As an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) works with landowners, local governments, and civic organizations to improve and protect our nation’s natural resources. NRCS specialists utilize the nationwide network of Plant Material Centers (PMCs) to help develop science-based solutions to sustain healthy natural ecosystems.
The E. “Kika” de la Garza PMC in Kingsville, Texas, selects conservation plants and develops new vegetative technology adapted to the unique climate and soils of 27 million acres in south Texas. Established in 1981, this 76-acre PMC offers technical assistance to restore Gulf Coast prairie and salt marshes and improve pasture lands to mitigate natural resource concerns, such as flooding and erosion.