Planning

The Conservancy coordinates with stakeholder groups in government, the nonprofit sector, and the community to develop and carry out plans that will ensure the unique park’s success for generations to come. Major plans include opening Prairie Lake to the public, adding restrooms, completing new trails and upgrading existing ones, and helping plan the Levitt Pavilion Houston music venue at the former Shell Research Center property adjacent to the Greenway.

Stewardship

The Conservancy has partnered with many advocacy groups to restore the native prairie, preserve the endangered Texas prairie dawn-flower (Hymenoxys texana), plan and maintain trees, stock the ponds, mow the green areas, protect wildlife and habitats, eradicate invasive flora and fauna, and educate the public about flood water detention.

Community Engagement

The Conservancy relies on its many volunteers to help maintain the park and its amenities, host community events, and fundraise for projects. It leads 20 volunteer Conservation Workdays and Scout projects annually and offers a stewardship program for volunteers. It welcomes partnerships with neighborhood civic clubs, community organizations, Scout troops, garden clubs, a range of consultants, and interested individuals.

If you’d like more info on volunteering: contact volunteer@willowwaterhole.org.

Follow us on Facebook and through The Watering Hole newsletter for updates, events, news, and volunteer opportunities.

Programming

The Conservancy supports a full calendar of activities that promote the Greenway as an outdoor destination for individuals, families, school groups, community organizations, athletes, and musicians, including events such as cross-country meets, and October’s MusicFest with Halloween Trunk or Treat. Members conduct tours of the Greenway and speak at schools, community groups, and civic organizations.

Willow Waterhole Greenway was chosen in 2013 as the future site for Levitt Pavilion Houston, an outdoor music pavilion seating up to 5,000 people. The site was relocated to the former Shell Oil Technology Center site, situated adjacent to the Greenway. Levitt Pavilion and the surrounding park’s master plan connect the new site seamlessly with Willow Waterhole Greenway. Construction will begin in 2024, with the first free concert planned for 2025.

Support

We invite you to support the Conservancy and Greenway—our park, activities, and plans—through memberships, donations, and volunteer opportunities as we continue to develop our unique gem of nature right here in southwest Houston. For more information, please visit our Support page.

Fundraising

Willow Waterhole Greenway is supported financially by Conservancy memberships, private donations, planned giving, grants, and fundraising outreach by Conservancy members. To discuss ways you can help fundraise for our beautiful park, contact info@willowwaterhole.org.

Join Friends of Levitt Pavilion Houston

The Friends of Levitt Pavilion Houston are working with the Los Angeles-based Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation to design and build an outside music venue—Levitt Pavilion Houston—that will provide 40 free concerts a year and enhance economic development in the area. This nonprofit group welcomes donors and members to its Founders Circle of donors to help in budgeting, master planning, and marketing.