Project Blazingstar Brings Native Plants Back To Hermann Park

FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2010 – In 2009, Hermann Park Conservancy joined forces with a number of organizations to create Project Blazingstar, a comprehensive effort to restore areas in Hermann Park by replacing non-native plants with native prairie species, which will create a better habitat for the Park’s wildlife.  Project partners include sponsor Waste Management, as well as the Coastal Prairie Partnership, Houston Audubon Society, Native Plant Society of Texas, Harris County Master Gardeners, Katy Prairie Conservancy, Houston Zoo, Student Conservation Association, Eyes on the Bayou, Endangered Species Media Project, Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD), and Texas Master Naturalists. The first year goal of the partnership is to plant more than 2,000 rescued and cultivated prairie plants in the Park, which will return many of these natives to the Hermann Park area for the first time in fifty years.

“Due to the fact that original Texas grass prairie is disappearing from the state as a result of agriculture, development, grazing, and road building, this is a perfect opportunity for Hermann Park visitors to experience the native wildflowers and grasses that existed in the Texas prairie,” said Barbara Jo Harwell, Hermann Park Conservancy’s conservation director.  “So many prairie lovers who recognize the importance of preserving remnants of the Texas native prairie have come together to make this project happen.  They collected and propagated native grass and wildflower seed, as well as rescued and transplanted prairie plants, all ready to be planted by volunteers into the designated site in Hermann Park between the Japanese Garden entrance and McGovern Lake on April 17^th.”

Preparation began last summer with the collection of native annual and perennial wildflower and grass seeds for seed ball production. Volunteers also helped during this phase by rescuing plants from undisturbed prairie sites around the Houston metro area. This March, over 200 student volunteers, organized by the Endangered Species Media Project, helped make over 8,000 seed balls to be planted in Hermann Park. Seeds used included Blazingstar, Rattlesnake Master, Indian Blanket, and Muhly Grass to name a few. These native plant species will bring rich colors and textures to the Park’s natural areas.

The planting will take place on Saturday April 17, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in a 4,800 square foot area of Hermann Park between the Japanese Garden entrance and McGovern Lake.  Many of the partners in this planting will be on hand to provide educational displays and materials, and to respond to visitors’ questions.  The Houston Zoomobile will also be on site to demonstrate to attendees some of the animals that make the Texas prairie home.

For information about Project Blazingstar, the prairie restoration effort in Hermann Park, please contact Barbara Jo Harwell, conservation director, at (713) 524-5876 x338.

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