Native Prairies Association of Texas

Help Protect Texas Prairies! NPAT’s Online Silent Auction is LIVE! www.paybee.io/@npat@25 Our 2024 Online Silent Auction is officially open, and it’s your chance to bid on incredible items and exclusive experiences while directly supporting the conservation of Texas' native prairies. Whether you’re seeking a private birding tour, an exclusive guided hike, one-of-a-kind artwork, or a unique travel experience - there’s something for every nature lover! What’s up for grabs? ?Private prairie tours ?Unique wildlife photography lessons ?Exclusive stays at beautiful ranches and cabins ?Stunning artwork and jewelry ?Family memberships to top Texas attractions …and so much more! Your bid = A lasting impact on Texas' prairies and wildlife. Browse, bid, and protect prairies NOW:?www.paybee.io/@npat@25 Let the bidding begin!? ?

We are excited to announce that native plants are now available at H-E-B stores across Texas through the Pollinators & Prairies program! This collaboration of conservation partners led by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation is possible thanks to presenting sponsor H-E-B and supporting sponsor Phillips 66. NPAT is proud to be a founding partner. The program is dedicated to increasing healthy prairie habitat and pollinator populations across the state. By planting native grasses and wildflowers, you're helping protect vital pollinators like bees and butterflies and contributing to critical research that supports their survival. You can make a difference for pollinators and prairies! ??????https://lnkd.in/gkVVQ733 #OurTexasOurFuture

As the Development Director, you will collaborate with a passionate and dedicated team to expand prairie conservation across the state, focusing on designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support NPAT's mission and initiatives. This leadership role involves working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and program team to identify funding opportunities, build relationships with donors and stakeholders, and oversee all fundraising activities. To hear more, visit https://lnkd.in/g3CVPE4q

With the immense development pressure in the state, only 1% of Texas prairie remains. Recognizing the urgency of this situation, NPAT launched the visionary North Texas Prairie Initiative in 2024. This initiative is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of prairies in the 16-county region surrounding the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. This North Texas Giving Day, join us in the fight to protect 500 acres of prairie land in North Texas. Every donation will be matched dollar for dollar! https://lnkd.in/gRi9Qvcr

Prairie Art: NPAT’s Summer Art Events This summer, NPAT has embraced the arts, offering unique events that blend creativity with our love for prairies. These gatherings have provided a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, express their artistic talents, and learn more about the importance of prairie conservation—all while staying cool and beating the summer heat! Whether through collage art, painting, or paper mache, participants have discovered new ways to connect with and celebrate the natural beauty of our prairies. Read More Here: https://lnkd.in/g9tRqWfm

What an incredible evening with our Fort Worth Chapter at Tandy Hills! Thanks to our wonderful partners: City of Fort Worth Parks, Texas Parks & Wildlife DFW Urban Wildlife, & Friends of Tandy Hills Natural Area. We also had the pleasure of sharing the stage with the Fort Worth Astronomical Society. Together, we explored the mesmerizing world of moths using light traps to examine these beautiful creatures up close, learning about their incredible diversity and life habits. The data collected contributes to ongoing prairie restoration, linking vegetation surveys and privet removal to invertebrate species diversity. As the night sky unfolded, we took a moment to gaze at Saturn through large telescopes, making the evening even more magical. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a night of mothing, nature banter, and stargazing. ???? You find all of our upcoming events on our statewide calendar: https://lnkd.in/gcPV_BqK

Please join us for this year’s Big Bluestem Bash! Come celebrate the continued achievements of our Prairie Education Program and the exciting launch of our plans for the Learning Center at NPAT’s Lawther-Deer Park Prairie. Enjoy a delightful evening featuring cocktails, food stations offering a variety of delectable dishes for a strolling supper, and an array of captivating auction items. For event and sponsorship details visit: https://lnkd.in/gqQJfCum We look forward to your presence!

We are excited to announce the upcoming Big Bluestem Bash! event in support of the NPAT Education Programs at the Lawther - Deer Park Prairie. ?? Join us at the Houston Zoo, October 3rd for a unique and exciting experience! In lieu of this happy news, we’re offering an Early Bird Special of 25% off ticket sales throughout the month of July! Secure your spot now with code: Earlybird2024 https://lnkd.in/gqQJfCum

We are celebrating Pollinator Week! What a wonderful time to raise awareness about the creatures that play important roles in our ecosystems. From bees and butterflies to bats and birds, pollinators are essential for the life cycle of over 75% of plant species. Here are ways to support our pollinators - Plant Native Plants: Choose a variety of native plants that provide nectar and pollen throughout the seasons. Native plants are adapted to local conditions and provide the best resources for native pollinators. Create Habitat: Design gardens and landscapes with diverse plant species, including trees, shrubs, and flowers, to provide nesting sites and food sources for pollinators. Avoid Pesticides: Minimize or avoid the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides in your garden. Opt for organic and integrated pest management practices to protect pollinators from harmful chemicals. Provide Water: Set up shallow dishes or birdbaths with rocks or twigs for pollinators to drink from. Be sure to keep the water clean and fresh! Leave Bare Ground: Provide patches of bare ground or undisturbed soil for ground-nesting bees and other insects that require access to soil for nesting. Build Bee Houses: Install bee houses or nesting blocks for solitary bees, such as mason bees and leafcutter bees, to lay their eggs and nest. Plant in Clumps: Plant flowers in clumps or drifts of the same species to make them more visible and accessible to pollinators. Support Agricultural Practices: Encourage and support farmers who use pollinator-friendly farming practices, such as planting cover crops and maintaining natural habitat areas. Educate Others: Spread awareness about the importance of pollinators and encourage others to take action to protect and support pollinator populations. Management Recommendations for Native Insect Pollinators in Texas by Texas Parks and Wildlife: https://lnkd.in/gXeSPe5W ?Photos by Sean Fitzgerald

NPAT is excited to announce the award of a $15,000 grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation to educate youth and adults through our?Prairie Education Program. The core of this program is based at our rare 51-acre remnant urban prairie in Deer Park, east of downtown Houston. Education Director Della Barbato prioritizes engaging with underserved youth in Greater Houston school districts. She provides a dynamic outlook on Texas prairie history, ecology, plant and animal diversity, the water cycle, prairie benefits to people and wildlife, and conservation career opportunities for high school youth. CenterPoint Energy Company Foundation's investment will strengthen NPAT’s program to provide classroom education, field trips, teacher workshops, and a pocket prairie during the 2024-2025 school year. NPAT is sincerely grateful for their generous support to help preserve and restore native prairies throughout Greater Houston and beyond! Learn more about: CenterPoint Energy Foundation - https://lnkd.in/g2z7TeMz Prairie Education Program - https://lnkd.in/gBjFZird