Team Flora Formed to Aid in Restoration Projects

The San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance works at improving the landscapes in the natural areas by planting trees and native grasses, and removing invasive plants. Unfortunately, buying native grass and wildflower seeds is expensive. The work-around is harvesting ripe seed from the fields and collecting donations from the public of native seeds.

Key or “showcase” projects include Sessom Creek and Schulle Natural Areas, but all the natural areas receive attention as opportunities present themselves. For example, during the construction of Centipede Trail in Spring Lake, the hillside was seeded with donated mountain laurel, frostweed and inland sea oats to slow rainwater flowing downhill to Sink Creek.

Mountain Laurel

The group of volunteers, composed of SMGA members and Master Naturalists, receive and seek the advice of the City arborist and a botanist who is a city resident. Work in Sessom Creek is at the direction of city staff and is a multi-year project that includes invasive removal, contour shaping and seeding the grasses, wildflowers and understory plants.

The group will meet throughout the year as seeds ripen or prime planting season arrives. Information about collecting and storing native wildflower and grass seeds can be found at websites listed below.

• https://www.wildflower.org/learn/collect-store-seeds
• https://beautifulhayscounty.org/plants-landscapes/

Donations can be made through our the website and volunteers are always welcome as there is much to do!

-LJ