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FAYETTE PRAIRIE CHAPTER
THE LATEST DIRT
| | The Fayette Prairie Chapter of NPAT is committed to local education and native prairie restoration. To support our members, we organize field trips, conduct outreach, and collaborate on conservation and restoration efforts. | | | Coming
Up | Haven't You
Been Busy! | Listen Up!
Messy Habitat | Stewardship
in Action | | |
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ELDER PRAIRIE SPRING PLANT WALK
Led by Tim Siegmund, TPWD
Friday, April 25, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
Chappell Hill, Washington County
FREE, but registration is required
Join us for a plant walk, an excellent opportunity to explore our 203-acre preserve, and a guided tour of the art gallery set in the spring prairie led by Tim Siegmund, a Biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
During the walk, you'll stroll through the preserve, observe the landscape, and learn how to identify grasses and flowering plants. If you attended last year, you'll notice the changes from our ongoing restoration.
What to Know:
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, and sun protection.
- Water and snacks will be provided. Bring your refillable water bottle
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NATIVE SEED PROPAGATION WORKSHOP
Led by Matthew Gaston, Expert Instructor
Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Lee County Ext Office at 310 S. Grimes St, Giddings
$30, Materials and Lunch Included
Deepen your knowledge of plant propagation, whether cultivating a pollinator garden, creating a pocket prairie, or restoring a native prairie.
Learn from an expert and build valuable skills that support your work protecting and conserving native plants for native wildlife.
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Wildflowers, Grasses, Woody Plants
Maximillian Sunflower, Bluebonnets,
Indiangrass, Little Bluestem
Mexican plum, and more
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Demonstrations
Seeds
Grasses
Forbs
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Hands-On Practice
Breaking seed dormancy
Seed processing
Vegetative propagation techniques
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Post Oak Savannah Restoration Tour
with Goats!
Friday, May 2, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
88Ranch, Columbus, TX
FREE, but registration is required
The Fayette Prairie Chapter of NPAT, Wildlands, Coastal Prairie Conservancy & Texas (CPC) Grasslands and Savannas Initiative (TGSI) invite you to an exciting tour of 88 Ranch. Tour a generational ranch and learn how holistic methods have been implemented in the Post Oak Savannah region to restore native prairie and increase biodiversity while ranching.
Pack your lunch to enjoy in the Garden after the tour.
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NATIVE GRASS PLANTING
Help us restore one of the largest remaining tracts of Fayette Prairie!
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
Chappell Hill, Washington County
RSVP for this event
Spend the morning with NPAT’s Lands Manager, Clare Fields, as we plant locally grown native grasses to support the ongoing restoration of this 203-acre preserve. These grasses are essential for rebuilding healthy prairie habitat and providing food and shelter for native wildlife.
What to Expect:
- Hands-on planting in open prairie conditions
- Guidance from NPAT staff on proper planting techniques
- Light to moderate physical activity
Your help makes a lasting impact on the future of this rare prairie ecosystem.
You can learn more about the Elder Prairie conservation easement history HERE.
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ZOOM
Ecosystem Restoration Talk: New Discoveries in the Lost Pines
Paul Crump, PhD, Herpetologist
Wildlife Division, Non-Game and Rare Species Program
Leading Houston toad habitat restoration projects
Lee May, Doctoral Candidate
Ecology & Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University
Recently completed extensive research on the Lost Pines ecosystem
Join us for a compelling discussion between experts at the intersection of endangered species conservation and ecosystem health.
Paul Crump works daily on restoring landscapes that support the Houston toad—an indicator species whose presence signals a thriving ecosystem for numerous native plants and animals.
Lee May will share groundbreaking research findings from the Lost Pines region, the western boundary of the Houston toad's habitat. His discoveries complement and challenge the current understanding of what constitutes a healthy landscape.
These two researchers have been discussing their research for several months, and we're privileged to have them share their knowledge and expertise with our community.
Monday, May 12 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
This event is free, and no registration is required
SHARE WITH A FRIEND
ZOOM Link
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ELDER PRAIRIE BIRDWATCH
for All Levels!
Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
Chappell Hill, Washington County
This event is FREE, but registration is required
Are you looking to start birding or sharpen your identification skills?
Join avid birders and Texas nature enthusiasts Erik Wolf and Debbie McMullen for a free birdwatching event at the beautiful Elder Prairie in Chappell Hill.
You can learn more about the Elder Prairie conservation easement history HERE.
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More Coming Up
Mark Your Calendar & Watch for Details
| | | Saturday, June 21, 2025
9:00 am - 12:00 pm | Hands-On Conservation Workshop
Identifying Native & Invasive Grasses & Forbs with WHF | | Friday, August 22, 2025
9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Five Tools of Prairie Restoration
Landowner Symposium
La Grange, TX | | Saturday, September 27, 2025
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm | Fall Social | | |
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Garry Stephens and Nathan Haile presented:
- Importance of Soil History
- Identifying Soil Types
- Principles of Soil Health
- Impact of Soil Health on Your Restoration
- Monitoring and Improving Soil for Your Prairie
- Rain Simulator Demonstration
- Post Oak Savannah & Blackland Prairie Soil Tour at One Sky Farm, Round Top
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NATIVE PRAIRIE SOIL
HANDS-ON CONSERVATION WORKSHOP
Our educational partners are invaluable to the Fayette Prairie Chapter members. Chapter members dug deep into the importance and impact of prairie soil health.
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A prairie full of thanks to
Katie Edward, TPWD Biologist
Riley Saunders
Jeff Post
Carey Soderstrom
Tabatha Carey
Led by Claire Fields, NPAT's Land Manager, the team met on March 5 to remove huisache, improving prairie health and accessibility for future events, such as our upcoming plant walks and bird surveys.
Our volunteers contribute to the restoration of Elder Prairie and take advantage of the opportunity to gain and share new skills by working alongside others with experience and expertise.
We look forward to seeing YOU at our future Elder Prairie workdays and educational events.
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Artful Learning: Hummingbirds
with Kimberly Crawford
KimberlyCrawfordArt.com
“Art is the reflection of life, and life is a reflection of the beauty and grandeur of the natural world” - Thomas Moran
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There are 330 different species of hummingbirds in North and South America. Their delicate bodies conceal an astonishing strength and tenacity. A hovering hummingbird expends ten times more energy than a person running nine miles per hour. They are the smallest birds to migrate, often traveling up to 500 miles alone, unlike most birds that journey in flocks. Remarkably, they are likely to return to the same feeder and area where they hatched. Do you think they bring their laundry home?
This strength and tenacity also embody our friends dedicated to nature and conservation. They take the time to relax, share laughter, and uplift one another as they discover the art of painting these breathtaking birds. Each painting was a unique and stunning reflection of their journey!
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Listen Up!
PODCAST RECOMMENDATION
TIM SIEGMUND, TPWD BIOLOGIST
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No Lazy Coyotes: Why Messy Habitat is Good
WildAg Podcast
Andrew Little, Nathan Pflueger
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In the March 3 episode, Chris Helzer, Director of Science and Stewardship at The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska, discussed the importance of habitat diversity.
Whether you have a small urban yard or 10,000 acres with cattle, Chris explains why a messy, shifting habitat is ideal and how to create it.
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Share the Prairie
“The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.” – ADAM GRANT
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Have you appreciated the education and support gained from your NPAT membership?
Share the importance of native prairies with others looking for information and support. Our chapter has opportunities to "Share the Prairie" at upcoming events with an NPAT-Fayette Prairie Chapter display table. No experience is necessary; you will enjoy meeting and working with other NPAT members.
If you are available to help, drop us a line.
We provide all of the materials -- You provide the smile :)
| | | May 3, 2025 | Honey Bee Jubilee | New Ulm (Austin Countty) | | Jul 11, 2025 | TPWD Landowner Outreach, | Hallettsville (Lavaca / Colorado Counties) | | Aug 8, 2025 | TPWD Landowner Outreach, | Cat Spring (Austin/Colorado Counties) | | Aug 22, 2025 | TPWD Landowner Outreach, | Caldwell (Burleson/Milam Counties) | | | |
We've got you covered!
$25
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Post your prairie pride with an 18X24 aluminum fence sign
$50
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All proceeds from the sale of these caps & signs support our mission to conserve, restore, and educate people about the value of Texas prairies.
Available at Fayette Prairie Chapter Events
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