The Beloved Purple Martin: A Symbol of Spring and Conservation

As early spring approaches, Texas eagerly awaits the return of the Purple Martin (Progne subis). These remarkable birds captivate us with their annual migration, unique relationship with humans, and fascinating biology. Here’s what makes them so special and how you can help protect them…

On a blustery day in late November, I visited Indiangrass Preserve for the first time. I had the Ann Hamilton Trail to myself, enjoying the songbirds calling and briefly popping up above the grass. Gradually I became aware of a trilling, bugle-like sound gradually growing louder, and I looked up to see a flock of Sandhill Cranes wheeling in the sky.

The coastal prairie remnants protected by the Coastal Prairie Conservancy are part of a vast historic grassland. This ecoregion spans nearly 30,000 square miles along the Gulf of Mexico, stretching from west of the Mississippi Delta in Louisiana, through Texas, and down into Mexico, reaching the southern tip of the Laguna Madre estuary.

Historically, the Gulf Coast Prairie was 9 million acres of native grassland prairies and wetlands with forested areas around rivers, streams, and creek beds. Did you know that 11 of the 15 rivers that flow across Texas cross into the Coastal Prairie? That helps us understand just how valuable the filtering and water-absorbing properties of the prairie are!

I am eager to share some of the amazing capabilities of our native coastal tall grass prairies and how we can contribute to preserving and even re-introducing prairies in our landscapes.

Although the coastal prairie in July can be hot, muggy and buggy, the birds are still busy going about their lives. Among the birds wading in prairie wetlands, you might see one walking slowly and gracefully on impossibly long, pink legs, with a striking body pattern of black above and white below. This is a Black-necked Stilt. You can find these elegant birds along the Gulf Coast year-round, but inland they are more common in the spring and summer months.

Although the coastal prairie in July can be hot, muggy and buggy, the birds are still busy going about their lives. Among the birds wading in prairie wetlands, you might see one walking slowly and gracefully on impossibly long, pink legs, with a striking body pattern of black above and white below. This is a Black-necked Stilt. You can find these elegant birds along the Gulf Coast year-round, but inland they are more common in the spring and summer months.

The annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a longstanding tradition that offers valuable insights into the diversity and health of bird species on the coastal prairie. Now in its 48th year, the Cypress Creek CBC includes the Katy Prairie Preserve and other surrounding properties that provide tens of thousands of acres of important bird habitat.

The Cherokee sedge is a graceful and versatile grass-like plant native to our region. It is a perennial plant, meaning it comes back year after year, bringing sustained beauty to your green space. The Cherokee sedge has slender, arching leaves that are vibrant green, adding visually-interesting texture to your garden.

Little bluestem is a native grass known for its ornamental appeal and ability to thrive in diverse growing conditions. With its slender, upright stems and attractive bluish-green foliage that transitions to a warm bronze or reddish hue in autumn, this grass adds seasonal interest to any garden. Little bluestem grass was a dominant component of the historic tallgrass prairies that once covered vast areas of North America.

Gulf muhly is a breathtaking ornamental grass known for its beauty and delicate appearance. With its feathery plumes of vibrant pink or purple, this grass creates a mesmerizing display that moves with the wind. Native to coastal prairies and marshes, gulf muhly thrives in full sun, making it an excellent choice for urban gardens that receive ample sunlight.