From Plans to Plantings
Wimberley United Methodist Church - October 8. Photo courtesy Don Locke
Don Locke
The H-E-B Pollinators for Texas project established and enhanced pollinator habitats at three community locations in Wimberley, Texas: Wimberley United Methodist Church, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, and the Patsy Glenn Refuge. These sites were selected to demonstrate how native plants and pollinator-friendly landscapes can support wildlife, provide educational opportunities, and inspire conservation stewardship throughout the Wimberley Valley. Together, the three gardens create valuable habitat corridors that will benefit pollinators while serving as lasting examples of community-based conservation efforts.
October Workdays
On October 8, 2026, at the Wimberley United Methodist Church, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, and Patsy Glenn Refuge, teams of HCMNs and community partners lined up at each location to install the new pollinator plants in the freshly prepared garden beds.
Wimberley United Methodist Church - October 8. Photo courtesy Katie Peltier
Wimberley United Methodist Church - October 8. Photo courtesy Don Locke
Patsy Glenn Refuge - October 8. Photo courtesy Don Locke
Patsy Glenn Refuge - October 8. Photo courtesy Katie Peltier
Patsy Glenn Refuge - October 8. Photo courtesy Don Locke
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church - October 8. Photo courtesy Don Locke
“It was a busy morning! All three H-E-B Pollinators for Texas gardens are planted: Wimberley United Methodist Church, St. Stephen's School, and Patsy Glenn Refuge. Big thanks to all our volunteers and site coordinators Eve Stephens, Eric Seaberg, and Jeff Fowler for a job well done.” —Don Locke
The success of this project was made possible by the dedication of volunteers from the Wimberley United Methodist Church Green Team, St. Stephen’s Trailblazer Team, and the HCMN Pathfinder Program. Pathfinder participants served not only as volunteers during planning and installation but also as site coordinators who helped organize activities, recruit support, and guide each project site to completion.
We also extend our sincere thanks to Matt Horvath of Wimberley Gardens, whose expertise and generosity were invaluable throughout the project. By helping us secure discounted native plants and providing guidance along the way, Matt enabled us to maximize our resources and establish pollinator habitats that will serve the community for years to come.
Looking Ahead
This project has created new opportunities for community engagement and environmental education in Hays County. We have identified several ways to partner with students at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, using the pollinator garden as a living outdoor classroom where students can learn about native plants, pollinator ecology, habitat restoration, and environmental stewardship. These educational opportunities will help ensure that the gardens continue to serve not only wildlife but also future generations of conservation-minded community members.
The long-term success of these pollinator habitats will be strengthened through continued community partnerships. We are grateful for the commitment of Central Texas Plant Rescuers, who have pledged additional native plants and volunteer labor to increase biodiversity at the Patsy Glenn Refuge garden. The ongoing involvement of our volunteers and partner organizations will help these gardens mature into thriving habitats that provide lasting ecological, educational, and community benefits.
Next up, the pollinator garden at Spring Lake Natural Area in San Marcos! Led by Jo Korthals, this project will bring together HCMN volunteers, the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance, and the City of San Marcos Parks & Recreation Department to transform a barren, erosion-damaged area into a thriving pollinator garden.
Team leaders Katie Peltier, Ben Taylor, Don Locke, and Jo Korthals attended the 2026 Texas Master Naturalis Annual Meeting in October. Photo courtesy Katie Peltier