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Native Plant Society of Texas

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Beyond Butterflies – Hybrid Clear Lake Chapter Meeting

Longhorn Bee on a Maximilian Sunflower

October 14 @ 6:15 pm – 8:30 pm

Please join us for our chapter meeting in person or online!

6:15 Doors Opens – UHCL Bayou Building, Room 2311
6:40 Zoom Opens
6:45 Business Meeting
6:55 Plant of the Month
7:00 Guest Speaker

Beyond Butterflies takes a deep dive into the world of native pollinators. Erin Mills will take us through each of the main groups of pollinators, discuss their biology and needs, and introduce us to some fascinating members of each group. We will end with some specific tips on how to foster healthy populations of these precious pollinators in the garden.

About the Speaker

Erin Mills has a Bachelor of Science in entomology from Texas A&M University and, as a Board Certified Entomologist, has dedicated most of her career to studying insect biology, behavior, and plant-insect interactions. After 15 years as an entomologist, curator, and finally director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center in the Houston Museum of Natural Science, she felt a calling toward education. Erin joined the Houston Botanic Garden education team. As Associate Director of Family Programs, she oversees youth and adult programming, leads outreach and conservation efforts, and speaks on many insect and plant-related topics. Erin is passionate about the vital role insects play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and encourages gardeners not only to tolerate them but to welcome and celebrate their presence.

In-person – Parking Pass Required

New YELLOW parking passes are needed. Parking & Transportation will be checking! Patty Steinke will be outside handing out passes. If you have a pass, don’t forget it – you will not get another one if you picked one up previously. If you need a pass, arrive early enough to pick one up and place it in your car. If you miss Patty outside, you can pick up a pass in the meeting room. DO NOT park in faculty/staff parking (enforced 24/7).

Map and Directions – The meeting will be held in Room 2311 in the Bayou Building.

University of Houston-Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Blvd.
Houston, TX 77058

Online – Zoom

Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

REGISTER HERE

This is a FREE EVENT. Meetings are open to members and non-members. If you would like to become a member, you may join online. For more information about the Native Plant Society of Texas and the benefits of membership please visit: npsot.org.

Hosted by the Environmental Institute of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Clear Lake Chapter

View Organizer Website

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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