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Native Plant Society of Texas

NLCP

Native Landscape Certification Program

Spring 2026 Schedule

Classes are consistent across the state but focus on the characteristics and plants of the region in which they are taught. They are offered in the Spring and Fall by chapters around the state. Most classes are in person. Some are offered 100% via zoom. Hybrid classes involve Zoom presentations and in person plant walks, often on the next day.  Both are required to complete the class.

Registration for Spring classes will open February 1st at 8 am.  Until then, class pages will say Registration is Closed.  See the bullet points below the schedule table for more information. 

DateRegion/ChapterClick to Register
Jan 10Dallas & North CentralLevel 4 - Stewardship of Native Plant Communities
Feb 4Mercedes/Rio Grande ValleyLevel 1 - Introduction to Native Landscapes
Feb 11Mercedes/Rio Grande ValleyLevel 1 - Introduction to Native Landscapes
Feb 18Mercedes/Rio Grande ValleyLevel 3 - Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes
Feb 21S. Padre Island/Rio Grande ValleyNative Landscapes for Birds
Feb 21 & 22S. Padre Island/Rio Grande ValleyNative Landscapes for Birds - Hybrid
2/25Mercedes/Rio Grande ValleyLevel 3 - Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes
Mar 7AustinLevel 1 - Introduction to Native Landscapes
Mar 7S. Padre Island/Rio Grande ValleyLevel 1 - Introduction to Native Landscapes
Mar 7 & 8 S. Padre Island/Rio Grande ValleyLevel 1 - Introduction to Native Landscapes - Hybrid
Mar 14HoustonNative Landscapes for Birds
Mar 21Harlingen/RGVLevel 2 - Landscape Design with Native Plants
Mar 21Giddings/BastropLevel 1 - Introduction to Native Landscapes
Mar 28New BraunfelsLevel 1 - Introduction to Native Landscapes
Mar 28S. Padre Island/Rio Grande ValleyLevel 3 - Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes
Mar 28 & 29 S. Padre Island/Rio Grande ValleyLevel 3 - Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes - Hybrid
Apr 4San AntonioLevel 4 - Stewardship of Native Plant Communities
Apr 4Lewisville/Trinity ForksLevel 1 - Introduction to Native Landscapes
Apr 11BoerneLevel 1 - Introduction to Native Landscapes
Apr 18Houston Area/Pines & PrairiesLevel 4 - Stewardship of Native Plant Communities
Apr 18Harlingen/RGVLevel 2 - Landscape Design with Native Plants
Apr 25KerrvilleNative Landscapes for Birds
Apr 25Canyon Lake/LindheimerLevel 1 - Introduction to Native Landscapes
Apr 25FredericksburgLevel 2 Landscape Design with Native Plants
Apr 25Seguin/GuadalupeNative Landscapes for Birds
Apr 25DallasLevel 1 - Introduction to Native Landscapes - Hybrid
Apr 25Tarrant Co/North CentralLevel 1 - Introduction to Native Landscapes - Hybrid
May 2Giddings/BastropLevel 2 - Landscape Design with Native Plants
May 2GalvestonNative Landscapes for Birds
May 2Clear LakeLevel 1 - Introduction to Native Landscapes
May 2Clear LakeLevel 1 - Introduction to Native Landscapes - Zoom
May 2S. Padre Island/Rio Grande ValleyNative Landscapes for Birds
May 2 & 3S. Padre Island/Rio Grande ValleyNative Landscapes for Birds - Hybrid
May TBDClear Lake/HoustonLevel 4 - Stewardship of Native Plant Communities
May 13AustinLevel 2 - Landscape Design with Native Plants
May 16S. Padre Island/Rio Grande ValleyLevel 4 - Stewardship of Native Plant Communities - In person
May 16 & 17 S. Padre Island/Rio Grande ValleyLevel 4 - Stewardship of Native Plant Communities - Hybrid
May 30San AntonioLevel 2 - Landscape Design with Native Plants
Jun 6Tyler/Lakes & PinesLevel 1 - Introduction to Native Landscapes
Jun 6 & 7DallasLevel 3 - Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes
Jun 6 & 7Tarrant Co/North CentralLevel 3 - Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes
  • Classes are posted by February 1st (spring/summer) and August 1st (fall/winter) when registration OPENS on those dates.
  • There will not be a registration button until registration OPENS. Until then, it will say, Registration is Closed.
  • Most classes are held in person in the spring & fall when the flowers are in bloom and the temperatures are tolerable.
  • All on-line classes are via Zoom unless noted. Please install the Zoom app and make sure you know how to use it before the appointed meeting time. Hybrid classes involve an online presentation and in-person plant walks and exercises depending on the class.  
  • Some in person classes are also available to attend via zoom.  You must register for the correct version of the class you wish to attend.  
  • Classes are live on the scheduled date. Recordings are not available on-demand.
  • Location refers to the approximate area for which the class has been customized. Plants discussed and other details may not be suitable for other areas.
  • Check Class Description page for explanation of levels.
  • Level 1 must be taken prior to 2 and 3 levels. Level 1 not required for Level 4. Levels 2, 3, 4 may be taken in any order.
  • Native Landscapes for Birds is a companion class that may be taken by anyone. Level 1 is not a pre-requisite.
  • Level 4 can be taken as a stand-alone class for those interested in conservation but not landscaping. While it is part of the Certification program, it can also be taken by anyone without having taken the Level 1 Prerequisite.
  • Level 1 registration fee is $45.
  • For all classes other than Level 1 the registration fee is $50 for Native Plant Society members or $65 for non-members. Become a member now.
  • For more information or to complete a mail-in registration, contact nlcp@npsot.org or (830) 218-7211.

 

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About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

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 fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason