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Native Plant Society of Texas

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Taylor Garrison, The Inner Workings of Vegetative Diversity: Monocots, Dicots & Beyond, North Central Chapter Meeting

August 1 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

It has long been known that healthy ecosystems thrive from and by diversity. The needs of wildlife include food, water, and shelter. Plants provide all three. But to take it further, there are specifics in the relationships between which types of plants, what other living things rely on or interact with plants, and the arrangement of plants that can affect the ecological health of an area. The fun part? The “area” can be your ¼ acre pocket prairie or a 10,000-acre ranch or preserve. The tools are all the same in interpreting and managing a prairie regardless of size. The recipe though can be different. This presentation will broadly cover what prairies area, what they need to function, the importance of monocots (aka grasses and such), forb diversity and their importance, woody species (the good, bad, and ugly), and lastly genetics of prairie plant species and we can help.

Bio: Taylor Garrison is a private lands biologist with TPWD covering Dallas, Ellis, Kaufman, Navarro and Freestone Counties. Originally form Corpus Christi, Texas, Taylor obtained his BS in Range & Wildlife Management from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and his MS in Range & Wildlife Management from Sul Ross State University-Alpine. This background and time spent on family & friend ranches near Utopia and Luling, brought on a deep interest in the wildlife, plants, ranching, and most aspects of outdoor recreation. His primarily role with TPWD is to work with private landowners to help better their land for wildlife. Taylor has leadership roles in prescribed fire, landowner outreach, native grassland restoration, plant ID, and is the current vice-chair of the Northeast Texas Conservation Delivery Network, an organization meant to coordinate conservation efforts amongst professionals and guide cost-share assistance for landowners in the Eastern 1/3rd of Texas. 

Fort Worth Botanic Garden in the Rose Room

3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76107

6:15 pm Socializing & snacks 
6:30 pm Business meeting and announcements
The presentation will follow our business meeting.

This meeting is hybrid; in person with a virtual Zoom option.

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://npsot-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkcemoqDovH9Qb5PdbLPQN_ipqLjhCzESG

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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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