Native Landscape Certification Program

Fall 2026 Schedule

Registration will begin on August 3rd.  

Classes are offered in the Spring and Fall by chapters around the state. They are consistent across the state but customized for characteristics and plants of the region in which they are taught.  Most classes are in person and take place on 1 day. 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.

See the bullet points below the schedule table for more information

DateRegion/ChapterClass
9/12BoerneLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes
9/19AustinLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes
9/19Canyon Lake/LindheimerLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
9/19HoustonLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
9/19San AntonioNative landscapes for Birds
10/10Lewisville/Trinity ForksLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
10/10Burnet/Highland LakesLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes
10/17BoerneLevel 4 – Stewardship of Native Plant Communities
10/17TylerLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes
10/24San AntonioLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes
10/24AustinLevel 4 – Stewardship of Native Plant Communities
10/31Giddings/BastropLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
10/31Comal County/LindheimerLevel 3 – Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes
11/7Houston/Clear lakeLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes - In person
11/7Houston/Clear lakeLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes - Zoom
TBDDallasLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
TBDTarrant County/North CentralLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
TBDMore to come
  • Classes are posted by February 1st (spring/summer) and August 1st (fall/winter) when registration OPENS on those dates or the next weekday.
  • There will not be a registration button until registration OPENS. Until then, it will say, Registration is Closed. This does not mean the class is full.
  • 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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DateRegion/ChapterClass
9/12BoerneLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes
9/19AustinLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes
9/19Canyon Lake/LindheimerLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
9/19HoustonLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
9/19San AntonioNative landscapes for Birds
10/10Lewisville/Trinity ForksLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
10/10Burnet/Highland LakesLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes
10/17BoerneLevel 4 – Stewardship of Native Plant Communities
10/17TylerLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes
10/24San AntonioLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes
10/24AustinLevel 4 – Stewardship of Native Plant Communities
10/31Giddings/BastropLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
10/31Comal County/LindheimerLevel 3 – Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes
11/7Houston/Clear lakeLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes - In person
11/7Houston/Clear lakeLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes - Zoom
TBDDallasLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
TBDTarrant County/North CentralLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
TBDMore to come
DateRegion/ChapterClass
9/12BoerneLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes
9/19AustinLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes
9/19Canyon Lake/LindheimerLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
9/19HoustonLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
9/19San AntonioNative landscapes for Birds
10/10Lewisville/Trinity ForksLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
10/10Burnet/Highland LakesLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes
10/17BoerneLevel 4 – Stewardship of Native Plant Communities
10/17TylerLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes
10/24San AntonioLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes
10/24AustinLevel 4 – Stewardship of Native Plant Communities
10/31Giddings/BastropLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
10/31Comal County/LindheimerLevel 3 – Installation and Maintenance of Native Landscapes
11/7Houston/Clear lakeLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes - In person
11/7Houston/Clear lakeLevel 1 – Introduction to Native Landscapes - Zoom
TBDDallasLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
TBDTarrant County/North CentralLevel 2 – Landscape Design with Native Plants
TBDMore to come

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason