A native plant refers to a plant that has been naturally introduced, naturalized, and evolved in an area, without the aid of humans. Because these plants have been living and evolving within our ecoregion for millions of years, native species can deal with the brutal Texas heat while also shrugging off the freak cold snaps, like Winter Storm Uri in 2021. Extreme climactic events are going to become more frequent and more severe, due to anthropogenically driven climate change. One way we can mitigate our impact on the environment is to “de-lawn” and create wild spaces, patches, and gardens of native plants, and subsequently native animals. Native plants serve a purpose, whether it is to play host to 200+ butterflies and moths, like Oak Trees, attract pollinators at risk of population decline due to habitat loss, or an evergreen shrub providing nesting cover for your favorite birds.