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Native Plant Society of Texas

Fredericksburg Chapter

Arlon Motsch – January speaker – Transforms Lawn into Native Plant Haven and Photography Studio

Driven by a commitment to water conservation and wildlife support, Arlon Motsch replaced his traditional grass lawn with a variety of Texas native plants. He will share how he overcame the challenges of plant selection and community skepticism while enhancing his home’s aesthetics and sparking a passion for insect photography.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the things that worked and those that didn’t while converting our lawn into a pollinator paradise,” said Motsch. “I’m also going to share a lot of close-up insect photos and discuss the potential for homeowners to create sustainable landscapes that benefit both the environment and their personal hobbies.”

Motsch has lived near Center Point for seven years and moved there from Midland, TX. He is an avid
amateur photographer who has embraced the world of digital photography on many levels. He is well versed in many types of photography, but has a strong personal interest in macro, close-up, wildlife and nature. He is retired and enjoys the outdoors, is an avid hiker, and enjoys kayaking, van camping and road tripping with camera in hand. He has been known to leave water behind on hikes to carry more camera gear, make U-turns on interstates to take a picture, drive many miles down dirt roads to take a picture, lay in mud, ants, and briars to take a picture, and landscape his yard for bug pictures.

“The vibrant ecosystem Arlon cultivated has provided the perfect setting for capturing detailed images of pollinators and other insects,” said Jonathan Watt, new Board President of the Fredericksburg chapter of NPSOT. “His photography, which now serves as both a creative endeavor and an educational tool, highlights the ecological value of native plants.”

NPSOT Fredericksburg holds its monthly meetings on the 4th Tuesday of the month at St. Joseph’s
Halle (212 W. San Antonio St., Fredericksburg). There is a social time with snacks at 6:30 p.m. The meeting and presentation starts at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend in person or via online streaming. More information is online at Facebook, and Instagram.
Meetings are free and open to the public.

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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