join us
Become a member of the Tonkawa Chapter NPSOT. Membership is a great way to support our mission and get involved in our community of native plant lovers. We hold regular meetings 1st Monday of every month at Barrow Brewing 108 Royal Salado. Social begins at 5:30pm meeting starts at 6:00pm unless otherwise directed.
Protecting the Texas environment through education, outreach, and example
October 2nd Meeting Speaker
Our speaker for the Oct 2nd meeting is Jill douglass
Ms. Douglass's presentation will focuses on "Wells Branch Wild - A Community Wildlife Habitat"
Community Wildlife Habitats garden and landscape with wildlife in mind, promote the use of native trees and plants, work to reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides and chemicals, and integrate wildlife-friendly practices into sustainability plans and park master plans. Wells Branch is an urban municipal utility district in northeast Travis county. The neighborhood is working towards certification as a wildlife community under the umbrella of the National Wildlife Federation. The presentation will cover certification requirements and the challenges faced trying to meet the requirements as well as our accomplishments so far.
Jill Douglass
Software Development Manager in Austin
Geology, BS; Oceanography, PhD
Hobby gardener, backpacker, runner, kayaker, and knitter
Welcome McIntire's Garden Center to the Native Plant Society of Texas NICE Program.
https://www.mcintiresgarden.com/
The Tonkawa Chapter has partnered with McIntire's in the NICE program and there are plans for an educational event to be held at the nursery. The NICE Native Plant Partner program is a collaboration between the Native Plant Society of Texas and local nurseries around the state to offer native plants that are right for the local environment.
Heat, drought, population growth stress aquifers
Heat, drought, population growth stress aquifers that supply water to millions of Texans
Diminishing springs and aquifers due to heat, drought and high for demand water highlight the urgency for Central Texas conservation districts to prioritize climate-focused management, potentially involving reduced pumping for sustainability.
Almost every other day, Charlie Flatten gets a call about another local water well gone dry.
Last week, he tried to help one woman find a water truck to fill her home cistern. But all the hauling companies had suspended service amid a deepening shortage in Central Texas.
“She’s got to go find somewhere else to live,” said Flatten, general manager of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District in Dripping Springs. “This is extremely serious.”
jacob's well august 2023
jacob's well august 2023
jacob's well august 2023
David Baker, founder and director of the Wimberley Watershed Association, said he’s never seen the water level so low in Jacob’s Well, photographed on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023. Credit: Dylan Baddour/Inside Climate News
jacob's well July 2021
jacob's well august 2023
jacob's well august 2023
what can we do to help conserve water?
Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. They don't need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. Install water efficient irrigation devices, such as micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses. Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Hand water when possible.
General
- Take short showers instead of baths
- Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your indoor plants or garden.
- Make sure your home is leak-free. Take a reading of the water meter. Wait 30 minutes without using any water and then take a second reading. If the meter reading changes, you have a leak!
- Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year!
Bathroom
- Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
- Check for toilet leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If you have a leak, the color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes. Leaky toilets usually can be fixed inexpensively by replacing the flapper.
- Take shorter showers. Turn the water on to get wet; turn off to lather up; then turn the water back on to rinse.
- Replace your shower head with an ultra-low-flow version.
- Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.
- Don't let the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.
Kitchen
- Operate dishwashers only when they are full. Use the "light wash" feature. Most dishwashers can clean soiled dishes very well, so you don’t have to rinse before washing.
- When hand washing dishes, save water by filling two containers - one with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach.
- Don’t use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Don’t waste water waiting for it to get hot or cold. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering.
- Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water. Start a compost pile as an alternate way to dispose of food waste.
Laundry
- Operate clothes washers only when they are full or set the water level for the size of your load. Wear clothes longer and only wash once a week.
Long-term Indoor Water Conservation - Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
- Consider installing an instant hot water heater on your sink.
- If you are considering installing a new heat pump or air-conditioning system, the new air-to-air models are just as efficient as the water-to-air type and do not waste water.
- When purchasing a new appliance, choose one that is more energy and water efficient.
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips
General
- If you have a well at home, check your pump periodically. If the pump turns on and off while water is not being used, you have a leak.
Car Washing
- Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass so that you will be watering it at the same time. Your car does not need to be clean. Consider not washing your car at all for longer periods.
Lawn Care
- Don't over water your lawn. Lawns only need to be watered every five to seven days in the summer, and every 10 to 14 days in the winter.
- Follow local water companies’ guidelines and only water on odd/even days as directed.
Pool
- If you have a swimming pool, consider installing a new water-saving pool filter. A single back flush with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.
- Cover pools and spas when not in use to reduce evaporation of water.
Long Term Outdoor Conservation
- Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees. They don’t need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering.
- Install water efficient irrigation devices, such as micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses or hand water.
- Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.
In The Community
- Join your local Native Plant Society and learn how to plant Texas natives for a drought.
- Participate in public water conservation meetings conducted by your local government, utility or water management district. Support projects that lead to an increased use of reclaimed wastewater. Follow water conservation and water shortage rules in effect, which may limit hours or prohibit use of water for certain tasks. You’re included in the restrictions even if your water comes from a private well.
- Patronize businesses that practice water conservation, such as restaurants that only serve water upon request.
Get More Drought Preparedness and Conservation Information
Contact your local water authority or utility district, or your local emergency management agency for information specific to your community. - Information from The American Red Cross
some drought tolerant texas natives
mealy blue sage
four nerve daisy
four nerve daisy
four nerve daisy
four nerve daisy
four nerve daisy
flame acanthus
four nerve daisy
flame acanthus
autumn sage
autumn sage
flame acanthus
rock rose
autumn sage
rock rose
milkweed
autumn sage
rock rose
About Us
Who we are
why grow native plants
why grow native plants
We are a group of individuals interested in preserving the natural flora and fauna of the beautiful state of Texas. Our membership is a very diverse group comprised of professional botanists, a physicist, business people, retired couples, families with children and young singles. We encourage the use of native plants at every oppo
We are a group of individuals interested in preserving the natural flora and fauna of the beautiful state of Texas. Our membership is a very diverse group comprised of professional botanists, a physicist, business people, retired couples, families with children and young singles. We encourage the use of native plants at every opportunity and hold classes and seminars to further our endeavors.
The threat to our native wildlife due to habitat loss and chemical abuse is a danger that cannot be ignored. Our fresh water resources are at risk from agriculture, manufacturing and oil & gas. Our goal is to rescue endangered and native plants whenever possible, encourage the reintroduction of native plants into the ecosystem & to educate the populace as to the value of a natural environment.
why grow native plants
why grow native plants
why grow native plants
Most Central Texas native plants are naturally drought-tolerant, resistant to pests and diseases, require less fertilizing and pesticides, and are an important sources of food for wildlife including bees, butterflies, & birds out natural pollinator's.
For a complete list of native plants please go to http://www.austintexas.gov/departm
Most Central Texas native plants are naturally drought-tolerant, resistant to pests and diseases, require less fertilizing and pesticides, and are an important sources of food for wildlife including bees, butterflies, & birds out natural pollinator's.
For a complete list of native plants please go to http://www.austintexas.gov/department/grow-green Guide to Central Texas plants. "Grow Green is a gardening education program that promotes sustainable landscaping practices. It addresses water quality and conservation, recycling, and an Integrated Pest Management philosophy, which encourages the least-toxic way to address pest issues" or www.wildflower.org the website of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center / The University of Texas at Austin.
pollinators
why grow native plants
pollinators
Hummingbirds, bats, bees, beetles, butterflies, and flies are hard-working animals helping to pollinate over 75% of our flowering plants, and nearly 75% of our crops. They carry pollen from one plant to another as they collect nectar. Without them, wildlife would have fewer nutritious berries and seeds, and we would miss many fruits
Hummingbirds, bats, bees, beetles, butterflies, and flies are hard-working animals helping to pollinate over 75% of our flowering plants, and nearly 75% of our crops. They carry pollen from one plant to another as they collect nectar. Without them, wildlife would have fewer nutritious berries and seeds, and we would miss many fruits, vegetables, and nuts, such as blueberries, squash, and almonds to name a few.
They play a crucial role in flowering plant reproduction and in the production of most fruits and vegetables. Without the assistance of pollinator's, most plants cannot produce fruits and seeds. The fruits and seeds of flowering plants are an important food source for people and wildlife. Some of the seeds that are not eaten will eventually produce new plants, helping to maintain the plant population.