Nacogdoches, Texas – The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Plant Materials Program, known for its innovative solutions to conservation challenges using plants, recently partnered with the city of Nacogdoches, Texas, to address a pressing concern.
The issue at hand was the median of Texas Highway 59 at the northern entrance to the city, which was primarily planted with non-native bermudagrass and bahiagrass. While these grasses served the purpose of erosion control, they posed challenges, including the need for frequent mowing during the summer and a less-than-appealing dormant state in the winter. City leaders sought a solution that would reduce mowing requirements, enhance sustainability, and beautify the city’s entryway.
Collaborating with the East Texas Plant Materials Center (ETPMC) and Texas Native Seeds staff, city leaders formulated a plan and scheduled a planting date. Dawn Stover, ETPMC Agronomist, and Tyler Wayland from Texas Native Seeds, designed a seeding mix comprising native wildflowers, grasses, and legumes to ensure year-round cover and color, benefiting pollinators. The mix included plant releases from the USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program, Texas Native Seeds, and commercially-produced wildflower species suitable for East Texas’ climate and soil conditions.
The planting took place in February 2023, conducted by ETPMC and Texas Native Seeds staff. It didn’t take long before the area burst into a vibrant display of colors, thanks to the annual phlox used for rapid cover and color, while perennial grasses and wildflowers became established. The breathtaking blooms garnered significant attention on social media platforms, with drivers stopping to capture photos, and local news outlets covering the noteworthy project.
The solution found by Nacogdoches city leadership not only addressed their conservation problem but also offered a platform for public outreach. It highlighted the importance of native plants and their role in environmental protection while showcasing their practical use in an urban setting. Additional plantings are in the pipeline as part of Nacogdoches’ beautification efforts.
For further details on this impactful planting project, please contact the East Texas Plant Materials Center.