Texas Native Plant Week: Lady Bird Lake Walk & Talk

Date/Time: Thursday, October 23, 6pm-7pm
Meeting Location: Lady Bird Lake, Under the Mopac Bridge on the north end, at the drinking fountains
Key Speakers:

• Minnette Marr, Plant Conservationist
• Karen Clary, Plant Conservation Program Manager
• Carrie McDonald, Volunteer Director

Topics discussed: Identifying the plants around Lady Bird Lake, Mrs. Johnson’s impact on Austin’s landscape
Rain plan: If we need to cancel due to inclement weather, we will notify the public via social media
Additional: We will pass out a one-page handout with plant list (more info will be on NPIN)

Background: On June 16, 2009, Governor Perry signed a bill into law that recognizes the third week in October as Texas Native Plant Week. The legislation seeks to recognize the role of native plants in conservation efforts and to create incentive for schools to teach children about the importance of native plants. The Native Plant Society of Texas teamed with State Rep. Donna Howard of Austin to present the bill, which was passed unanimously in both houses.

To mark the annual Texas Native Plant Week, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center of The University of Texas at Austin, the National Wildlife Federation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Native Plant Society of Texas are encouraging the public to learn more about our amazing Texas native plants.