why support?

Why should I care about native plants? What difference does it make if I read a sign or not?

Good questions! Or, maybe you're not questioning it at all. Maybe you're interested enough that you already want to help us spread awareness. And we're grateful you're here!

Regardless, there's a reason why EcoEducators stepped up in the first place. We're students; we value education—and as students, we believe in sharing that privilege, especially surrounding the issues that matter. 

the facts:

Texas is home to over 4,000 native plant species, 400 of which have been experiencing steadily increasing risks for extinction (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 2024).

 Native plants are significantly more eco-friendly than other species—they require less water, no fertilizer, and fewer pesticides (US Department of Agriculture, 2024). Additionally, native species (especially perennials) are effective at mitigating erosion, which retains effective atmospheric carbon sinks (2024)!

Global pollinator populations have been declining greatly over the years. 80% of native Texan plant species require the aid of a pollinator to grow: support for native plants = support for native pollinators = support for native plants, etc (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 2019). 

Many native plant species are cold-hardy, meaning that they either survive in cool temperatures or continue to grow after remaining dormant through the winter. However, as cold winters occur later and hot summers grow warmer, native plant species have adjusted for the climate; summer plants die before reaching full bloom, and plants that favor cooler temperatures have started going locally extinct (Gaskill, 2021). The animal communities that rely on these species must then adapt, as well (2021).

The introduction of non-native plants to particular regions not only provides competition for the native species, but it can harm the insect, bird, and wildlife population in that region, as well as completely alter the soil profile by changing the types of microorganisms and fungi which thrive in that environment (Hayes, 2023). 

Texas plant biodiversity remains threatened as a result of population growth, urban development, land use changes, invasive/exotic species, and climate change (Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 2023). As a result, processes necessary for oxygen production, soil genesis, and water detoxification are at risk—affecting all animals, wildlife and human alike (Wetland Aquatic Research Center, 2016).