MAKE AN IMPACT

Explore the many ways you can support Willow Waterhole and help make a lasting impact where nature and community thrive. 

Supporting Willow Waterhole goes beyond one-time donations. From monthly giving and employer match programs to legacy gifts, in-kind donations, and even sponsorships, there are many ways to make a lasting difference. Every contribution, big or small, helps us protect this 291-acre urban oasis for wildlife, recreation, and the community. 

Ways to Give

• Become a Member

• Make a One-Time or Monthly Donation

• Honor a Loved One

• Corporate Matching Gifts

• Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)

• IRA Charitable Distributions

• Planned Giving

Click below to explore all the ways you can give and grow your impact. 

The Donald Perkins Neighborhood Trail

On Saturday, May 17th, a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the Donald Perkins Neighborhood Trail. This trail is named in honor of the late Donald Ray Perkins, Jr. for his dedicated public service as a City Planner and Chief of Staff for District K Councilmembers Larry Green and Martha Castex-Tatum. The Trail connects the heart of Westbury at West Bellfort and Chimney Rock to the beautiful Willow Waterhole Greenway via a utility easement.  It can also be accessed via New Street from Kingfisher and from Sanford.  The Kinder Foundation provided the funding for the Trail as part of the Conservancy's Discover Your Greenway Capital Campaign, and the Conservancy managed the project and maintains the Trail.  

Donald’s family, District K Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, district staff, representatives from the Westbury Area Improvement Corporation and Westbury Civic Club, Neighborhood to Trails Southwest, Brays Oaks Management District, the Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority, members of the Conservancy, and neighborhood residents were all on hand for the dedication.

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our four outgoing board members for their dedication, leadership, and years of service to the Conservancy.

The Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy Board recently bid farewell to four key board members: Bill Burhans, Becky Edmondson, Valerie Runge, and Howard Sacks. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the organization's vision and success.

Bill Burhans, who joined the Conservancy in 2014 and left in June 2025 as President, organized over 100 conservation workdays and advised on more than 60 Eagle/Gold Award projects. His efforts led to a successful $12M capital campaign to make the Greenway more accessible for Houstonians.

Becky Edmondson, a dedicated member of the Maplewood South and Westbury communities since 2001, introduced Trees for Houston and led various volunteer projects. She served on several local boards and commissions, including Keep Houston Beautiful. 

Valerie Runge, who has lived in Post Oak Manor since 1994, joined the board in 2012 and served as secretary and treasurer. She played a significant role in preserving natural habitats and managing the organization's finances.

Howard Sacks was the first president of the Willow Waterhole Greenway Conservancy from 2001 to 2014. He transformed 300 acres into a community space and initiated community events, including the Conservancy’s first jazz festival. 

As these members move on to new endeavors, their legacy will continue to inspire future efforts in environmental conservation and community engagement.

Howard Sacks and
Bill Burhans

Meet the 2025-2026 Willow Waterhole
Greenway Conservancy Board

• David Naff, President

• Bill King, Vice President

• Barbara Richards, Recording Secretary

• Mary Tysor, Treasurer

• Richard Ball

• Jay Broadfoot

• Tina Bryan

• Tony Fisher

• Sophie Adams, Community Affairs Advisor, Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis

• Mary Ann Beauchemin,  Bird Survey Leader, Houston Audubon Society

• Adrin Biagas, Real Estate Manager, Houston Parks Board

• Bill Burhans, Immediate Past President, Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy

• Cindy Chapman, Brays Oak Management District Secretary and Past Board Member, Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy

• DiDi Chavis, Chief of Staff, District K Councilmember

• Becky Edmondson, WAIC President and Past Board Member, Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy

• Megan Gottselig, Forestry Manager, Harris County Flood Control District, 

• Edith Napoleon, Vice President, Precinct 287 Civic Club

• Valerie Runge, Past Board Member and Treasurer, Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy

• Howard Sacks, Chairman, Levitt Pavilion and Past Board Member, Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy