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Native Plant Society of Texas

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Josephine Keeney, Converting Grass and Invasives to Texas Native Plants, North Central Chapter Meeting

March 7 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Frank and Josephine will take you through the removal of the the invasive species, methods of blocking their return and the finding, propagating and planting of Texas native plants.

After retiring from her Bridal Shop in 2005 Josephine saw an article in the newspaper about a local resident that was growing native plant in her yard. After meeting with this person she started jumping in to Texas native plants with both feet, including getting her yard certified as a Texas Wildscape and Wildlife Habitat.

In the early 2000s she joined four plant and conservation groups and that lead to heading up the propagation effort for the Molly Hollar Wildscape greenhouse in 2006. Four mornings a week you’ll find her “hands in the dirt” at one of the local area parks or natural areas. To take care of more Arlington parks she needed help so in 2019 she started the Arlington Pollinators Group with ten volunteers that rotate between five area parks.

This presentation focuses on how to preserve the native flora, make your yard beautiful and provide habitat for birds, bees and butterflies. This method conserves water, fossil fuel, labor and reverses air pollution. While this is not a true restoration project, it does incorporate 148 different species from all over our state of Texas, including some that are indigenous to our immediate area.

Josephine and Frank are active NPSOT members as well as being active in other organizations that focus on keeping things natural! This will be a practical learning experience for those of us who would like to incorporate more native plants in our yards, but are not sure how best to proceed.

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.

Advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link: Zoom Registration

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