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Native Plant Society of Texas

About

History of Society

The Native Plant Society of Texas was started in the Fall of 1980 by Carroll Abbott of Kerrville and sponsored by several members of the faculty of Texas Woman’s University

Orange bird in the top branches of a tree with yellow leaves. Set starkly against a blue sky.

Partners

The Native Plant Society of Texas is proud to be affiliated with many organizations who share and support our mission of research, conservation and utilization of native plants and native

Linda Knowles

Past Presidents

We are fortunate to have been served by many fine leaders as Society presidents.  2021-2023 – Linda Knowles2019-2021 – Kim Conrow2017-2019 – Cecil Carter2015-2017 – Linda Knowles2013-2015 – Bill Hopkins2011-2013

What is a native plant?

By Bill Ward Botanists say that Texas is home to over 7,000 species of vascular plants, including native, naturalized, non-native, crop and forage, and introduced perennial ornamental species. Nearly 5,000

Group of people stand outside, ready for a hike.

Who We Are

Our Mission The mission of the Native Plant Society of Texas is to promote conservation, research and utilization of native plants and plant habitats of Texas through education, outreach, and example.

Our Annual Awards

Benny J. Simpson Fellows

The honor of Fellow is conferred upon members in recognition of remarkable service to the Society in advancing our mission. This high honor is granted in belief that special recognition

Digital Media Awards Recipients

Visit these internet resources for award winning digital publications featuring Texas native plants! Table of Contents 2023: Haeley Giambalvo for her website “Native Backyards” which helps folks grow native plants

Memorial awards

Recognizing achievements in the field of native plants The Native Plant Society of Texas presents awards to recognize excellence in writing, acts of conservation and public service, and lifetime achievement

Presidential awards

Kate Hillhouse Chapter of the Year Award Awarded by the President to the chapter that has best exemplified the mission of the Society in the previous year. 1993, Trinity Forks

State Board Awards of Appreciation and Merit

Awards of Appreciation 1982, Dr. Kenneth Fry1983, Billie Thompson1986, Bettye Jane Dodds1986, Benny J. Simpson1987, Vernon Wesby1987, Jim Holmes1990, Patty Leslie1990, Andy Wasowski1995, Carol Hendrick2005, Mike McBride and Dar Richardson2021,

Governance

The Native Plant Society of Texas State Board meets quarterly. The State Board consists of one voting representative from each of the chapters plus officers who are elected by the membership. State Board meetings are open to all members.

State board meeting are held in February, May, August, and November each year. See the events calendar for specific upcoming State Board Meeting dates and times.

State Board officers serve two-year terms, which are staggered so that half the officers are elected each year. At the end of the president’s two-year term then the president-elect automatically succeeds. Duties of the elected officers are described in the Standing Rules linked below.

Governing Documents

Executive board members

President

Linda Knowles

President-Elect

Ricky Linex

Immediate Past President

Kim Conrow

VP Administration

Leigh Ann Smith

VP Chapter Liaison

Meghan Peoples

VP Communications

Jim Carras

VP Education

Amy Birdwell

VP Affiliations & Advocacy

Clarence Reed

VP Finance

Meade LeBlanc

Staff

Administrative Assistant

Renata Lucia

Membership Coordinator

Craig Coulter

Native Landscape Certification Program Coordinator

Linda Foss

Accountant

Sara Torres

Executive Director

Meg Inglis