Conservation Corner: January 2026 Updates

Seed Collecting for Native Habitats
Last year, the Native Habitats and Horticulture teams visited a local Gulf Coast Prairie to collect native seeds. These seeds are being used in habitat restoration projects and grown in our greenhouse for planting this year. The Native Habitat Team has started winter seeding in the Kinder Land Bridge and Cyvia & Melvyn Wolff Prairie, which includes spreading locally sourced seeds that are embedded in hay bales with our no-till drill using seed from local Gulf coast prairies and trusted vendors. These hay bales were donated by the Native Plant Rescue Project from a prairie that is set to be developed!

Welcoming Wildlife
Monarch butterflies have been spotted across the Park, enjoying native flowering plants in garden beds and savanna habitats—a sign that our conservation efforts are paying off!

Blossom Plaza Beautification
As you may have noticed upon entering Clay Family Eastern Glades, our horticulture team has been planting Cherokee Sedge along Blossom Plaza, creating a lush green space with pops of color. Some plants were grown onsite, while others came from trusted vendors. Regular weeding and mulching will keep this area thriving.