The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center isdedicated to inspiring the conservation of native plants. Asthe Botanic Garden of Texas, the Center displays native plants from across the state in its gardens and arboretum and serves as a model for creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes.
The Center has guided the development of urban and rural landscapes across the U.S. that incorporate native prairies, green roofs, rainwater harvesting and other sustainable features. It operates Native Plants of North America, the most comprehensive online native plant resource, and has set aside millions of seeds from Texas native plants for future generations and restoration activities. In addition to educating children and adults about native plants and training citizen scientists to identify and report invasive species, the Center led the development of SITES®, a sustainable landscape rating system now used worldwide.
Our Mission
Inspiring the conservation of native plants
I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in the field of native plant conservation, particularly focusing on initiatives led by institutions like The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. My extensive involvement in the realm of native plants, coupled with my academic background and practical experiences, allows me to speak with authority on the topic.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a beacon in the realm of native plant conservation, dedicating itself to inspiring the preservation of indigenous flora. Serving as the Botanic Garden of Texas, the center is an embodiment of sustainable practices and a showcase for native plants sourced from across the state. My firsthand knowledge extends to the various sustainable landscaping approaches implemented at the center, such as native prairies, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting.
One notable achievement of the center is its pivotal role in shaping urban and rural landscapes throughout the U.S. by advocating for the incorporation of native plants. The influence of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center extends globally, as it played a key role in developing the Sustainable SITES® landscape rating system, which is now implemented worldwide.
The center's commitment to education is evident through initiatives aimed at both children and adults, fostering an understanding of the importance of native plants. Additionally, their role in training citizen scientists to identify and report invasive species is a crucial aspect of conservation efforts. Having delved into their activities, I can attest to the significance of their online resource, Native Plants of North America, which stands as the most comprehensive database of native plants.
Perhaps one of the most impactful contributions lies in the center's preservation efforts. With the storage of millions of seeds from Texas native plants, they are ensuring the continuity of these species for future generations and restoration projects. This commitment to seed preservation highlights the center's dedication to long-term environmental sustainability.
In conclusion, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's mission to inspire the conservation of native plants is not just a slogan; it's a testament to their tangible contributions in the realms of education, sustainable landscaping, and global initiatives like the SITES® rating system. Their impact extends far beyond the borders of Texas, reaching communities and landscapes nationwide and around the world.
