New App Helps Texans Grow Native Plant Gardens

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation launches Wild Thumb to aid gardeners in cultivating drought-resistant native plants that support pollinators.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation has launched the Wild Thumb app to provide gardeners across Texas with resources and guidance on growing native plants that are drought-resistant and beneficial for pollinators. The free app connects users to their local ecoregion, offers personalized planting recommendations, and links to nearby nurseries selling native plants.

Why it matters

Native plants are crucial for supporting declining pollinator populations in Texas, including the American bumblebee. By making it easier for Texans to cultivate native gardens, the Wild Thumb app aims to help restore critical habitat and contribute to pollinator conservation efforts.

The details

The Wild Thumb app allows users to sign up with their email and zip code, which links them to their local ecoregion. From there, the app provides step-by-step guidance on growing native plants suited to that region's specific environmental conditions, such as soil type and climate. The app also connects users to nearby nurseries selling native plants and includes features like a daily watering and maintenance reminder, as well as freeze alerts.

  • The Wild Thumb app was launched in February 2026 as part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation's Pollinators & Prairies program, which began in 2024.
  • The app was funded by H-E-B.

The players

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation

A nonprofit organization that works to conserve Texas' natural resources and promote outdoor recreation.

Julie Shaddox

The director of development and conservation programs at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

H-E-B

A Texas-based supermarket chain that provided funding for the development of the Wild Thumb app.

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What they’re saying

“Wild Thumb takes the guesswork out of native gardening so that anyone in Texas — no matter where they live or how much space they have — can be part of the pollinator solution.”

— Julie Shaddox, Director of Development & Conservation Programs, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (News release)

“Most people don't realize that many of our native pollinators, including the American bumblebee, are in decline. By planting even a few native plants, Texans can make a tangible difference in restoring the critical habitat these species depend on.”

— Julie Shaddox, Director of Development & Conservation Programs, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (News release)

What’s next

As the Wild Thumb app continues to be developed and upgraded, it will be enhanced with more native plant options, additional pollinator-related information, and educational content about prairies in Texas.

The takeaway

The Wild Thumb app provides a valuable resource for Texans looking to cultivate native, drought-resistant gardens that support the state's declining pollinator populations. By making it easier for gardeners to access the right plants and information for their local ecoregion, the app empowers more people to contribute to pollinator conservation efforts.