WHAT'S NEW ON THE TRAIL
There's progress around every corner. Discover the latest additions and ongoing projects bringing new life to Willow Waterhole's trails and greenspace.
A Note from Daniel Millikin, Our New Executive Director
I’m so excited to step into the role of Executive Director for the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy. Many of you may know me from my years working in Houston’s gardening and environmental community, helping people connect with plants, soil, and the larger natural systems that make this city so vibrant.
Before joining Willow Waterhole, I was deep into Houston’s horticulture/conservation scene and led educational outreach through radio, television, and nonprofit work with the Houston Botanic Garden, Memorial Park Conservancy, and the Organic Horticulture Benefits Alliance. My passion rests in guiding people to see how science and nature come together in the land, and how caring for nature connects us more deeply to each other.
What draws me most to Willow Waterhole is its spirit of community. This place shows what’s possible when people come together to restore, protect, and celebrate our shared green space. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of that story — and I can’t wait to work alongside all of you to see what we’ll grow next.
Parking at the GreenwayBig news: the expanded Dryad parking lot was completed in March 2025. This doubled the number of spots from 35 to 70! If you’ve visited on a weekend or evening lately, you’ve probably noticed it’s been bustling with activity.
Looking for other places to park and start your Greenway adventure? Check out our newly finished lots at 11100 and 11400 Clematis Lane (near Willow Lake) and 4800 Gasmer Drive (at Prairie Lake). They’re perfect launch points for hiking, biking, or just soaking up the scenery.
These improvements were all part of the Conservancy’s Discover Your Greenway capital campaign which focused on making the Greenway more accessible and enjoyable for all.
Thanks to generous supporters, the campaign also brought:
· 8 miles of ADA-accessible trails with wayfinding and educational signage
· 40 new benches and picnic tables
· 5 safe street crossings
· A scenic pier
· And even more trees!
We’re thrilled to see more and more visitors enjoying everything the Greenway has to offer and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.
Safer Crossings Ahead
New speed humps and safety signs were added on the 5300 block of Gasmer Drive at the busy pedestrian crossing between Westbury and Triangle Lakes.
In total, five new safe street crossings were completed in 2024 — including two on South Willow, and one each on Ricecrest, South Post Oak, and Gasmer. These improvements make it safer and easier to access all six lakes across the Greenway.
FLORA & FAUNA SPOTLIGHT
Each issue, we will shine a light on a fascinating resident, from rooted natives to winged visitors and everything in between. Keep an eye out next time you're on the trails -- you just might spot them yourself!
Turks Cap
Mottled Duck
Here’s more about this unique bird:
Feeding Behavior – Forages in shallow water by dabbling in the mud just below the surface, occasionally upending. Ducklings often dive to feed; adults rarely do.
Diet – Eats seeds of aquatic plants and grasses, insects, snails, and sometimes small fish. Ducklings feed mostly on insects and invertebrates.
Nesting – Builds a shallow bowl of grasses and reeds, lined with down and breast feathers.
MAKE AN IMPACT
Explore the many ways your 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 MemberMake a One-Time or Monthly DonationHonor a Loved OneCorporate Matching GiftsDonor-Advised Funds (DAFs)IRA Charitable DistributionsPlanned 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
Valerie Runge
Far right: Becky Edmondson
Meet the 2025-2026 Willow Waterhole Greenway Conservancy Board
David Naff, PresidentBill King, Vice PresidentBarbara Richards, Recording SecretaryMary Tysor, TreasurerRichard BallTina BryanTony FisherJustin HancockDanny HaskinTrudy HolmesLuanne NovakAlejandro RamirezJohnny RichardsonKimberly Strobel
Meet the 2025-2026 Willow Waterhole Greenway Advisory Board
Sophie Adams, Community Affairs Advisor, Office of Commissioner Rodney EllisMary Ann Beauchemin, Bird Survey Leader, Houston Audubon SocietyAdrin Biagas, Real Estate Manager, Houston Parks BoardJay Broadfoot, Board Member, Levitt Pavilion HoustonBill Burhans, Immediate Past President, Willow Waterhole Greenspace ConservancyCindy Chapman, Brays Oak Management District Secretary and Past Board Member, Willow Waterhole Greenspace ConservancyDiDi Chavis, Chief of Staff, District K CouncilmemberBecky Edmondson, WAIC President and Past Board Member, Willow Waterhole Greenspace ConservancyMegan Gottselig, Forestry Manager, Harris County Flood Control District, Edith Napoleon, Vice President, Precinct 287 Civic ClubValerie Runge, Past Board Member and Treasurer, Willow Waterhole Greenspace ConservancyHoward Sacks, Chairman, Levitt Pavilion and Past Board Member, Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy
Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy is Emissions-Free, Thanks to Green Mountain Energy Sun Club
Greenspace operations get even greener following electrification of maintenance fleet and power tools.
Green Mountain Energy Sun Club is helping a beautiful greenspace in Southwest Houston become even greener. Thanks to a $93,000 grant to fund four new electric utility terrain vehicles and all-electric maintenance equipment, Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy is now emissions-free.
By electrifying its maintenance equipment—including three electric golf carts and one Polaris electric utility vehicle—Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy is leading the way as one of the few regional conservancies to fully transition to electric utility vehicles. This transition, which also includes a riding lawnmower, leaf blowers, and weed eaters, will reduce the nonprofit’s carbon footprint by avoiding 6,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually and saving 300 gallons of fuel, equating to $2,000 in annual operating costs. Coupled with the 2,000 trees currently on the property, which are projected to absorb 96,000 pounds of CO2 annually, these advancements position Willow Waterhole as an emissions-free space.
“Greenspaces are the living heart of sustainability and we’re honored to support Willow Waterhole on becoming emission-free,” said Andrea Ortega-Toledano, senior director of sustainability, Green Mountain Energy. “This location’s role in stormwater detention is vital to our region and their work in preserving the environment is essential to safeguarding our future.”
Green Mountain Energy’s mission is to inspire hope and motivate action through the use of clean energy, and to advance sustainable communities through Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club has donated more than $14 million for 164 projects across Texas and the Northeast. Green Mountain Energy invites its customers and employees to contribute and help support more projects that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation and environmental stewardship.
Regular Patrols at the Greenway
The Conservancy recently contracted with Cascadia Global Services to conduct regular patrols at the Greenway to supplement HPD. Cascadia security personnel are licensed veterans and off-duty law enforcement officers. The presence of Cascadia, security cameras, and increased visitation at the Greenway deters unlawful activities.
Thanks to the contributors to the Conservancy's annual fund and membership campaigns for helping support additional services. Contributions can be made at https://www.willowwaterhole.org/ways-to-give
STAY CONNECTED
Your support keeps Willow Waterhole growing! Every dollar and every volunteer hour makes a difference. Whether you're ready to dig in or give back, we invite you to be part of what's next.
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This Texas tough native thrives in shade, extreme heat, and drought. It is a low growing perennial shrub that spreads easily with leaves that look like baseball mitts. The Turk’s cap flowers get their common name because of their red upright blooms that resemble a Turkism turban. The flowers eventually turn into tiny, red apple-like fruits that are a favorite of birds and other wildlife.
Source: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Keep an eye out for the Mottled Duck as you walk through Willow Waterhole. Depending on the season, you may spot ducklings trailing behind their mother.
Both males and females are mostly brown and buff. Males have bright yellow bills, while females have greenish-yellow to orange bills, sometimes with dark markings.
