Native Prairies Association of Texas

Texas native prairies are home to iconic wildflowers and much-loved wildlife species such as Monarch butterflies, Bobwhite quail, and Texas horned lizards. They provide many benefits, such as clean water, food production, flood protection, carbon capture, and outdoor recreation. 

Native prairies are also one of our most endangered natural ecosystems. Over 12 million acres of vibrant tallgrass prairies once existed in North and Central Texas. These rich grasslands were the source of the bountiful agricultural and natural resources our state inherited. Unfortunately, today, less than 1% of the original prairie remains and we continue to lose over 250 acres per day of critical rural lands to urban development.

The good news? Native Prairies Association of Texas—and Texans like you—are working to save our prairies and natural heritage. There is hope -- and you can deliver it. More city residents, businesses, and municipalities want to learn how to restore property back to a native landscape. More rural landowners are coming to us to help protect their land for the benefit of wildlife and future generations. However, to support them requires staff, equipment, and funding.

Your gift will save native prairies by helping Dr. Carly Aulicky, our North Texas Outreach and Stewardship Director:

1. Connect with landowners through consultations and workshops to help preserve and restore grasslands;
2. Maintain the health of our protected prairies for the benefit of wildlife and the environment;
3. Engage with diverse audiences to learn the beauty and benefits of our native prairies;
4. Create partnerships to initiate new prairie protection and restoration projects in North Texas.

REASONS TO LOVE NATIVE PRAIRIE

Texas prairies provide remarkable benefits - surprising plant and animal diversity, rich soil, water cleansing, reduced flooding, outdoor recreation, natural beauty, sustainable livestock grazing, and more reliable carbon storage than forests. DFW, Houston, and other regional cities are starting to integrate native prairies into their resiliency plans.

WHAT YOU GET WHEN WHEN YOU SUPPORT NPAT

NPAT lets you directly experience local prairies. The Fort Worth and Blackland (Dallas) chapters offer regular meetings, field trips, workdays, and workshops that let you and your family get outdoors, learn, meet fellow conservationists, and care for local prairies. Each chapter works with city parks, Master Naturalists, and other partners in the DFW metro area and surrounding counties.

YOU are vital to our success. We rely on our extraordinary members, donors, and volunteers. If you are already an NPAT supporter -- thank you! If you are new to NPAT, you are invited to join this unique family of prairie enthusiasts and discover native prairies, be inspired by their beauty, and save a historic part of our Texas heritage.