Guest blog post written by Tom Kennedy and Warren Shaul
Creating a Pollinator-Friendly Habitat: Simple Steps to Support Our Essential Pollinators
“This garden is more than a landscape.”
A new community-driven project is taking root in Alpine, Texas—the Patty Manning Pollinator Garden. Located at the Alpine Public Library, this garden will showcase native plants, support pollinators, and serve as an educational resource for conservation and stewardship.
The project is led by the Big Bend Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas in conjunction with the Rio Grande Joint Venture, the Tierra Grande Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist, and other dedicated local nature enthusiasts. Designed by respected landscape architect Jim Martinez, the garden will celebrate native plant landscapes and inspire future generations.
Honoring Patty Manning’s Passion for Native Plants
“The seed for creating the pollinator garden was planted with the passing of Patty Manning in September 2024.”
Patty Manning in the field.
Patty Manning was a respected expert in native plant propagation and an advocate for the conservation of Chihuahuan Desert flora. During her 18-year tenure at Sul Ross State University, she managed greenhouses, experimental plant plots, while sharing her love and knowledge of botany with university students. After retiring, she co-founded Twin Sisters Natives, a nursery that supplied native plants for habitat restoration across the Big Bend region and beyond. Today, her plants can be found at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
Inspired by Patty’s dedication to native plants, local organizations, volunteers, and individuals have come together to honor her memory by continuing to share and promote her passion for the conservation and stewardship of native plants, pollinators, and other dependent animals.
This garden is a living tribute to Patty’s dedication, ensuring her knowledge and love for native plants continue to benefit the community.
A Space for Pollinators, People, and Learning
The garden will feature:
“It will provide a natural space accessible for everyone in the community to enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature, generate positive emotions and health benefits like calmness, and joy plus encourage life-long learning and curiosity.”
The garden design by respected landscape architect Jim Martinez.
One exciting educational element is a scavenger hunt program for children, which will be created by students as part of a project sponsored by Maureen Franks, Associate Professor of Conservation Biology at the Borderlands Research Institute. As children search for clues by reading plant signs throughout the garden, they will learn about the benefits of native plants and their role in supporting pollinators. The project will also feature signage that identifies plants and describes their importance to pollinators, along with interpretive walks to deepen understanding of conservation efforts. Additionally, it will promote nature education events for both children and adults in collaboration with the library, local schools, and other community groups.
How You Can Support the Garden
The project will break ground at the end of March, with planting scheduled for May. Community support is vital, and there are several ways to get involved:
- Join the Fish Fry Fundraiser – Happening in April at the American Legion Hall, with proceeds going toward garden development.
- Shop at the Native Plant Sale – Held on April 26 by the Native Plant Society, helping fund the purchase of plants for the garden.
- Make a Direct Donation Online – Contributions can also be mailed to: NPSOT, P.O. Box 1265, Alpine, TX 79831
Want to help plant the garden? Keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities as the project moves forward!
This garden is more than a landscape—it’s a community space for learning, conservation, and appreciation of nature. By supporting this effort, you’re helping to create a lasting legacy that will benefit pollinators, local wildlife, and future generations.
