French Legation

2008 Neighborhood Beautification Grant Recipient

The French Legation, 802 San Marcos - 78702, is and has been a city of Austin landmark for generations and its grounds are open to the public.  Unfortunately in recent years, the landscape has become somewhat neglected due to a shortage of funds.  At present it has a number of invasive and non-native plants, dying trees and shrubs as well as few resources for changing this condition. 

Local landscape designer, Cynthia Bond, is developing a site plan and volunteers from the Native Plant Society of Texas, local Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, National Wildlife Federation Habitat Stewards and Wildlife Austin will collaborate to remove invasive plant species, locate native plant material, install native plants, and help with the maintenance of the project.  Neglected beds will be transformed into beautiful groupings of native plants and create wildlife habitat. 

This project at the French Legation will serve as a model of public/private partnerships designed to rejuvenate East Austin historical sites and will support the City of Austin’s Global Warming Initiative.  By building back wildlife habitat in the urban core, reducing water and energy use, as well as, becoming an educational center to promote wildlife and native plant preservation this project can become a neighborhood showcase of sustainability. 

BEFORE

lawn ready for diversity             invasive nandina                       entrance ready for some color

DURING

removing invasive vines