The Trinity Forks Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas recently sponsored a student art contest for Native Plant Week, an awareness campaign promoted by the Texas State Legislature.

Fourth-graders from McNair Elementary School participated, submitting their drawings of native flowers to the exhibit held at Texas Woman’s University.

The purpose of the contest was to raise awareness and educate students about the importance of native plants. The Legislature designated the third week in October as Texas Native Plant Week.

The Trinity Forks Chapter has about 100 members. Members are involved in community projects to educate the public and promote the use of native plants. The chapter also sponsors the Natives Instead of Common Exotics Program. This program works with local nurseries to sell native plants.

Meetings are held 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of January through October on the second floor of TWU’s Administration and Clock Tower building. Visitors are always welcome.

The society is a nonprofit organization founded in 1981. The organization has more than 1,800 members and 33 local chapters around the state. The chapters promote the conservation, research and use of native plants and plant habitats of Texas through education, outreach and example.

— Lucinda Breeding

Courtesy photo/Anna Bussart

This yellow flower is a Texas native. McNair Elementary School fourth-grader Zoe earned a blue ribbon for the art.

Courtesy photo/Anna Bussart

A fourth-grader from McNair Elementary, Mason, won a first-place ribbon for his rendering of a golden hibiscus, a native Texas plant.

Courtesy photo/Anna Bussart

Kyle, a fourth-grader at McNair Elementary, won a blue ribbon with his depiction of a Texas dogwood.

Courtesy photo/Anna Bussart

A student named Nafisa recalled a Georgia O’Keeffe perspective in her drawing of a native plant.