Preserving a Native Coastal Prairie Remnant: The Flo Hannah Prairie
- txcpartners
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
The Flo Hannah Prairie, a 124-acre remnant, pristine coastal prairie located in Brazoria County, Texas, is a critical conservation area for preserving one of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States. Mike Lange (North American Conservation Partners) and a number of partners worked over a 3-year period to acquire 3 private tracts that make up the prairie. The last tract was acquired in 2021.
Project Background and Partnerships
Mike Lange (North American Conservation Partners) worked on this project starting in 2018 in partnership the Cradle of Texas Conservancy, The Galveston Bay Foundation, the Coastal Prairie Conservancy, The Houston Audubon Society, as well as a number of individual private donors and other organizations. Of note was Linda Knowles who provided the first funding for the project and Dr. David Rosen who completed a study of the native plant species of the prairie and helped document it’s ecological value. The primary funding for the project came from a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provided through the North American Wetland Conservation Act.
Flo Hannah’s Legacy
Flo Hannah, for whom the prairie is named, was a passionate advocate for native grasses and wildlife. Through her work at the Houston Audubon Society and her own nursery, she championed the conservation of native prairie ecosystems. Her efforts not only helped safeguard prairies like Nash and Deer Park but also inspired countless others in the conservation community.
Her daughter, Emily Coulter, described the naming of the prairie in her honor as a fitting tribute: "Mom felt so passionately about prairies—far more than any possessions. This is a perfect gift to the community and will keep giving for years to come."
Ecological Significance
Once part of an expansive coastal prairie ecosystem that covered over six million acres along the Texas Gulf Coast, today, less than one percent of this landscape remains in its natural state. The Flo Hannah Prairie is considered ecologically invaluable, serving as a refuge for native plant species and as a critical habitat for grassland birds. Its diverse flora includes many species now rare in the region, making it a prime site for ecological study and a source of seeds for restoration of degraded prairie parcels that are under conservation protection.
Prairie Features and Conservation Goals
The prairie’s undisturbed topography and native vegetation make it a rare example of a remnant prairie. It serves as an essential seed source for larger prairie restoration projects, helping to combat the threats of invasive species and habitat loss. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and managing the prairie through strategies like prescribed burns and seed collection to ensure its long-term ecological integrity.
Community and Funding Support
The acquisition of the Flo Hannah Prairie was made possible through grants from the North American Wetland Conservation Act, alongside contributions from private donors, the Hershey Foundation, Houston Audubon Society, and others. The Galveston Bay Foundation continues its active role in conserving the region’s natural resources, having protected over 8,000 acres of coastal habitat since its inception in 1987.
Looking Ahead
The Flo Hannah Prairie not only stands as a monument to Flo Hannah’s dedication but also represents hope for the future of Texas' coastal prairies. As part of the Galveston Bay Foundation’s broader conservation efforts, this site is a vital resource for research, education, and restoration projects.
Additional Resources
Watch the Project Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMYzubqgSUg
Read Flo Hannah's Obituary: Flo Hannah Obituary (1948 - 2018) - Houston, TX - Houston Chronicle
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