Blog
We’re excited to let you in on all of the wonderful things happening on the coastal prairie.
Hi there! Check out the posts below for wildlife spotlights, prairie restoration updates, volunteer highlight stories, and much more! Have an idea for a new blog post? Email info@coastalprairieconservancy.org and let us know.
Rattlesnake Master: A Distinctive Addition to Urban Gardens
Rattlesnake master is an extraordinary wildflower known for its architectural beauty and intriguing appearance. With its striking steel-blue, globe-shaped flowers and spiky leaves resembling yucca, this plant stands out as a conversation starter in any garden. Native to prairies and open woodlands, rattlesnake master adds a touch of uniqueness to gardens and green spaces, enticing both gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike.
Delight Your Senses with Lemon Beebalm: A Fragrant Addition to Gardens
Lemon beebalm, also known as lemon mint or purple horsemint, is a captivating wildflower renowned for its citrusy fragrance. Its distinctive tubular, lavender-pink flowers and delicate green foliage add charm and beauty to any garden. Native to prairies and meadows, lemon beebalm is a wonderful choice for urban gardeners looking to invigorate their surroundings with a refreshing scent.
Black-Eyed Susan’s Sunny Delight
Black-eyed Susan, also known as Gloriosa Daisy, is a charming wildflower that captures the essence of sunshine on the prairie. Golden yellow petals contrast the prominent dark brown or black central cone, making these tall, abundant flowers a distinctive favorite among gardeners and nature enthusiasts.
Embrace Nature's Artistry with Prairie Spiderwort
Prairie spiderwort is an exquisite wildflower with delicate purple-blue petals that form a star-like shape. Its slender, arching stems and elegant blooms create a graceful presence in any garden setting. Native to prairies and open woodlands, this plant brings a touch of the wild to gardens and green spaces in urban areas.
The Vibrant Indian Blanket: A Native Marvel for Your Garden
The Indian blanket, also referred to as firewheel or blanket flower, is a breathtaking native wildflower that showcases a captivating combination of vibrant red petals with yellow tips. Its distinctive daisy-like blooms make it an eye-catching addition to any garden.
Scarlet Sage's Vibrant Beauty: A Perfect Addition to Urban Gardens
Scarlet sage, also known as Texas sage or tropical sage, is a striking wildflower with bright red tubular flowers that bloom abundantly throughout the warmer months. Its slender stems, reaching up to 2-3 feet in height, are adorned with clusters of eye-catching flowers, making it a great addition to any urban garden.
Wetlands on the Coastal Prairie: Unsung Heroes Combating Climate Change
With extreme heat surrounding the Houston area and hurricane season underway, many of us are considering the ways that climate change and extreme weather events effect our daily lives. While this news can become overwhelming, positive things are happening right here on the coastal prairie to help combat the damaging effects of climate change!
Featuring the Texas Bluebonnet’s Iconic Beauty at Home
The Texas bluebonnet is a stunning wildflower that boasts vibrant blue petals arranged in the shape of a bonnet, giving it its unique name. When spring arrives, these flowers burst into bloom, painting the Texas landscape in breathtaking blankets of color.
Christmas Bird Count Recap of the Cypress Creek Area
Each New Year’s Day, groups of volunteers visit the Coastal Prairie Conservancy’s preserves to tally bird species and monitor population counts. This annual event, called the Christmas Bird Count, provides important insights into bird activity that are used year-round to support stewardship efforts.
State of the Species: Eastern (Spilogale putorius) and Plains Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius interrupta)
The Eastern Spotted skunk, Spilogale putorius, is a diminutive relative of the more familiar and common striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). The subspecies, Spilogale putorius interrupta or plains spotted skunk, inhabits the Great Plains in the MIdwest and central area of the United States, including Texas.