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.
IMAGINE MORE...Become a Volunteer!
We ask you to help us Imagine More. Join us in protecting, managing, and reimagining Willow Waterhole—for nature, for community, and for the future. Become a volunteer!
In 2026, Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy celebrates a remarkable milestone—our 25th anniversary. Over the past quarter-century, neighbors, volunteers, and partners have transformed an extraordinary vision into a living, thriving greenspace in the heart of our community.
With a $12,000,000 capital campaign nearly complete, the Conservancy is entering an exciting new phase—one focused on innovative programs, long-term stewardship, and strong governance to ensure Willow Waterhole continues to flourish for generations to come.
Volunteering is a chance to help shape the future of one of Houston’s unique natural spaces. Opportunities are available on a variety of committees supporting environmental education, conservation, community engagement, fundraising, finance, planning, and park maintenance. Whether you are a seasoned professional, a passionate advocate, or someone eager to learn and give back, there is a meaningful role for you.
As we celebrate 25 years of impact, we ask you to help us Imagine More. Be a part of protecting, managing, and reimagining Willow Waterhole—for nature, for community, and for the future. Click HERE to take the first step.
Construction at the Native Prairie Preserve
Construction work has begun on a 0.3-mile boardwalk trail in the Native Prairie Preserve at Willow Waterhole Greenway.
Some background on the Prairie Preserve: After the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) purchased property east of South Post Oak Road near Gasmer Drive for stormwater detention in 2003, they discovered fifteen acres of untouched native coastal prairie. Today, only 1% of coastal prairie remains in Texas due to agricultural use and urbanization. The native prairie was fenced off and preserved, and a review was conducted by local environmental experts and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They identified 265 native plant species, including one endangered plant (Texas Prairie Dawn) and two threatened species (Houston Camphor Daisy and Texas Windmill Grass).
HCFCD commissioned surveys and an access master plan, removed non-native invasive species, and propagated additional native plantings. In late 2020, HCFCD informed the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy that the fifteen acres could be developed for public access in an environmentally sensitive way in accordance with the master plan.
The Conservancy launched their successful Discover Your Greenway capital fundraising campaign in 2021 and it included project plans to build a boardwalk trail, a viewing area, an outdoor classroom, and install educational signage. In 2023, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department awarded a $1M grant to the Conservancy for the project and private foundations and garden clubs have provided additional funding.
The project is expected to be completed in April, at the height of native plant blooms. Updates on project progress will be provided. We ask everyone to please observe safety rules and stay clear of the construction zone.
Why Are There Fences in the Water at
Willow Waterhole?
If you’ve walked the trails lately, you may have noticed something unusual in the water: small, fenced-in boxes filled with tall grasses and reeds. You’ll see them in Scout, Heron, and Willow Lakes. These structures are part of an important restoration project and highlight a quiet battle happening beneath the surface.
Willow Waterhole’s wetlands, which span nearly 30 acres, are meant to be filled with dense native vegetation. Plants like bulrush, cattail, and other emergent reeds stabilize shorelines, filter water, slow erosion, provide wildlife habitat, and hold the entire wetland system together. When those plants disappear, the wetland doesn’t just look bare. It stops functioning.
Unfortunately, we’ve got a wetland saboteur: sand carp.
Sand carp are invasive fish that treat wetland plants like an all-you-can-eat buffet. They uproot vegetation, churn up sediment, and strip away young shoots before they ever get the chance to establish. These fish destroy the very habitat that supports the birds, amphibians, insects, and water quality we are working to protect.
So, our team at the Waterhole is taking a two-pronged approach. First, we actively fish for sand carp. Every single one removed is one less plowing through our plantings.
Second, in partnership with the Harris County Flood Control District, we built experimental fenced enclosures. These fenced boxes protect native plants during their most vulnerable stage. Once the reeds inside the enclosures grow tall and strong enough, they can begin to anchor the area, spread outward, and better resist grazing and uprooting.
When you see those fences in the water, that’s restoration in action.
