Growing Native Plants with the Great Grow Out

Partnering for Prairie Restoration

At Renewa, sustainability isn’t just something we build into our projects; it’s something we live out in our communities. That’s why we were excited to bring the Coastal Prairie Conservancy’s (CPC) Great Grow Out program right to our offices.

The Great Grow Out is a two-hour workshop led by a Texas Master Naturalist and CPC volunteers, designed to empower people to grow native plants right from home. These plants play a crucial role in restoring prairie ecosystems, supporting pollinators, and preserving Texas’s natural heritage.

What the Workshop Included

The day began with an engaging presentation from a CPC volunteer, who shared the history and importance of native Texas prairie plants. We learned how native species have deep roots, literally and figuratively, in maintaining healthy soils, conserving water, and providing habitat for wildlife.

Then it was time to get our hands dirty.

• We planted seeds and seedlings of purple coneflowers, Gulf muhly, and bushy bluestem
• We learned how to care for these plants at home, from proper watering to sunlight needs
• We explored how each plant supports pollinators, from butterflies to native bees

This hands-on activity helped link conservation science to the roles each of us can play in protecting our environment.

Where the Plants Go Next

Once the seedlings have started to grow at home, they aren’t staying in our backyards; they’re heading back to the prairie.

• Volunteers return their seedlings to CPC in Katy, TX
• CPC staff nurture them until they are large enough for planting in the wild
• These plants are then added to prairie restoration sites, where they strengthen biodiversity and improve habitat for native wildlife

The process is a beautiful cycle, starting in our hands, growing under our care, and ending with a lasting impact on the Texas landscape.

Why It Matters

Programs like the Great Grow Out have ripple effects far beyond one planting day.

• They restore critical Texas prairie habitats that have been disappearing for decades
• They give communities a way to take direct action for conservation
• They help pollinators thrive, which supports healthy ecosystems and agriculture
• They build environmental awareness and inspire long-term stewardship

For Renewa, this work ties directly to our mission. By protecting and improving the land we work with, we’re not only advancing clean energy but also helping to keep ecosystems healthy for future generations.

Learn more about the Great Grow Out program and how you can get involved:
coastalprairieconservancy.org/great-grow-out