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Native Plant Society of Texas

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Dallas Chapter

NLCP – Native Landscape Certification Program

NPSOT’S Native Landscape Certification Program (NLCP) is available for individuals to have greater understanding in planning, implementing and maintaining native plant gardens and other spaces. Learn how to bring natural beauty and wildlife into your landscape while lowering water bills and maintenance. 

Four levels of classes are available. Each NPSOT chapter presents courses that are focused on the ecosystems of their region. 

Current class schedules can be found at https://npsot.org/our-work/class-schedule/.

Consider taking these courses to broaden your knowledge and confidence in growing and promoting native plant ecosystems.

Level 1, Introduction to Native Landscapes
Appreciate the benefits of including and preserving native plants in landscapes and building wildlife habitat.
Distinguish between sustainable and conventional development.
Identify your local Texas ecoregion, including soil type.

Level 2, Landscape Design with Native Plants
Learn to create landscape designs using native plants.
Recognize important considerations for creating a design.
Outline steps in the design process; practice creating a native landscape design.

Level 3, Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes
Recognize the differences between native and non-native landscapes.
Become familiar with how to install the different types of native plants into a landscape, including: plant choice, purchase, placement, spacing; soil choice; bed and soil preparation; planting seeds and plants; mulching.
Understand maintenance requirements and techniques. Create maintenance schedules for different types of native plants.

Level 4, Stewardship of Native Plant Communities
What land stewardship is and why it matters
Application of stewardship, from urban neighborhoods to large-scale natural areas.
Threats to natural habitats and resulting impacts
How to create an effective land stewardship plan, including:
Researching and assessing what you have,
Setting and prioritizing your goals,
Prioritizing and implementing appropriate land management practices, and
Monitoring and re-assesing the effectiveness of your land stewardship

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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