Archives

Mar 15 2017
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Recently, the UP (Urban Prairie) Team was replanting areas of MD Anderson Prairie that had been under tarp and more for about two months for their 75th anniversary celebration. We were amazed at how much vegetation re-grew from roots or seeds since the tarp was removed at end of December.

Plants added were ones rescued before the tarp came down. Some were kept by Ahlene Shong at her home and  some at the COH Memorial ParkGreenhouse by the Gulf Coast Master Naturalists’ (native) Plant Propagation Program, led by Celeste Mead. We also spread prairie plant seeds – some from years past and some residuals from January’s Seed Cleaning and Packing Pizza Party.

Join UP (Urban Prairie) Team and you can join the fun too! (I want to join)

Click on the photo of Jaime and MD Anderson Facilities Manager Alan Wolfe sitting by the garden wagon, to read that caption.

Women at work
Women at work
Women at work
Men at rest! Lucky the workday was not 2 days earlier on March 8th – “Day Without A Woman”
Bluebells seedlings rescued and kept and replanted by Ahlene Shong
Finally, a man at work!
Spreading the seeds

 

Jul 31 2014
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http://www.fwweekly.com/2014/07/30/burning-passion/

New Fort Worth Chapter of Native Prairies Association of Texas (HNPAT) made the cover of Fort Worth Weekly with a story about a prairie that they are trying to save from development and their passion for the prairie.

 

The Fort Worth Chapter is one of 4 new chapters. The three others are Dallas, Centex (central Texas, Georgetown, TX), and South Austin. Pat Merkord has been busy this summer getting the chapters set up.  More information about the chapters are in the News & Events section of the NPAT website.

May 14 2014
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Field Trip to Blackland Prairie of Sam Houston National Forest with Brandt Mannchen

Field trip THIS Saturday to

Blackland Prairie of 
Sam Houston National Forest
with Brandt Mannchen & US Forest Service Personnel
 
– a 2014 Prairie Power Series Field Trip by HNPAT / CPP.  See below for carpool from Houston or meeting location at SHNF (~ 60 miles north of Houston, near the town of New Waverly, off I-45, FM 1375 exit.)
See flyer for details or :

Blackland Prairies are found scattered in the western and north central portions of Sam Houston National Forests (SHNF) on outcrops of the Fleming Formation. Blackland prairies in SHNF are unique eastern outliers of the Fayette Prairie. The Forest Service will take us to view two prairie restoration projects. If time permits, several other prairies may be visited.

What to Bring: Bring a daypack, hat, three quarts of water, binoculars, hiking shoes, camera, field guides, insect repellent, long pants, and enough cash for lunch in Huntsville.

Getting There (two options):

  • Carpooling Option: We will meet in Houston to carpool/caravan at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot just west of Starbucks (look for Becks Prime) in Meyerland Plaza. Starbucks fronts the 4700 block of Beechnut (south side of Beechnut, near the West Loop South). Look for a silver Honda Civic with lots of bumper stickers.
  • Meet us at Sam Houston National Forest:  Those wishing to meet us there should drive directly to the SHNF District Ranger Office at 394 FM 1375 West, New Waverly, Texas 77358. We will meet the U.S. Forest Service there at 9:30 am.
REGISTER NOW!

OR contact Brandt Mannchen at 713-664-5962 or email him at brandtshnfbt@juno.com