Master Naturalists to celebrate Native Plant Week Oct. 20-26
As Texans, most of us realize that we as a state continue to suffer the effects of an extended drought. Ironically, this provides us an excellent opportunity to more fully celebrate the 4th Texas Native Plant Week, Oct. 20-26, by recognizing and appreciating the native plants that flourish along our roadways, in our fields and in our home gardens because they are adapted to our state’s unique weather extremes.
Throughout Texas, various organizations have activities planned to educate and encourage the use of tough yet beneficial native species. Educational talks, garden tours and other opportunities are available to get outdoors to learn more about native plants. A place to start searching for resources about native plants is: http://txnativeplantweek. wordpress.com/about/ statewide-resources.
A Milam County organization, El Camino Real Texas Master Naturalists, will proudly share in a celebration that will promote native plants and dedicate a marker for the “Bring Back the Monarchs” community project at the Milano Junction Memorial Garden, 300 W. Avenue E in Milano, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23.
We will discuss area Native Plants, celebrate becoming a certified Monarch Waystation and will reveal our garden marker— we’d love to have you join us and see this stunning garden in action. You just might see those beautiful butterflies too.
Texas Native Plant Week began in 2009 as a partnership of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Native Plant Society of Texas, and others. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the National Wildlife Federation joined the partnership in 2010. Support of this celebration is not limited to members of these various organizations. Every Texan can promote the recognition, beauty, and use of native plants.
Native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, vines and grasses are adapted to the soils and conditions of Texas and also are better able to provide food and shelter to beneficial wildlife such as birds, bees, and butterflies. Native plants usually require less labor, chemicals and water to maintain and provide our state with its many distinctive regional landscape identities.
Let’s all celebrate Texas Native Plant Week by adding or encouraging beneficial native plants in our surroundings.