Upcoming Events
EventsSAVE THE DATE
Annual Meeting November 12, 2024 Houston Height Fire Station 107 West 12th St., Houston, TX 77008 The White Oak Bayou Association (WOBA) invites the community to join them for their 2024 Annual Meeting which will be held at the Historic Height Fire Station, 107 West 12th St., Houston, TX 77008 on November 12, 2014 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm.
The evening starts with a short social period where individuals can network and visit with local environmental groups that will be participating with table top displays. The meeting will begin at 7 pm. Pizza and other refreshments will be served. Featured Presentation: Urban Bats and Bayou Colonies, by Diana Foss Speaker Bio: Diana recently retired after 30 years with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. She worked as an Urban Wildlife Technical Guidance Biologist in the Wildlife Diversity Program in the Greater Houston area. She worked with a variety of private landowners to manage, conserve and improve habitat for wildlife in urban areas. She also strategized with governmental agencies to adapt policy for wildlife, as well as share management advice on greenspaces, parks, and bayou corridors with wildlife habitat in mind. Diana helps coordinate the Houston Area Bat Team, an amazing group of trained volunteers dedicated to discovering, researching and monitoring bat populations in our region, as well as encouraging the public to value bats in our ecosystems. Diana has a B. S. degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Texas A&M University. Past Events#ParksByYou Day 2024
Time: Saturday, February 24 9 AM - 12 PM Location: 2025 West 11th Street, Houston, TX, USA Join us on February 24th for #ParksByYou Day to plant native forbs (herbaceous flowering plants) and grasses at W.11th Street and T.C. Jester Blvd. Volunteers will be divided into groups and work with Conservation staff on-site, who will provide guidance on restoring the prairie along the White Oak Bayou Greenway. White Oak Bayou Greenway is home to a scenic detention basin, hundreds of acres of grasslands, forest, and wetlands designed for flood control. With your help, Houston Parks Board is transforming over 18 miles of hike-and-bike trails along White Oak Bayou by connecting surrounding communities to parks and nature. Special thanks to Resurrection MCC church for allowing volunteers to park at their site, located at 2025 W. 11th Street. Once parked, you will cross over W.11th Street to join the Houston Parks Board along the bayou - be on the lookout for our tent and outreach table! Houston Parks Board will provide tools, gloves, and other equipment needed. Please come in weather-appropriate clothing as well as close-toed shoes that you don't mind getting a little dirty. To Register Click Here WOBA Annual Meeting
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A guided bike tour highlighting Houston’s fascinating history along White Oak Bayou.
Saturday, May 14, 2022
11:00 AM 2:00 PM
Woodland Park 212 Parkview Street, Houston, TX, 77009 (map)
Friends of Woodland Park will provided hot dogs and other yummy treats plus fun and games for the whole family.
11:00 AM 2:00 PM
Woodland Park 212 Parkview Street, Houston, TX, 77009 (map)
Friends of Woodland Park will provided hot dogs and other yummy treats plus fun and games for the whole family.
33rd Annual Meeting
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Presentation: Flood Resilience Planning for Harris County
Presenter: Craig T. Maske, P.E., CFW, Chief Planning Officer, Harris County Flood Control District, HCFCD Liaison to Harris County Infrastructure Resilience Team
Summary: The Harris County Infrastructure Resilience Team (IRT) was convened in 2020 to develop a comprehensive Flood Resilience Plan to prepare for, withstand, respond to, and recover from flood events. The cross-departmental IRT is working collaboratively with the Community Flood Resilience Task Force to develop a holistic approach to improving flood resilience, guided by principles including equity, historical problems and social vulnerabilities, reclamation and preservation of floodplains, encouraging the use of nature-based solutions, and protecting communities, homes and businesses in the county from flood-related hazards. The presentation will review the planning process, the plan status and ways that the public can participate in resilience.
Bio: Craig T. Maske, is a registered professional engineer in Texas and Missouri, a Certified Floodplain Manager, and an Envision Sustainability Professional with more than 30 years’ experience in hydrology, civil engineering, and planning. In addition to his role with the IRT, he leads HCFCD’s efforts to develop policy and criteria to address changes to rainfall resulting from NOAA Atlas 14, and for the changes that will occur due to the upcoming MAAPnext floodplain remapping project. He is also the District’s designated representative to the Houston Planning Commission.
Click Here to download the Craig's Presentation
Presenter: Craig T. Maske, P.E., CFW, Chief Planning Officer, Harris County Flood Control District, HCFCD Liaison to Harris County Infrastructure Resilience Team
Summary: The Harris County Infrastructure Resilience Team (IRT) was convened in 2020 to develop a comprehensive Flood Resilience Plan to prepare for, withstand, respond to, and recover from flood events. The cross-departmental IRT is working collaboratively with the Community Flood Resilience Task Force to develop a holistic approach to improving flood resilience, guided by principles including equity, historical problems and social vulnerabilities, reclamation and preservation of floodplains, encouraging the use of nature-based solutions, and protecting communities, homes and businesses in the county from flood-related hazards. The presentation will review the planning process, the plan status and ways that the public can participate in resilience.
Bio: Craig T. Maske, is a registered professional engineer in Texas and Missouri, a Certified Floodplain Manager, and an Envision Sustainability Professional with more than 30 years’ experience in hydrology, civil engineering, and planning. In addition to his role with the IRT, he leads HCFCD’s efforts to develop policy and criteria to address changes to rainfall resulting from NOAA Atlas 14, and for the changes that will occur due to the upcoming MAAPnext floodplain remapping project. He is also the District’s designated representative to the Houston Planning Commission.
Click Here to download the Craig's Presentation
Upper White Oak Bayou Tour - April 17, 2021
Tour let by Jim Pulliam
Trash Bash 2021 - Virtual Backyard to Bay
March 25-28, 2021
March 25-28, 2021
Two site worked by WOBA Volunteers
Locations: White Oak Park area along WOB informally called 'The Swamp' and Little Thicket
Little Thicket - 11 bags, two hubcaps and one bag of luggage
WOB Park - The Swamp - a sizable pile
Locations: White Oak Park area along WOB informally called 'The Swamp' and Little Thicket
Little Thicket - 11 bags, two hubcaps and one bag of luggage
WOB Park - The Swamp - a sizable pile
2020 Past Events
WOBA Annual Meeting
November 10th, 2020
November 10th, 2020
Introduction and Presentation:
Title: Spiritual Nourishment in Urban Riparian Habitat
Presenter: Stuart Nelson, MA - Vice President, Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center
Bio: Stuart C. Nelson is Vice-President at the Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center. He completed bachelor’s degrees in cognitive science, psychology, and religious studies at Rice University, and a master’s in religious studies at University of California at Santa Barbara. His academic work focuses on applying theories and methods from cognitive science of religion in the context of health systems. Stuart serves on the advisory committee for Houston Audubon and on the Board of Directors of The Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer.
Summary: One of many ways to define spirituality is in terms of our innate ability to connect. This relational definition inspires us to consider the ways in which we are situated in a complex web of relationships with the world. White Oak Park and the surrounding urban riparian habitat is invaluable fertile ground for connectivity. It reminds us of the nature of life is unified and diverse at the same time. This talk will encourage audience participation, celebrating these themes, featuring a couple of stories, excerpts from related texts, and expressions of gratitude to the park and those who manage it.
Questions? Please contact Bob Lee – rsigurdlee@gmail.com
White Oak Bayou Federal Flood Damage Reduction Project
Virtual Community Engagement Meeting:
AUGUST 4, 2020
TIME: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
2020 WOBA Fish-off
Canceled due to COVID 19
We hope you will join us June 2021
Canceled due to COVID 19
We hope you will join us June 2021
HISTORICAL BIKE TOUR of WHITE OAK BAYOU
Sunday, March 8th; 10:00 AM
(approx. 2 miles – 2 hrs)
Tour from Lawrence Park B-Cycle Station to Downtown Houston
Sunday, March 8th; 10:00 AM
(approx. 2 miles – 2 hrs)
Tour from Lawrence Park B-Cycle Station to Downtown Houston
2019 Past Events
Houston Area Urban Forestry Council's Annual Meeting
January 14th, 2020
6:00-9:00 pm
Saint Arnold's Brewery - Investor's Suite
2000 Lyons Ave, Houston, TX 77020
January 14th, 2020
6:00-9:00 pm
Saint Arnold's Brewery - Investor's Suite
2000 Lyons Ave, Houston, TX 77020
2019 WOBA Annual Meeting
Tuesday, November 12, 2019 – 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Historic Heights Fire Station – Street Level
107 West 12th Street, Houston, Texas 77008
Cory Stull, P.E., CFM, with Freese and Nichols, Inc.presented a high level talk on the 2017 Lower White Oak Bayou Channel Restoration Study.
Summary: A preliminary engineering analysis, commissioned by Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) and funded by Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (MHRA / TIRZ 5) demonstrates the feasibility of returning the lowest one-mile reach of channelized and concrete-lined bayou to a more natural state with no negative impact to channel conveyance and storage. Three alternative conceptual designs show a range of flood-risk reduction, environmental and socioeconomic benefit, and cost. Potential benefits include enhanced public recreation, restored wildlife habitat, and improved water quality, as well as eliminating the need for costly repair or replacement of the existing concrete liner, which is approaching the end of its service life. Analysis also shows the potential to expand restoration to other, further upstream reaches of the bayou.
Link to the HCFCD October 2017 Report prepared by Freese and Nichols, Inc. provided: Lower White Oak Bayou Channel Restoration Study
This Woodland Park Clean-up
Saturday, September 28, 2019
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Woodland Park 212 Parkview St, Houston, TX 77009
Bird Week Partner Event was held to Celebrate Houston Bird Week by helping to clean up this special urban park where, since January 1st, 112 bird species have been reported. Some photos below.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Woodland Park 212 Parkview St, Houston, TX 77009
Bird Week Partner Event was held to Celebrate Houston Bird Week by helping to clean up this special urban park where, since January 1st, 112 bird species have been reported. Some photos below.
2019 WOBA Fish-Off and
Happy Trails and Hot Dogs
May 18th, 2019
Fishing was light but there was plenty of fun at the event.
As prior years, this event was held in conjunction with Friends of Woodland Park's Happy Trails and Hot Dogs event.
Trophies were awarded to the Biggest, Ugliest and Most Unusual fish caught in the White Oak Bayou.
Other awards included Little Angler Trophies, Best Fish Lips, and Best One That Got Away Story.
There were activities for children, trail tours and free Hot Dogs for all!
Fish caught included Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Bass, Redbrested Sunfish, and Small Mouth Bass.
Happy Trails and Hot Dogs
May 18th, 2019
Fishing was light but there was plenty of fun at the event.
As prior years, this event was held in conjunction with Friends of Woodland Park's Happy Trails and Hot Dogs event.
Trophies were awarded to the Biggest, Ugliest and Most Unusual fish caught in the White Oak Bayou.
Other awards included Little Angler Trophies, Best Fish Lips, and Best One That Got Away Story.
There were activities for children, trail tours and free Hot Dogs for all!
Fish caught included Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Bass, Redbrested Sunfish, and Small Mouth Bass.
Looking for Input
If you have any questions or suggestions for WOBA events, please contact Tom Gall - Tomjgall2@gmail.com
Historic Bike Ride
March 31, 2019
Guided bicycle history tour of White Oak Bayou from The Heights to Downtown. Famed historian tour guide, Andrew Groocock provided an intriguing insight into the landscape, people, and events of the past that shaped the White Oak area.
March 31, 2019
Guided bicycle history tour of White Oak Bayou from The Heights to Downtown. Famed historian tour guide, Andrew Groocock provided an intriguing insight into the landscape, people, and events of the past that shaped the White Oak area.
River, Lakes, Bays 'N Bayou 2018 Trash Bash
March 20, 2019
The 2019 River, Lakes, Bays 'N Bayous Trash Bash® was held on March 30. The White Oak Bayou Association helped with the clean up of Woodland Park, along the Little White Oak Bayou near its confluence with White Oak Bayou. Along with the nice weather and an enthusiastic crew, we managed to pick up approximately 400 lbs of plastic and other waste, ranging from a grocery store shopping cart to an arm chair with cushions. Two other groups also collected trash along Little White Oak Bayou, one at Moody Park and the other behind the White Oak Music Hall. We are so thankful to all of the volunteers who showed-up to remove this unsightly and harmful pollution from our beloved Bayou. Statewide, almost 57 tons of trash were collected at 16 locations. Nearly 4,300 volunteers also gathered 513 tires and about 3 tons of recyclable materials, while cleaning 153 miles of shoreline. One half of the volunteers were under 18 years of age, and about 25 percent were scouts. Afterwards, participants enjoyed lunch, entertainment, and a chance to swap stories about their most unusual finds. If you didn’t make it this year, please save the date for our 2020 clean up on March 28th. Our bayous and beaches need you.
WOBA Half Moon Bay Breakfast & Clean-up
February 9, 2019
12 garage bags of trash and vines removed from the cypress trees in Margaret's Grove
2018 WOBA Annual Meeting
Tuesday, November 14, 2018
If you missed the 2018 Annual Meeting, you missed a great presentation by Andrew Groocock.
Title: A tour along White Oak Bayou within the historical core of Houston
There was plenty of free pizza and other refreshments served.
Please join us next year.
Friends of Woodland Park's Firefly Field Dedication Party
Friday, November 2, 2018
The official dedication of the #FireflyField installation at Woodland Park. It was a great night of music, food, and fun for the whole family.
White Oak Bayou Fish-Off and FWP's Happy Trails and Hot Dogs Was a Hoot!
Saturday June 2nd -Woodland Park
By popular demand the WOB Fish-Off was resurrected last year and we are going to do it again. This event was held in conjunction with Friends of Woodland Park's Happy Trails and Hot Dogs event.
Trophies were awarded to the Biggest, Ugliest and Most Unusual fish caught in the White Oak Bayou.
Other awards included Little Angler Trophies, Best Fish Lips; Best One That Got Away Story; Biggest trash item pulled from the White Oak Bayou.
There were activities for children, trail tours and free Hot Dogs for all!
Photos from the 2018 event are loaded on the
Photos from the 2017 event are loaded on the Photos page.
River, Lakes, Bays 'N Bayou 2018 Trash Bash - March 24, 2018
It was a fun morning and a great way to help improve our beloved Woodland Park.
FYI - There were a total of 469 volunteers and over 16,000 lbs of trash collected from all three Little White Oak Trash Bash sites (Moody Park, Woodland Park & White Oak Music Hall).
If interested in future clean ups, please send a note to: contact@whiteoakbayou.org
Organizer: Mark Steuer, VP White Oak Bayou Association
Clean It Like You Mean It!
Tree Planting at Half Moon Bay - May 7, 2016
Three 15 gallon cypress trees were planted in memory of long time WOBA Board member, Margaret Dower.
Margaret Dower Grove
2016-05-97 Planting Team
Car Full of Trees
March 20, 2019
The 2019 River, Lakes, Bays 'N Bayous Trash Bash® was held on March 30. The White Oak Bayou Association helped with the clean up of Woodland Park, along the Little White Oak Bayou near its confluence with White Oak Bayou. Along with the nice weather and an enthusiastic crew, we managed to pick up approximately 400 lbs of plastic and other waste, ranging from a grocery store shopping cart to an arm chair with cushions. Two other groups also collected trash along Little White Oak Bayou, one at Moody Park and the other behind the White Oak Music Hall. We are so thankful to all of the volunteers who showed-up to remove this unsightly and harmful pollution from our beloved Bayou. Statewide, almost 57 tons of trash were collected at 16 locations. Nearly 4,300 volunteers also gathered 513 tires and about 3 tons of recyclable materials, while cleaning 153 miles of shoreline. One half of the volunteers were under 18 years of age, and about 25 percent were scouts. Afterwards, participants enjoyed lunch, entertainment, and a chance to swap stories about their most unusual finds. If you didn’t make it this year, please save the date for our 2020 clean up on March 28th. Our bayous and beaches need you.
WOBA Half Moon Bay Breakfast & Clean-up
February 9, 2019
12 garage bags of trash and vines removed from the cypress trees in Margaret's Grove
2018 WOBA Annual Meeting
Tuesday, November 14, 2018
If you missed the 2018 Annual Meeting, you missed a great presentation by Andrew Groocock.
Title: A tour along White Oak Bayou within the historical core of Houston
There was plenty of free pizza and other refreshments served.
Please join us next year.
Friends of Woodland Park's Firefly Field Dedication Party
Friday, November 2, 2018
The official dedication of the #FireflyField installation at Woodland Park. It was a great night of music, food, and fun for the whole family.
White Oak Bayou Fish-Off and FWP's Happy Trails and Hot Dogs Was a Hoot!
Saturday June 2nd -Woodland Park
By popular demand the WOB Fish-Off was resurrected last year and we are going to do it again. This event was held in conjunction with Friends of Woodland Park's Happy Trails and Hot Dogs event.
Trophies were awarded to the Biggest, Ugliest and Most Unusual fish caught in the White Oak Bayou.
Other awards included Little Angler Trophies, Best Fish Lips; Best One That Got Away Story; Biggest trash item pulled from the White Oak Bayou.
There were activities for children, trail tours and free Hot Dogs for all!
Photos from the 2018 event are loaded on the
Photos from the 2017 event are loaded on the Photos page.
River, Lakes, Bays 'N Bayou 2018 Trash Bash - March 24, 2018
It was a fun morning and a great way to help improve our beloved Woodland Park.
FYI - There were a total of 469 volunteers and over 16,000 lbs of trash collected from all three Little White Oak Trash Bash sites (Moody Park, Woodland Park & White Oak Music Hall).
If interested in future clean ups, please send a note to: contact@whiteoakbayou.org
Organizer: Mark Steuer, VP White Oak Bayou Association
Clean It Like You Mean It!
Tree Planting at Half Moon Bay - May 7, 2016
Three 15 gallon cypress trees were planted in memory of long time WOBA Board member, Margaret Dower.
Margaret Dower Grove
2016-05-97 Planting Team
Car Full of Trees
Hot Topics
Houston-Galveston Area Council - Community & Environment Planning Updates
Click Here for the link to upcoming events
Bayou Preservation Association - Watershed Reports for White Oak Bayou
July 2016
WOBA's comment letter on North Houston Highway Improvement Project -I-45
STORMWATER QUALITY: George Guillen's Response of Aquatic Communities in Urban Areas of Harris County to Stream Substrate: 2007 to 2010 prepared by the Environmental Institute of Houston - University of Houston Clear Lake.
Click Here to view the Report.
Houston Bike Plan - Fore more information Click Here
Houston Parks & Recreation 2015 Parks Master Plan - For information click here.
Click Here for the link to upcoming events
Bayou Preservation Association - Watershed Reports for White Oak Bayou
July 2016
WOBA's comment letter on North Houston Highway Improvement Project -I-45
STORMWATER QUALITY: George Guillen's Response of Aquatic Communities in Urban Areas of Harris County to Stream Substrate: 2007 to 2010 prepared by the Environmental Institute of Houston - University of Houston Clear Lake.
Click Here to view the Report.
Houston Bike Plan - Fore more information Click Here
Houston Parks & Recreation 2015 Parks Master Plan - For information click here.
News/History
News:
Evelyn Shanley
We are saddened to announce the passing of our Past President and WOBA Patron, Evelyn Shanley.
The following is a link to her obituary:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/houstonchronicle/name/evelyn-shanley-obituary?id=55738842
The following is a link to her obituary:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/houstonchronicle/name/evelyn-shanley-obituary?id=55738842
City Council Meeting May 21 - Agenda Item # 40
Attention all WOBA Members and other friends of White Oak Bayou:
Houston City Council is considering the sale of approximately 3 acres of land on the White Oak Bayou Greenway to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). White Oak Bayou Association (WOBA) opposes this sale and urges all its members and other friends of White Oak Bayou to contact their council members and urge them to vote NO on this sale.
A vote on the sale, originally scheduled for the May 14 City Council meeting (Agenda Item#: 40, HPW 20RDP10272 / Fee Sale of 126,627 square feet of land/Parcel SY24-017), was postponed to provide more time for council members to consider this hastily proposed measure. The proposed sale will likely be voted on at the next council meeting on Tuesday May 21.
So there is still time to make our voices heard, but please do not delay.
The details of the proposed sale, including maps showing the location, are provided on the attached pdf. (See also our facebook page.) The essentials facts are as follows.
The 126,627 square foot (2.907 acres) tract is located along the White Oak Bayou trail, just upstream from the University of Houston Downtown (UHD) campus and Allens Landing. TxDOT wants to purchase the property for the expansion of I-45 as part of its North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) for the price $261,051.
In 2015, White Oak Bayou Association joined the Make I-45 Better coalition to make our concerns about the NHHIP known to TxDOT. Although the freeway expansion would most obviously result in a visual blight upon the landscape, the impacts are not limited to aesthetics. Additional concerns include noise and air pollution, increased runoff and flood risk, water quality degradation, and damage to habitat for birds and other wildlife, as well as the already highly impacted aquatic ecosystem.
And these environmental concerns, which are WOBA’s primary focus, do not account for a host of serious adverse community impacts which have been raised by other groups in the coalition. Further, since 2022, we have also participated with the Save White Oak Bayou coalition to stop TxDOT’s proposed elevation of I-10 from Heights Blvd to downtown, which would have similar adverse impacts.
The proposed sale of this tract of land is part of TxDOT’s steamroller approach which has effectively ignored community concerns and would essentially pave the way for irreparable damage to the stream and riparian corridor that WOBA has worked to protect and restore since 1988. This is certainly not what a 68% majority of Houston voters had in mind when they passed a $166-million bond in 2012 to fund city parks and green spaces along the waterways of the Bayou City.
Please contact your council members before next Tuesday’s council meeting and urge them to vote NO on this land sale.
The White Oak Bayou watershed takes in parts of City Council Districts A, B, C, and H. The council members for these districts and their email addresses are:
District A: Amy Peck, districta@houston.gov
District B: Tarsha Jackson, districtb@houston.gov
District C: Abbie Kamin, districtc@houston.gov
District H: Mario Castillo, districth@houston.gov
The five at-large council members and their email addresses are:
At-Large Position 1: Julian Ramirez, atlarge1@houston.gov
At-Large Position 2: Willie Davis, atlarge2@houston.gov
At-Large Position 3: Twila Carter, atlarge3@houston.gov
At-Large Position 4: Letitia Plummer, atlarge4@houston.gov
At-Large Position 5: Sallie Alcorn, atlarge5@houston.gov
The only hope we have to prevent this damage to our bayou greenway is to band together and speak out.
Thanks for your prompt action.
PS:
As a sample, here is what one WOBA board member sent to district and at-large council members ahead of the May 14 council meeting.
Dear Council Member __________:
Please vote no today on City Council Agenda Item#: 40, HPW 20RDP10272 / Fee Sale of 126,627 square feet of land/Parcel SY24-017.
The Texas Department of Transportation has requested to purchase this approximate 2.9-acre tract located in the southern portion of the White Oak Bayou Greenway for the purpose of expanding I-45. The location of the proposed purchase is close to Allens Landing, where the White Oak and Buffalo Bayou hike and bike trails meet. As such, it is in the immediate vicinity of a significant juncture of two major urban park areas enjoyed by thousands of residents.
This purchase would effectively pave the way to ruin a significant portion of Houston’s second-most used greenway. This is certainly not what a 68% majority of Houston voters had in mind when they approved a $166-million bond in 2012 to fund city parks and greenways along the waterways of the Bayou City.
Please respect the clearly stated will of the people of Houston and Vote NO on this purchase proposal.
Robert S Lee, P.G.
rsigurdlee@gmail.com
713-775-7330
Houston City Council is considering the sale of approximately 3 acres of land on the White Oak Bayou Greenway to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). White Oak Bayou Association (WOBA) opposes this sale and urges all its members and other friends of White Oak Bayou to contact their council members and urge them to vote NO on this sale.
A vote on the sale, originally scheduled for the May 14 City Council meeting (Agenda Item#: 40, HPW 20RDP10272 / Fee Sale of 126,627 square feet of land/Parcel SY24-017), was postponed to provide more time for council members to consider this hastily proposed measure. The proposed sale will likely be voted on at the next council meeting on Tuesday May 21.
So there is still time to make our voices heard, but please do not delay.
The details of the proposed sale, including maps showing the location, are provided on the attached pdf. (See also our facebook page.) The essentials facts are as follows.
The 126,627 square foot (2.907 acres) tract is located along the White Oak Bayou trail, just upstream from the University of Houston Downtown (UHD) campus and Allens Landing. TxDOT wants to purchase the property for the expansion of I-45 as part of its North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) for the price $261,051.
In 2015, White Oak Bayou Association joined the Make I-45 Better coalition to make our concerns about the NHHIP known to TxDOT. Although the freeway expansion would most obviously result in a visual blight upon the landscape, the impacts are not limited to aesthetics. Additional concerns include noise and air pollution, increased runoff and flood risk, water quality degradation, and damage to habitat for birds and other wildlife, as well as the already highly impacted aquatic ecosystem.
And these environmental concerns, which are WOBA’s primary focus, do not account for a host of serious adverse community impacts which have been raised by other groups in the coalition. Further, since 2022, we have also participated with the Save White Oak Bayou coalition to stop TxDOT’s proposed elevation of I-10 from Heights Blvd to downtown, which would have similar adverse impacts.
The proposed sale of this tract of land is part of TxDOT’s steamroller approach which has effectively ignored community concerns and would essentially pave the way for irreparable damage to the stream and riparian corridor that WOBA has worked to protect and restore since 1988. This is certainly not what a 68% majority of Houston voters had in mind when they passed a $166-million bond in 2012 to fund city parks and green spaces along the waterways of the Bayou City.
Please contact your council members before next Tuesday’s council meeting and urge them to vote NO on this land sale.
The White Oak Bayou watershed takes in parts of City Council Districts A, B, C, and H. The council members for these districts and their email addresses are:
District A: Amy Peck, districta@houston.gov
District B: Tarsha Jackson, districtb@houston.gov
District C: Abbie Kamin, districtc@houston.gov
District H: Mario Castillo, districth@houston.gov
The five at-large council members and their email addresses are:
At-Large Position 1: Julian Ramirez, atlarge1@houston.gov
At-Large Position 2: Willie Davis, atlarge2@houston.gov
At-Large Position 3: Twila Carter, atlarge3@houston.gov
At-Large Position 4: Letitia Plummer, atlarge4@houston.gov
At-Large Position 5: Sallie Alcorn, atlarge5@houston.gov
The only hope we have to prevent this damage to our bayou greenway is to band together and speak out.
Thanks for your prompt action.
PS:
As a sample, here is what one WOBA board member sent to district and at-large council members ahead of the May 14 council meeting.
Dear Council Member __________:
Please vote no today on City Council Agenda Item#: 40, HPW 20RDP10272 / Fee Sale of 126,627 square feet of land/Parcel SY24-017.
The Texas Department of Transportation has requested to purchase this approximate 2.9-acre tract located in the southern portion of the White Oak Bayou Greenway for the purpose of expanding I-45. The location of the proposed purchase is close to Allens Landing, where the White Oak and Buffalo Bayou hike and bike trails meet. As such, it is in the immediate vicinity of a significant juncture of two major urban park areas enjoyed by thousands of residents.
This purchase would effectively pave the way to ruin a significant portion of Houston’s second-most used greenway. This is certainly not what a 68% majority of Houston voters had in mind when they approved a $166-million bond in 2012 to fund city parks and greenways along the waterways of the Bayou City.
Please respect the clearly stated will of the people of Houston and Vote NO on this purchase proposal.
Robert S Lee, P.G.
rsigurdlee@gmail.com
713-775-7330
PLEASE VOICE YOUR SUPPORT FOR CONTINUING THE SHEPHERD DURHAM PROJECT
The two phase Shepherd Durham project is designed to improve drainage, plant trees, and widen the sidewalks, providing neighborhood bike and pedestrian access to White Oak Bayou. Phase 1, from 610 Loop to 15th St. is almost completed. Unfortunately, City Hall has put a ‘pause’ on Phase 2, that continues the project south to I-10. This puts $40 MM of federal money at risk that the city won’t get back. The untouched part of the corridor now is unsafe and in disrepair, and is not ADA compliant. Attached is WOBA's letter to Mayor Whitmire voicing our support for the project (feel free to borrow any portions). Also, copy this link https://chng.it/vQ76FpBrTb
to sign a petition in support and email your concerns to the Mayor, Abbie Kamin, and Council-At-Large members.
to sign a petition in support and email your concerns to the Mayor, Abbie Kamin, and Council-At-Large members.
To download
WOBA's Letter in Opposition to TxDot's I-10 Plan
To download the February 2o, 2024 letter Click Here
To download the January 31, 2024 letter, Click Here
To download the August 1, 2022 letter, Click Here
To download the January 31, 2024 letter, Click Here
To download the August 1, 2022 letter, Click Here
White Oak Bayou Federal Flood Damage Reduction Project Update
E100-00-00-E005 (FM1960 to Hollister)
E100-00-00-E007 (Hollister to Cole Creek)
- Construction is underway!
- The notice to proceed and mobilization for E100-00-00-E005 took place in mid-December and construction began in early January 2023.
- The construction contract for this segment allows for 420 calendar days.
- This project segment is expected to be completed in spring 2024.
- Trails within the project limits will remain closed for the duration of construction for safety of the public and construction personnel
E100-00-00-E007 (Hollister to Cole Creek)
- The final remaining project segment will be advertised for bids on March 31, 2023, under the new Project ID E100-00-00-E007 (formerly E100-00-00-E006).
- On June 6, 2023, a contract was awarded in the amount of $14,525,821 for this final segment.
- The Flood Control District anticipates construction beginning in summer 2023.
- The contract allows for 365 calendar days.
- This project segment is expected to be completed by summer 2024.
- Trails within the project limits will remain closed until the construction of this segment is complete for safety of the public and construction personnel.
- In the interim, the Flood Control District will continue to manage maintenance concerns, including mowing and illegal disposal issues
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MKT Spur Connector Ribbon Cutting
December 20, 2022
Link to News 88.7 article
White Oak Bayou Park Designation | Sign the Petition
We are petitioning the city of Houston to formally designate the White Oak Greenway as a city park. This will preserve natural habitat for area wildlife, provide greenspace for public use, and prevent development on this land, including the expansion of freeways.
Without formal protection, this land is not protected and can be destroyed to make way for development. Currently TxDOT has plans to clear cut 28 acres of forest to construct a detention pond, raise the freeway by 90 ft., and place numerous elevated ramps over land that is currently used by wildlife and the public.
Help us protect the White Oak Greenway by signing the petition and sharing with a friend or neighbor.
Sign the Petition
Use this link to share with friends or on social media: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/create-white-oak-bayou-park?source=direct_link&
Without formal protection, this land is not protected and can be destroyed to make way for development. Currently TxDOT has plans to clear cut 28 acres of forest to construct a detention pond, raise the freeway by 90 ft., and place numerous elevated ramps over land that is currently used by wildlife and the public.
Help us protect the White Oak Greenway by signing the petition and sharing with a friend or neighbor.
Sign the Petition
Use this link to share with friends or on social media: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/create-white-oak-bayou-park?source=direct_link&
TxDot Proposed Raising I10 main lines in the Heights - WOBA Position Statement
WOBA submitted letters to TxDOT, our State and Federal representative, and our County and City officials on the proposed raising of I 10 main lanes in the Heights.
WOBA's Position in Proposed Project
The project will increase overall road width by ~30%, and destroy an area of riparian woodlands along White Oak Bayou. A proposed detention basin to be constructed mostly under the raised freeway will likely contribute to urban blight and contaminate White Oak Bayou. Feel free to share.
We also encourage you to submit your own comments as well.
WOBA's Position in Proposed Project
The project will increase overall road width by ~30%, and destroy an area of riparian woodlands along White Oak Bayou. A proposed detention basin to be constructed mostly under the raised freeway will likely contribute to urban blight and contaminate White Oak Bayou. Feel free to share.
We also encourage you to submit your own comments as well.
11th Street Pocket Prairie Approved
Great news! Houston Parks Board has just approved the creation of a "pocket prairie" along the White Oak Bayou Bike Trail at the NW intersection of WOB and 11th Street. Photo 1 is the area as seen from the bike/pedestrian bridge which crosses the bayou just north of 11th street. The 2nd photo is of the area along the trail where it descends in a curve down toward the bayou, and photo 3 is the area seen from across the bayou.
As you may know, native prairies improve habitat for wildlife, including pollinators and birds, increase soil permeability, and save money (and pollution) as they are mowed less frequently. The area is currently covered by an exotic grass that is very poor habitat for wildlife called Kleberg Bluestem. The new prairie will have a mix of native grasses and flowering forbs (wildflowers). The area is well-trafficked, and there are plenty of places for educational signage. WOBA will play a substantial role in planting and possibly in weed control pre-planting. The area will be cleared of exotic vegetation late this Spring/early Summer, and top soil spreading and ground prep will happen sometime after that.
Although it's early days, this will be a great enhancement and start to restoring some of the natural habitat along WOB
Bayou Preservation Association - White Oak Bayou Watershed Representatives Reports
February 2022 Report Click Here to Read
WOBA's Comment Letters to TxDOT on North Houston Highway Improvement Project - I-45 to US 59
2020-05-25
2020-03-10
2020-02-07
2018-02-18
Wendy Wright's (WOBA BAYOU CITY BIRDING author) Impact Statement - Click Here to read her perspective on the impact of the re-routing of the downtown freeways to the eastern portion of the White Oak Bayou Greenway.
2019 White Oak Bayou Association Annual Meeting slide show
Subject: Lower White Oak Bayou Channel Restoration Study
By: Cory Stull, P.E., CFM a firm associate with Freese and Nichols Inc. (FNI)
Greater Houston Flood Mitigation Consortium releases two reports:
Cypress Creek Watershed Analysis of Flooding & Storage Options
and
The Flood Next Time: What we can do now
New flood alert system for White Oak Bayou can warn residents in real time
Be prepare for floods and hurricanes!
Harris County's Ready Houston site includes useful information on a range of topics from flood and hurricane preparedness all the way to weather.
Click Here to view their home page
WOBA Wildlife Habitat Committee Chair Wendy Wright writes letter to UH Downtown President requesting wildlife mitigation to be considered with UHD construction
Click Here to view the letter
TIRZ 5 Study Update
To view The Lower White Oak Bayou Channel Restoration Study Click Here.
Houston Chronicle Story October 18, 2017 - Study proposes removing White Oak Bayou's Concrete
Click Here to view
GuidryNews.com - News Release October 17, 2017
Click Here for link
WOBA Partnership in Rice University Houston Action Research Team (HART) Program
The White Oak Bayou Association (WOBA) has partnered in a student research study, funded through Rice University, to assess whether there is statistically-significant evidence that water quality data improves or is better overall in an unlined vs concrete-lined channel. The study evaluated existing water quality data, collected additional data where necessary, and analyzed the data for statistically significant trends and/or patterns between lined and unlined channels to test the hypothesis that more natural bayous have a greater ability to regulate water quality. The analysis compared data from lined and unlined segments of White Oak Bayou and other waterways in Harris County.
The HART (Rice) student team presented their White Oak Bayou water quality study at a poster session on April 12 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm at Tudor Fieldhouse on the Rice Campus with a separate presentation May 2nd. The findings will be posted on this website when they are complete.
The partnership builds upon WOBA’s recent participation in the Rice U Civic Innovation Incubator Program. The study will be posted when it is available.
Christina Hughes, Former WOBA Trustee and Rice University graduate, had an article based on her graduate research which was partially supported by WOBA and TIRZ 5 published November 22, 2016 in ASCE's Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering: Hydrologic Performance of Watershed-Scale Low-Impact Development in a High-Intensity Railfall Region.
Harris County Flood Control's Lower White Oak Bayou Channel Restoration Study funding by City of Houston Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) 5
Can White Oak Bayou shed its concrete? Study looks at possibilities - Houston Chronicle July 12, 2016 article by Mihir Zaveri
Houston’s White Oak Bayou Could Get A New Look - Houston Public Media | Posted on July 18, 2016, 6:57 AM by Gail Delaughter
History:
Click on images below to view.
White Oak Bayou: Benefits of a Restored Urban Stream
Presentation by Benjamin Jones at the 2016 White Oak Bayou Annual meeting November 15th, 2016
Clink link for PDF version
To read Ben Jones' paper presented for Rice Intern Studies - Click Here
White Oak Bayou: History of a Houston Waterway
by Benjamin Jones July 2016
Study as part of Rice University's Center for Civic Leadership internship with the White Oak Bayou Association
Click link for PDF version
White Oak Bayou wins Rice University 2016 Civic Innovation Incubator Award This March, the White Oak Bayou Association participated in the Rice University Civic Innovation Incubator workshop as a Community Partner. The one-day workshop pairs undergraduate students with local nonprofit organizations to help brainstorm solutions to the organizations’ institutional and outreach-based challenges. WOBA submitted a proposal outlining our efforts and goals for broadening our membership base and increasing community engagement for restoration of the Bayou. After meeting briefly with representatives from the WOBA Board, a three-person undergraduate student team brainstormed and presented their ideas to address this challenge. Their presentation was well thought-out and included innovative ideas such as interactive website improvements, social media campaigns, and signage around the bayou. The students were judged by community volunteers on their solutions and presentations as part of the workshop. We are thrilled to announce that the White Oak Bayou student group took home third place out of ten teams! Much to our benefit, the prize includes a summer internship for one of the students to implement their ideas, which will be fully-funded by Rice University. WOBA is currently working with Rice to organize and select an intern to focus on increasing our local presence and community engagement for the summer 2016. See "White Oak Bayou: History of a Houston Waterway" above.
Wright-Bembry Park Renovation
Turkey Gully Survey Update - November 2015
Army Corps of Engineers awards $71.9 million contract to rehabilitate Addicks, Barker dams
2015-09-22 Houston Parks Board White Oak Bayou Greenway Update
2002 WOBA Newsletter with Lynda Mifsud's (WOBA founder) Profile
1991 White Oak Bayou Resource Inventory
1922 Lower White Oak Map
Presentation by Benjamin Jones at the 2016 White Oak Bayou Annual meeting November 15th, 2016
Clink link for PDF version
To read Ben Jones' paper presented for Rice Intern Studies - Click Here
White Oak Bayou: History of a Houston Waterway
by Benjamin Jones July 2016
Study as part of Rice University's Center for Civic Leadership internship with the White Oak Bayou Association
Click link for PDF version
White Oak Bayou wins Rice University 2016 Civic Innovation Incubator Award This March, the White Oak Bayou Association participated in the Rice University Civic Innovation Incubator workshop as a Community Partner. The one-day workshop pairs undergraduate students with local nonprofit organizations to help brainstorm solutions to the organizations’ institutional and outreach-based challenges. WOBA submitted a proposal outlining our efforts and goals for broadening our membership base and increasing community engagement for restoration of the Bayou. After meeting briefly with representatives from the WOBA Board, a three-person undergraduate student team brainstormed and presented their ideas to address this challenge. Their presentation was well thought-out and included innovative ideas such as interactive website improvements, social media campaigns, and signage around the bayou. The students were judged by community volunteers on their solutions and presentations as part of the workshop. We are thrilled to announce that the White Oak Bayou student group took home third place out of ten teams! Much to our benefit, the prize includes a summer internship for one of the students to implement their ideas, which will be fully-funded by Rice University. WOBA is currently working with Rice to organize and select an intern to focus on increasing our local presence and community engagement for the summer 2016. See "White Oak Bayou: History of a Houston Waterway" above.
Wright-Bembry Park Renovation
Turkey Gully Survey Update - November 2015
Army Corps of Engineers awards $71.9 million contract to rehabilitate Addicks, Barker dams
2015-09-22 Houston Parks Board White Oak Bayou Greenway Update
2002 WOBA Newsletter with Lynda Mifsud's (WOBA founder) Profile
1991 White Oak Bayou Resource Inventory
1922 Lower White Oak Map
