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Native Plant Society of Texas

Enter One of Our Contests by July 31

Bill Hopkins

From  human prehistory to the present, people have told stories to explain who they are and what is important to them.  These stories have been told in many  forms, from cave art and campfire songs to Hollywood movies, Instagram, and TikTok.

We use some of those story forms to tell what the Native Plant Society of Texas is about.  Many years ago we began having contests in a few of the forms to recognize those members who tell the story best.

This year we offer contests in photography, videos and newsletters.  The contests are open to all members.  You have until July 31 to enter.  Entry forms and complete rules are available by logging into the membership portal.

The photography contest is the most popular contest by far. It’s really 12 contests in one, since we recognize the best photo from each of the 12 ecoregions of Texas.  So even though there are a lot of entries there are a lot of winners too.

For the past eight years we’ve  also been offering a video contest. We are talking about videos that are from 45 seconds in length up to a maximum of 5 minutes, similar to what you might post on Facebook or Instagram.  Last year our winner created his entry in one shot using his phone.  Short videos have become very popular on social media. Your choice of vertical or portrait orientation. Give it a try!

Our third contest will recognize the best chapter newsletter.

You must enter by July 31. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and announced during the fall symposium in New Braunfels.  You do not have to be present to win.

Questions? Contact bill.hopkins@npsot.org.

 

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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