Texas' First Native Plant Week October 19-25
On June 16, 2009 Governor Perry signed a bill into law that recognizes the third week in October as Texas Native Plant Week. The bill is intended to emphasize the role of native plants in conservation efforts and to be used as incentive for the Texas education system to teach school children about the importance of native plants. The Native Plant Society of Texas teamed with State Representative Donna Howard to present the bill to the State Legislature. The bill passed unanimously in both houses.
To mark this inaugural Texas Native Plant Week the City of Austin, in partnership with State Representative Donna Howard’s Office, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center of the University of Texas at Austin, and the Native Plant Society of Texas, are encouraging the public to learn more about our amazing Texas native plants.
During Texas Native Plant Week each day of the week (October 19-23) will feature plants that are native to Central Texas along with a public certified wildlife habitat site.
Sharing this information will hopefully inspire people to choose native plants for their gardens during this fall planting season.
Map of Events
View Native Plants Week, Austin, Texas in a larger map
Visiting the demonstration certified wildlife habitats will give people the opportunity to see examples of native plants displayed in gardens that are specially designed for butterflies, songbirds, and hummingbirds. All gardens are free admission, except the Wildflower Center butterfly and other gardens featured on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., where regular admission prices will apply. To see Wildflower Center admission prices, go to: http://wildflower.org/visit/.
Below is a day-by-day look at the native plants and certified wildlife habitat sites being featured to celebrate Texas Native Plant Week. There are also two events planned to kick off this exciting new awareness week.
Oct. 19 – Kickoff for Texas Native Plant Week at Austin Parks and Recreation Main Office
Oct. 20 – Certified Wildlife Habitat Spot is Austin City Hall
Oct. 21 – Certified Wildlife Habitat Spot is Zilker Botanical Garden
Oct. 22 – Certified Wildlife Habitat Spot is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center of the University of Texas at Austin
Oct. 23 – Certified Wildlife Habitat Spot is The National Wildlife Federation South Central Resource Center
Other Events
Please go to website for other related events happening in October.
Native Plant Resources
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center of the University of Texas at Austin
Links for Teachers and Kids
Why Native Plants?
Native plants are a good choice for Central Texas because they are acclimated to our local climate conditions and soils, provide habitat for wildlife, typically require less water and maintenance once established, and do not rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to thrive. These homegrown plants also give us a sense of place and help maintain the region’s biodiversity of flora and fauna.
Native plants are frequently recommended by the City of Austin through various conservation and educational programs including the Parks and Recreation Department’s Wildlife Austin and Nature Preserve programs, Watershed Protection’s Grow Green program, and Austin Water Utility’s Water Conservation and Wildlands programs. The city encourages native plants because of all the wonderful benefits and beauty they provide.
|
|
