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Native Plant Society of Texas

I-35 Monarch Waystations

In 2016, through a major joint working arrangement between the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Native Plant Society of Texas, the support and creation of four Monarch Pollinator Gardens located at four Safety Rest Areas along busy I-35, were created. This effort was caused by the national recognition that both pollinator and bird species have had a drastic decline since the 1970’s and in particular, the number of the uniquely migrating Monarch Butterflies were in especially precipitous decline.

The Monarchs are amazingly unique. They will spend their winters in Mexico then beginning in April will take flight and begin their long spring migration to the northern United States and Canada. In fall, they will return to Mexico and begin the great cycle all over again.

Their migratory path, both in spring and fall, funnel through Texas and more specifically often through the central Texas corridor along busy I-35.

In the spring, Monarch Butterflies are in dire need of milkweed plants on which they lay their eggs. In the fall they need nectar plants on which they fuel themselves for the long journey to their winter homes.

Through the hard work and dedication of countless volunteers over the last 8 years, these wonderful migration gardens have provided the necessary milkweed and nectar plants in attractive migration gardens that are helping to keep the monarch population alive.

During their monthly work sessions, volunteers regularly hold Bring Back the Monarch educational sessions which explain the value and role of native Texas plants to visitors of the Safety Rest Areas.

Wonderfully designed NPSOT created coloring books and crayons are given out to the kids who, as they travel with their families north and south along busy I-35, The Monarch Way, understand that they also share the highway and their travels, not just with their families, but with the wonderful Monarch Butterfly!

This NPSOT project provides a wonderful opportunity for those folks who like to get their hands in the dirt as well as those who like to gab about the benefits of using Texas Native Plants. These gardens are interesting and busy with a constant stream of visitors who appreciate our efforts and provide many opportunities to interact, to educate and to make a difference.

Please considering Volunteering for this opportunity to apply your interest, skills and knowledge, in a meaningful way.

Contact Tom Olsen at tom.olsen@npsot.org for more information.

Hill County Southbound Safety Rest Area

Rest area off southbound Interstate 35 near Hillsboro with demonstration wildflower garden and monarch waystation

Hill County Northbound Safety Rest Area

Rest area off northbound Interstate 35 near Hillsboro with demonstration wildflower garden and monarch waystation

Bell County Southbound Safety Rest Area

Rest area off southbound Interstate 35 near Salado with demonstration wildflower garden and monarch waystation

Bell County Northbound Safety Rest Area

Rest area off northbound Interstate 35 near Salado with demonstration wildflower garden and monarch waystation

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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