April 14, 2025 — The Smith County Master Gardeners invite the public to a free educational lecture on Friday, April 25, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Tyler Public Library Taylor Auditorium, located at 201 S. College Avenue in downtown Tyler. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
The program, titled “Gardening for Worms! Host Plants for Butterfly Caterpillars,” will be presented by Dawn Stover, USDA NRCS Study Leader and Agronomist at the East Texas Plant Materials Center in Nacogdoches.
Stover, known to many as The Nectar Connector, is a passionate advocate for pollinator habitat and native plant restoration. After more than 20 years as a Research Associate at SFA Gardens at Stephen F. Austin State University, she now works to bring locally adapted native plants to Texas landscapes of all sizes—from backyard gardens to large prairie restorations.
In her engaging talk, Stover will explain the vital role of host plants in the butterfly life cycle, why caterpillars are key to keeping pollinators around, and how gardeners can create thriving butterfly-friendly habitats in their own yards.
This seminar is perfect for gardeners of all levels who want to support biodiversity, protect pollinators, and add natural beauty to their landscapes.
No registration required. For more information, contact the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at (903) 590-2980.
