AgriLIFE Extension -Denton County

                                                                                                                                              306 N. Loop 288, Suite 222

                                                                                                                                               Denton, Texas 76209-4887

February 22, 2008

RESTORE NATIVE PLANTS AND WILDLIFE TOO

 Contact:  John N. Cooper, County Extension Agent-Horticulture, 940.349.2883

  e-mail: jn-cooper@tamu.edu

          North Texas has enjoyed one of the most vibrant economies of any region in the world.  As the economy has grown, urbanization has increased with radical modifications in the vegetation of our natural world.  The future quality of our natural living environment will be determined in large measure by the plants landowners chose to use in their landscapes today.

          While we have lost much, if not most of our native vegetation through land development, three major developments have occurred over the past 25 years which will help us restore it.  First, Lady Bird Johnson promoted roadside beautification using native Texas wildflowers, making them wildly popular, and eventually producing a thriving native wildflower seed industry in Texas.  Second, the USDA Conservation Reserve Program stimulated growth of the native grass seed industry by funding the planting of native grass species across millions of acres of highly-erodible farm land across America.  Finally, the population explosion we have experienced has spawned a multi-billion dollar Texas nursery industry which now offers a wide selection of native trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers to satisfy a growing consumer demand for sustainable, environmentally-friendly landscapes.

          Lots of one acre or more in rural areas make good candidates for the restoration of native vegetation.  Following land development and urbanization, all the open ground is planted with some type of vegetation.  It may as well be composed of native plants since eventually we will not have enough water to keep many non-natives alive on over-sized lots.

          You will probably want to exercise strong control through a traditional structured landscape immediately surrounding the home which may include well-adapted, non-native species but then gradually ease control as you recede from the structure, culminating in entirely native plants which require little or no care along your property boundaries.  By re-introducing native plants into your landscape you will be helping to restore wildlife habitat and fostering native animals species to live on your property as well.

          Common native grasses for prairie restoration in North Texas include, big bluestem, little bluestem, Eastern gamagrass, green sprangletop, Indiangrass, sideoats grama, plains bristlegrass, switchgrass and buffalograss.  Common native prairie forbs include, Indian blanket, eryngo, Maximillian sunflower, blackfoot daisy, Engelmann daisy, goldenrod, coreopsis, horsemint, blackeyed Susan, Mexican hat, purple coneflower, clasping coneflower, yarrow, gayfeather, prairie verbena, partridge pea and snow-on-the-prairie.

          These native grasses and forbs can be seeded in March.  Many can be found as started plants making them as easy as petunias.  Spring is also a good time for planting native woody trees, shrubs, vines, and groundcovers.  For a list of suggested native plants call the Denton County office of Texas Cooperative Extension at 940-349-2883 and request, “Native Plants to Use for Enhancing Wildlife Habitat”.

          If you need technical assistance, we have trained Texas Master Naturalists certified by Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department who can provide recommendations to help guide you in the development of a wildlife management plan to enhance wildlife abundance and diversity on your property.  If you have a property tax valuation for wildlife and would like assistance in updating your wildlife management plan, have an agricultural property you would like to convert to wildlife habitat, or you just have a few acres you want to improve for your own enjoyment, contact our office at 940-349-2883 for more information about this land stewardship advisory program.

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The information given herein is for educational purposes only.  Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by AgriLife Extension is implied.