Amid the backdrop of a 13-acre natural area, once overrun with invasive plants and now covered in native grasses and wildflowers, dozens gathered May 23 to celebrate 25 years of success by the Boerne Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas.
“The Boerne Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas’ success is in large part due the strength of the relationship between the Boerne Chapter and the city of Boerne,” Chapter president Felicia Zbranek said. “I know with confidence that the Boerne chapter’s relationship sets the example for other cities and Native Plant Societies of Texas as to what can be achieved.”
The event, one of several the Boerne chapter of NPSOT will host this year as they continue to celebrate their 25-year anniversary, was a chance to celebrate the organization and recognize the collaborative work that has been done on many projects over the years.
Some of the biggest winners of the group’s service are residents of the city of Boerne and the city itself, with the various projects undertaken by the nonprofit.
Since its founding in 2000, the local chapter has given away thousands of Bigtooth Maples and taken the lead on pollinator gardens at the Visitors Center, Main Plaza, Veterans Plaza and several other parks in Boerne.
Additionally, for the last 16 years, the group has led the charge in cleaning up the Boerne City Campus Natural Area behind the library and along the Old No. 9 Trail.
At the helm for the city has been Special Project Director Paul Barwick. He has coordinated transforming the area, once covered in ligustrum and other invasive species, which now has walking trails, benches, and more.
“There was not a speck of sunlight that got down to the ground. It (ligustrum) just covered everything,” Barwick said. “We work with church groups, Eagle Scouts have done projects out here, and the list goes on and on. Everyone has a hand in this.”
A new Texas Native Plant Special Collection, including a native seed catalog, was also announced at the May 23 event. It will be housed at the library and named after Barwick in recognition of his hard work and dedication.
By returning the area to native habitat, it is also reducing flood erosion and providing a wildlife corridor for birds, butterflies and small mammals, as well as a peaceful place for hiking, birdwatching and experiencing nature in the heart of the city.
Volunteers from the group were on hand for the ceremony at the library in order to lead walking tours through the natural area, showcasing all the work that has been done to add another stunning public space for the people of Boerne to enjoy.
“This chapter has reminded us of something so simple, yet so profound: that the plants which thrive here — those with deep roots in this land — are not only beautiful, but essential,” Mayor Frank Ritchie said in remarks to the group. “Native plants conserve water, support wildlife and preserve the character of the Hill Country we all cherish.”
This years-long effort has been made possible through collaboration with the city of Boerne, the Boerne chapter of NPSOT, the Texas Master Naturalist Program, the Bigtooth Maples for Boerne project, and numerous local organizations.
“I want to thank you for your leadership, your stewardship, and the legacy you continue to grow,” Ritchie said. “Here’s to 25 years of incredible impact and to many more seasons of blooming success ahead.”
As sentiment shared by Zbrankek.
“It is a wonderful experience when a city government chooses to trust and work with the Native Plant Society to achieve a common goal,” she said. “We are looking forward to seeing what the next 25 years will bring.”
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