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Native Plant Society of Texas

San Antonio Chapter

A Fragile Green Thread. And a Trailblazing Way to Protect it.

Great Springs Project

June 2024 Presentation by Marjesca Brown
A Fragile Green Thread. And a Trailblazing Way to Protect it.

Texas is losing open space at the alarming rate of 20 football fields per hour. Wells and springs are running dry, treetops turn to rooftops in the blink of an eye, and nature seems farther and farther away. Great Springs Project is addressing these challenges posed by rapid urban development by creating a national park-sized corridor of protected lands between San Antonio and Austin. This presentation will provide an overview and history of the Great Springs Project with a focus on the strategies and benefits of land conservation as it relates to the unique ecosystems and flora of central Texas.

Marjesca Brown is the Real Estate Associate at the Great Springs Project where her work focuses on landowner outreach and supporting real estate transactions for conservation. With a Wildlife Ecology and Conservation degree from the University of Florida, she brings over 8 years of experience in conservation, previously working with the Avian Research and Conservation Institute. Marjesca transitioned to real estate in 2017, gaining expertise in residential and commercial sales, leasing, and property management. She is a licensed Texas REALTOR® and serves as President of the Friends of McAllister Park, advocating for the protection and preservation of the natural features and beauty of San Antonio’s second largest municipal park.

View Recording of Lecture

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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