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Trinity Forks Chapter

History

A Brief History of the Trinity Forks Chapter

The year 1990 was the year of official recognition of Trinity Forks Chapter, although many members were very active in the North Texas area even before that. The formation of the new chapter was announced in the society’s newsletter, Native Plant Society of Texas News, Volume VIII/Number 3 of May/June 1990 by Doug Williams, NPSOT President: ‘We have more new chapters forming every month. The folks located in and around Denton have coalesced into the Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas.’ Two other chapters were announced at the same time, Permian Basin Chapter of Midland-Odessa and Trans-Pecos Chapter of Big Bend area and Fort Stockton. Williams ended his announcement with: ‘Congratulations are in order for these already active groups of native plant enthusiasts and also thanks for your support of the Native Plant Society of Texas.’

 See our Historian, Dr. Camelia Maier, provide an overview of the history of Native Plant Society of Texas chapter on our YouTube channel at Early History of Native Plant Society of Texas. .

Off to a Good Start

That first year, Trinity Forks:

  • ·       Began publishing its newsletter
  • ·       Hosted numerous field trips
  • ·       Hosted numerous programs
  • ·       Provided educational booths and speakers for local events
  • ·       Held our very first plant sale

Through all these various activities, the chapter was well on its way educating the local communities in
understanding, appreciating, and using their regional flora. From the very beginning, Trinity Forks have pursued their mission with enthusiasm and dedication. Their commitment to the mission of NPSOT was commendable from the very first year of existence and we, current members, are forever grateful for their work and follow their example.

Trinity Forks provides resources for getting more plants in the ground:

Trinity Forks has hosted Texas native plant sales almost every year since its founding. Some years there was both a
spring and a fall sale. Sales have been held in conjunction with the Upper Trinity Regional Water District,  Keep
Denton Beautiful and the City of Denton’s Redbud Days, and since 2013 with Keep Flower Mound Beautiful’s Spring Trash Bash and Environmental Fair.

Plant sales are one of our best educational outreach opportunities as we handle many species not generally
available at nurseries, and our members have made wonderful information sheets for each one. These are available for buyers to read before buying or to take with them. We generally sell around 1500 plants in the three-hour sale and now have a solid following waiting anxiously for the opening bell each year.

Additionally, we have been implementors of the NICE (Natives Improve and Conserve the Environment) Native Plant Partners program supporting local nurseries who carry native plants.

 

Trinity Forks supports local projects and gardens:

  • 1995 – Restoration of native prairied north-east of North Lakes Park, Denton
  • 1998 – Benny J. Simpson Memorial Garden, Texas Woman’s University Campus, Denton
  • 2018 – Planting a Native Landscape at the entrance to the Marshall Ridge subdivision, Keller
  • 2020 – Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden, Phase 1
  • 2022 – Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden, Phase 2
  • 2023 – Rewilding of a public space, Fire Station #511, Argyle
  • 2023 – Bluebonnet planting at Bluebonnet Elementary School, Flower Mound
  • 2023 – Expansion of Monarch Waystation at Town Hall, Flower Mound
  • 2023 – Prairie restoration at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center, Denton
  • Ongoing – Provide funds for Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas grants

 

Trinity Forks supports our state organization:

  • hosted 3 state annual meetings & symposiums,
  • numerous members have served as state officers & executive board members,
  • won state awards 

Trinity Forks teaches:

  • Wildflower Art Contest and Exhibition
  • Native Landscape Certification Program

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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