission. If you would like to learn more or if you would like to serve on this committee, please reach out to scholarships@npsot.org.

Dr. Alfred Richardson Scholarship

Marilyn and Harry Kirk established this tuition scholarship in 2021 to honor their uncle, a distinguished botany professor. The scholarship amount is $5000 per semester and renewable up to three additional semesters. Successful applicants keep a high GPA and have plans to pursue an academic or research career devoted to the study, conservation and utilization of Texas native plants.

2024 Recipients

    • Caitlyn Lankford is a Concordia University student majoring in Biology, Environmental Science & Conservation. She will pursue a career in environmental conservation and intends to specialize in the identification, ecology, and taxonomy of native plants here central Texas.

      • Bobbi Brosamle-Norton is a Texas Tech University student majoring in Zoology with a Specialization in Ecology. Bobbi believes it is imperative to promote the conservation of native plants and enjoys learning about the soil, environment, plant and animals specific to each Texas ecoregion.

        • Jada Martinez is a University of North Texas student majoring in Ecology for Environmental Sciences with a Specialty in Plant Identification. Jada’s future goals include, engaging in ecology to improve native landscapes, which includes planting native plants and removing invasive flora and fauna that will take over the landscape. She has multiple years of experience in ecological reconstruction, including the tallgrass prairie site at the Diamond Eagles Community Learning Area (DECLA).

        Kate Hillhouse Scholarship 

        NPSOT established this scholarship in 2008 to honor a former president of the Society who was also an educator. Proceeds from our Fall Symposium Silent Auction and additional donations from chapters and members fund this scholarship, which is a one-time $2500 award for an undergraduate who plans to pursue a career related to Texas native plants and/or to the conservation and restoration of native plant habitats in Texas.

        2024 Recipient

          • Emma Wleczyk is a Texas State University student majoring in Agriculture Sciences with a Concentration in Horticulture. As a Texas State Horticulture Club member she promotes the use of Texas native plants in urban landscaping installations.

          To learn more about our scholarships, including how to apply, please see our Scholarships page.

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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