willow waterhole - Harris County Flood Control District

Transcription

WILLOW WATERHOLE
PRAIRIE MANAGEMENT AREA
PUBLIC ACCESS PLAN
HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
Prepared by Asakura Robinson | November 2014
Willow Waterhole Prairie Management Area Public Access Plan . Harris County Flood Control District | Asakura Robinson
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1
BACKGROUND
2
SITE FEATURES
3
TIMELINE
1-10
2
4
9
PURPOSE
SITE CONTEXT
STAKEHOLDERS
11-18
12
13
16
18
BASIN
PRAIRIE
VEGETATION
WILDLIFE
19-26
20
PROCESS
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
24
4
PUBLIC ACCESS PLAN
5
APPENDICES
SITE PLAN
SPACES AND PLACES
TRAILS
FURNISHINGS
IMPLEMENTATION & MANAGEMENT
APPENDIX I: Species Plant List
APPENDIX II: Willow Waterhole Bird Survey
APPENDIX III: Community Workshop Meeting Notes
APPENDIX IV: Meadowlark Program
Client Contact:
Carolyn White
Harris County Flood Control District
[email protected]
www.hcfcd.org
713.684.4000
i-iv
Consultant Contact:
Zakcq Lockrem
Asakura Robinson
[email protected]
www.AsakuraRobinson.com
713.426.2054
27-52
29
31
40
43
51
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XIII
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
HOUSTON
Brays Bayou
Watershed
Willow Waterhole
Stormwater Detention Basin
Prairie
Management Area
Mowed
Meadow
Slope Grass/
Forest
Gasmer
Drive
Not to Scale
Willow Waterhole Compartment #3 Transect
As part of the Brays Bayou
Federal Flood Damage Reduction Project
(Project Brays), Harris County Flood Control
District (HCFCD) purchased 279 acres that
make up the Willow Waterhole detention basin
complex. When complete, Willow Waterhole
will consist of six compartments ranging
in size from 10 to 110 acres. This Plan
addresses an area of Compartment #3, where
the endangered plant species, Hymenoxys
texana, and extant coastal prairie habitat were
discovered. The discovery of this rare plant
and associated habitat led to the restoration
of 15 acres of native coastal prairie alongside
the detention basin.
In addition to providing space for passive
recreation and habitat education, the prairie
restoration at Willow Waterhole is also an
effort to reconnect the site to an evolving
patchwork of other reclaimed native prairie
landscapes for the Houston region. On a
more formal level within this regional
perspective, the site context of the
Prairie Management Area (PMA)
is also heavily influenced by
Willow Waterhole’s location
within the Brays Bayou
watershed. As a large tract of
undeveloped land near Willow
Waterhole, a key tributary
of Brays Bayou, the PMA is
naturally positioned to be a
key piece of a larger watershed
management strategy.
Above: Willow Waterhole Concept
Master Plan, with the Prairie
Management Area outlined in red.
Right: Texas Prairie Dawn (Hymenoxys
texana) Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife,
Image courtesy Jaime Gonzalez. See
Appendix I for a list of plant species.
Industrial
CONTEXT
Bottom
Shelf
Emergent and
Submerged
Wetlands
Forested
Island
Emergent and
Submerged
Wetlands
ii
SITE FEATURES The prairie landscape fits into a larger transect
of Willow Waterhole Compartment #3 approximating the topographical
features that have historically defined the Texas Gulf Coast. Just as this
transect for the region begins with the coastal marshes and lower banks
of the bayous, at Willow Waterhole it begins from within the basin where
new marsh and bottomland forest habitat will take root.
As the slope begins to level off at the upper banks of the basin, the
bottomland forest reemerges but soon transitions into the prairie. Within
the restored tallgrass prairie, visitors will encounter a slightly undulating Indian Paintbrush
terrain of wet and dry prairie with a great diversity of native plant species
that will change in color and texture throughout the year with small mottes
of large trees punctuating the prairie and providing a sense of constancy.
From basin bottom to prairie, all of these landscape areas combine to form
a rich mosaic of habitat at Willow Waterhole. But it is the prairie which
is most unique as it is so significantly threatened within the region. By
insuring its continued existence, visitors are treated to a more complete
living lense onto the biodiversity of plant and animal life that exists within
the larger region.
Indigo Bunting
Approximately fifty stakeholders attended
the first workshop on April 10th, 2014 - from
interested locals to experts on coastal prairie
plants and wildlife. This first workshop, with
a guided tour of the PMA and a discussion
of the prairie’s ecological and cultural
value, and the importance of public access,
informed the conceptual plan. At a second
workshop, on May 13th, residents responded
to the draft plan and discussed particular
elements of the site in more detail.
Guided site tour during the first community workshop
Bottom
Shelf
Slope Grass/
Forest
Mowed
Meadow
Prairie
Wet Prairie
Upland Forest
Drainage
Swale
Residential
Warm
Springs
Road
iii
PUBLIC ACCESS PLAN The Willow Waterhole Public Access Plan is an integral part
of the existing Coastal Prairie Management Plan, joining the natural and cultural benefits of the
prairie. This Public Access Plan not only provides protection to the natural features of the prairie,
but also identifies areas for public amenities, interpretive signage, and educational opportunities
that will allow the space to be enjoyed by the community, while bringing awareness tof the sensitive
landscape conditions of the Gulf Coast prairie, the region’s most endangered landscape.
The Public Access Plan includes detailed
information about the following proposed site
features:
TRAILHEADS: Two trailheads, at Gasmer Street
and at Warm Springs Road, serve as the
gateways to the Prairie Management Area
from the surrounding neighborhood, while two
others serve as linkages between the PMA and
the adjacent detention basin area.
Perspective rendering of Neighborhood Trailhead
Plan of Parking Trailhead
Viewing Areas: At both the Windwood and
Gasmer Drive trailheads, and additionally
at the two Hymenoxys texana study areas it
is recommended that viewing platforms are
created as integral features of these spaces.
These are areas where visitors should be
encouraged to pause, rest, observe both the
immediate and larger environment, orient
themselves, and appreciate the surrounding
landscape. The image at bottom left depicts
a concept for a Hymenoxys texana viewing
platform.
TRAILS: Two primary trails— one oriented to the
PMA and another oriented to the basin— will
allow visitors to easily circulate through much
of the site, and visually appreciate its full
extent, while respecting the sensitive needs of
the habitat areas.
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM: Within the largest
existing tree motte of the PMA, it is
recommended that an outdoor classroom be
constructed to accommodate 15 individuals
comfortably for visiting school classes or other
on-site educational programs.
Elevation of
Viewing Platform
at the Hymenoxys
texana study area
GATHERING AREAS: It is recommended that one
or more clusters of tables be located along the
top-of-bank basin trail close to the PMA to
offer a place to gather and seek desirable views
of both the prairie and the basin.
WINDWOOD
iv
NEIGHBORHOOD TRAILHEAD
VIEWING PLATFORM
EASEMENT TRAILHEAD
WARM SPRINGS DRIVE
FOREST BUFFER
DRAINAGE EASEMENT
WET COASTAL PRAIRIE REMNANT
GAT
HER
ING
ARE
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
A
PRAIRIE TRAIL
COASTAL PRAIRIE REMNANT
HYMENOXYS TEXANA STUDY AREA
VIEWING PLATFORM
WE
TL
A
ND
S
LINE OF FENCE /
PRAIRIE MANAGEMENT
EL
INE AREA BOUNDARY
PIP
M
EA
SE
ME
N
IO
AT
IG
IT
VIEWING PLATFORM
HYMENOXYS TEXANA
STUDY AREA
NT
BOTTOM SHELF
TOP-OF-BANK TRAIL
PARKING
GASMER DRIVE
0
50
100
200
PARKING TRAILHEAD
SITE FURNISHINGS: The quality and
availability of elements such as fencing,
seating and bike racks has a significant
impact on the visitor’s experience.
Recommendations for types and placement
of these elements were defined with
input from community members using
a visual preference survey at the second
community meeting.
SIGNAGE: Effective signage that engages
visitors is one of the best means of
insuring that the site is properly used
and appreciated. In addition to standard
functional signage communicating rules
of use and directions, there is a need for
educational signage that communicates a
deeper level of information about the site
context that might address everything from
plant species, to site history, to details
about the prairie restoration process.
IMPLEMENTATION
This Public
Access Plan outlines a vision for the PMA and the
adjacent basin area to be linked both physically
and programmatically, but in actuality the two
areas will be managed as seperate entities and
their respective development trajectories will
follow very different timelines. Although the
PMA is currently accessible as public open
space, it is not mapped, identified or promoted
as such. This Public Access Plan envisions
a process whereby this area will become
formalized as a public nature park and better
integrated into the Willow Waterhole Greenway.
To reach this goal, the PMA will require the
same partnership that has shepherded it until
now, combined with a new third party agency
that has the resources and willingness to
realize and maintain many of the site amenities
outlined in this plan.
1
CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND
2
PURPOSE As part of the Brays Bayou
Federal Flood Damage Reduction Project
(Project Brays), Harris County Flood Control
District (HCFCD) purchased 279 acres that
make up the Willow Waterhole detention
basin complex. When complete, Willow
Waterhole will consist of six compartments
ranging in size from 10 to 110 acres.
The Willow Waterhole Public Access Plan
addresses an area of Compartment #3, where
the endangered plant species, Hymenoxys
texana, and extant coastal prairie habitat
were discovered. The discovery of this rare
plant and associated habitat (see Figure
1.2) during the environmental assessment,
required by the National Environmental
Policy Act, led to the restoration of 15
acres of native coastal prairie alongside the
detention basin.
Figure 1.2: Texas Prairie Dawn
(Hymenoxys texana) was
listed on the endangered
species list in 1985. Its
habitat consists of sparsely
vegetated areas on saline
soils in the coastal prairie
grasslands, located in Fort
Bend and Harris counties
of southeast Texas. These
annuals are one of state’s
smallest sunflowers, ranging
from one to six inches in height,
topped with a yellow flower head (from
March to early April) that is less than 1/2-inch
in diameter. Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife,
Image courtesy of Jaime Gonzalez. See
Appendix I for a list of plant species.
Figure 1.1: View of remnant coastal prairie
within Prairie Management Area.
Image courtesy of HCFCD
3
The Prairie habitats and Texas Prairie Dawn (Hymenoxys texana), found at Willow Waterhole
Compartment #3, represent remnants of the critically impaired, native Gulf coastal prairie,
which once stretched from Lafayette, Louisiana to Corpus Christi, Texas (Figure 1.3). These
habitats have been compromised by farming, grazing and urbanization, leaving only one to two
percent of its area remaining.2 In an effort to restore the prairie habitat of Willow Waterhole
Compartment #3, referred to as the Prairie Management Area, HCFCD developed the Coastal
Prairie Management Plan in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),
receiving input from various entities: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Coastal Prairie
Partnership, Houston Audubon, Houston Master Naturalists and Texas A&M University. The
plan called for tree removal, removal of exotic (non-native) vegetation, tree evaluation, motte
creation, prairie establishment, site management, monitoring and maintenance. HCFCD
has been monitoring the habitat since 2010 and has identified approximately 265 native
plant species (see Appendix I). The Public Access Plan will supplement the Coastal Prairie
Management Plan, joining the natural and cultural benefits of the prairie. Appropriate and
well-planned potential use of the Prairie Management area, by the public and stakeholders,
will benefit the long-term health of the prairie. A healthy and well-managed prairie will
contribute to, improve, and provide environmental education opportunities to the increased
diversity of plant and animal species, and improve stormwater quality by supporting soil
infiltration that contributes to the reduction of surface runoff. This Public Access Plan not
only provides protection to the natural features of the prairie, but also identifies areas for
public amenities (trails, seating areas, etc.), signage, and educational opportunities that will
allow the space to be enjoyed by the community, while bringing awareness to the sensitive
landscape conditions of the Gulf coast prairie.
Figure 1.3: Historic range of the coastal prairie ecosystem.
Image courtesy of Coastal Prairie Partnership
4
SITE CONTEXT While the site context of the Willow Waterhole Prairie Management
Area is most readily defined by the land use and character of its immediate landscape, it is
also heavily shaped by the project’s relationship to a number of broader planning initiatives
that influence land use at local and regional levels.
LEGEND
3
3
Protected prairie sites
3
Key Prairies
3
1 Willow Waterhole
15 acres
2 Lawther - Deer Park Prairie
51 acres
Katy
Houston
3 Katy Prairie
13,000 acres
4 Texas City Prairie Preserve
2,300 acres
2
1
Pasadena
5
Rosenberg
5 Armand Bayou Nature Center
700 acres
Pearland
League
City
4
Texas
City
Galveston
Figure 1.4: Regional map of managed
prairie sites; Interactive map available at
prairiepartner.org Source: Coastal Praire
Partnership and Google Maps.
0
6.5mi
13mi
26mi
From a big picture perspective, the prairie restoration at Willow Waterhole is an effort to
reconnect the site to an evolving patchwork of other reclaimed native prairie landscapes for
the region. This effort is diffuse and at times far-flung, involving a diversity of management
agencies and individuals dedicated to restoring sites from the Katy Prairie to the Deer Park
Prairie and smaller ‘pocket prairies’ located in between. Although no single organizing
structure is spearheading these efforts, there is the semblance of a shared vision among
participating groups as most of these sites are being restored and evolving along a similar
trajectory. They are guided by similar values and goals, similar management structures and
ultimately they contribute similarly to the greater biodiversity of the region by simply adding
to the percentage of land that supports wildlife habitat. Although the scale of this initiative
prevents the regional patchwork of prairies from being easily viewable at the ground level, the
Prairie Management Area of Willow Waterhole is very much a part of this evolving regional
map.
5
On a more formal level within this regional perspective, the Prairie Management Area’s site
context is also heavily influenced by the Willow Waterhole Detention Basin Complex’s location
within the Brays Bayou watershed. As a large tract of undeveloped land near Willow Waterhole,
a key tributary of Brays Bayou, the Prairie Management Area is naturally positioned to be a key
piece of a larger watershed management strategy. Land has been acquired and designed for
stormwater management in the Brays Bayou watershed for decades, and the mid 1990’s saw
the formalization of the Brays Bayou Flood Damage Reduction Project, now simply identified
as Project Brays, an initiative being administered by the Harris County Flood Control District
in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In essence, Project Brays is an
effort to minimize area flooding within the Brays Bayou watershed by deploying a number
of landscape strategies from stream channel modifications, to bridge modifications, to the
creation of detention basins on open land.
Work associated with Project Brays has led to the creation of four regional detention basins
along Brays Bayou encompassing a total area of approximately 900 acres. Although the work
to acquire and create these basins has been ongoing for decades, it was in the 1980s with
the creation of Arthur Storey Park that the conceptual framework for detention basins that
Old Westheimer
(47 acres)
Arthur Storey Park
(211 acres)
Brays Bayou Marsh
at Mason Park
(3.5 acres)
Watershed Statistics
Eldridge
(337 acres)
Brays Bayou Watershed
Drainage Area
127 Sq. Miles
Watershed
Population
722,716
Open Stream
Miles
121 Miles
Harris County
Note: Individual site plans not to scale
Willow Waterhole
(280 acres)
Figure 1.5: Brays Bayou watershed map. Source: HCFCD
6
could double as public parks and habitat areas was first developed for the region. Since
then, Project Brays has spawned a number of highly visited parks that for the most part have
become doubly vital to their adjacent communities by providing much needed recreational
open space and natural environments supporting habitat for many other species. Indeed, in
many cases the identities of the detention basins have been superseded by the identities of
the parks that exist on the same sites.
The intent of making the Prairie Management Area at Willow Waterhole accessible to the
public and valued as a public amenity was suggested by USFWS as an educational tool to
highlight protection of endangered species and ecosystems. When its first phase was created
in 2004, the Willow Waterhole Stormwater Detention Basin became the fourth detention
basin initiated through Project Brays. Conceived as a system of six interconnected detention
basin compartments, the facility has already seen the completion of three compartments,
with Compartment #3 now under construction to become the fourth piece of the facility to
be developed. Although it is only a small piece of this plan, the Prairie Management Area
already plays an active role in the system by providing a natural buffer to adjacent residential
areas capable of absorbing and detaining stormwater that would otherwise inundate Willow
Waterhole and Brays Bayou.
It was in 2004 that the concept master plan, shown in Figure 1.7, first envisioned the top
of bank areas of the Willow Waterhole detention basin to function as a public greenway for
active and passive recreation with the basin’s bottomlands and side slopes providing wetland
Figure 1.6: Brays Bayou at Mason Park, Image courtesy of Galveston Bay Estuary Program
7
mitigation and habitat. This plan ultimately led to the creation of the Willow Waterhole
Greenway as the popular identity for the public open space in and around the detention
basins.
Figure 1.7: Willow Waterhole Stormwater Detention Basin; Image courtesy of HCFCD
Dominated by high volume roadways and limited green space, the area surrounding Willow
Waterhole is an unlikley place for the discovery of a remnant piece of coastal prairie
habitat. At six lanes of traffic with few pedestrian crossings, South Post Oak Road remains
a significant barrier to connecting the Prairie Management Area and adjacent basin to
the remainder of Willow Waterhole’s detention basin compartments and the associated
wetland and forest habitats to the West. In many ways, the area has been shaped heavily by
quintessential low-density Houston development patterns: wide arterial roadways with little
pedestrian infrastructure, scattered and mixed commercial developments on the arterial
roadways with large setbacks and vast surface parking lots, large residential subdivisions
disconnected from each other, rambling industrial facilities interspersed between other
non-industrial land uses, and large remnant tracts of land such as the site of the Prairie
Management Area and adjacent basin development. The satellite images on the opposite
page provide a snapshot of this built context. While historically this type of sprawling
fragmented development encouraged population settlement away from denser parts of
Houston, today it seems clear from the support for the Willow Waterhole Greenway that area
residents are actively participating in creating park amenities within this urban setting.
8
Figure 1.8: Urban landscape of southwest Houston; Images courtesy of Google Earth
9
STAKEHOLDERS
Parallel to the physical development of the Willow Waterhole
Stormwater Detention Basin has been an equally significant campaign to build public
support for the park amenities associated with the project. Over the last 20 years, a unique
constituency has formed around this project— local civic groups representing area residents,
environmental advocacy groups focused on the preservation of habitat areas in Houston, as
well as local, regional and even national governmental management agencies—united around
a shared interest in making the Willow Waterhole a model public commons for the greater
Houston area. The process of building public consensus for public access to the Prairie
Management Area has certainly benefited from this history.
Beginning as early as 1996, efforts have been made by the Brays Bayou Association
(BBA), Westbury Area Improvement Corporation (WAIC), the HCFCD, Houston Parks and
Recreation Department (HPARD) and other organizations to build support for the creation
of a multifaceted park area in conjunction with the detention basins. Following a successful
park master planning effort, these efforts culminated in 2001 with the creation of the Willow
Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) organization formed with the expressed
mission of being the recognized steward of the evolving park. Led by a volunteer Board of
Directors comprised of local residents, the Conservancy has been very successful in promoting
the detention basins as community open space, organizing programming and events and
mobilizing community involvement in the continued development of the basins as public
amenities. Indeed, the Conservancy has proven to be the most viable mechanism for a variety
of neighboring civic clubs to become more engaged in the evolution of Willow Waterhole.
Supplementing the full slate of programs and events organized by the Conservancy, in 2007
Houston Audubon began organizing monthly bird surveys at the park and has maintained
an active presence on site since then (see the Appendix for bird survey documentation,
as well as www.houstonaudubon.org). Houston Audubon’s involvement with the site has
served as an anchor for an increasing number of other environmental advocacy groups to
become more involved. HCFCD’s active restoration of the Prairie Management Area in 2008
further accelerated the interest of Houston’s diverse environmental community in the Willow
Waterhole area. Today, stakeholders include environmental groups representing a variety of
interests including native prairie restoration, wildlife protection, and the general promotion
of habitat and native vegetation.
By nature, the Prairie Management Area is a site that does not fit neatly within existing
governmental management frameworks, and this is well reflected in the diverse group of
governmental agencies that have some stake in the success of the project. Although the
HCFCD is most responsible for the creation of the area and will be remaining involved in
the site restoration, its future management as a public space will depend heavily on the
cooperation of other agencies including Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Brays
Oaks Management District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and agencies as yet undetermined.
10
ENVIRONMENTAL
STAKEHOLDERS
NEIGHBORHOOD
STAKEHOLDERS
MANAGEMENT AGENCY
STAKEHOLDERS
Organizations with an expressed
mission to promote and protect
native landscape, vegetation,
wildlife and greater biodiversity
in the Houston region.
Organizations representing
residents in the vicinity of the
Willow Waterhole Prairie
Management Area.
Governmental and nongovernemental organizations
representing the residents and
resources of the area in and
around of the Willow Waterhole
Prairie Management Area.
Houston Audubon Society
Coastal Prairie Partnership
Katy Prairie Conservancy
Houston Wilderness
Native Plant Society
(Houston Chapter)
Native Prairies
Assoc. of Texas
Westbury Civic Club
Willowbend Civic Club
Willow Meadows Civic Club
Brays Bayou Assocation
Super Neighborhood 37
(Westbury)
Super Neighborhood 38
(Willow Meadows-Willowbend)
Harris County
Flood Control District
Willow Waterhole
Greenspace Conservancy
Houston Parks & Recreation
Department
Brays Oaks
Management District
Houston Parks Board
Sierra Club
(Houston Regional Group)
Office of City Council Member
Larry Green
Potential Partners
Texas Parks & Wildlife
U.S. Fish & Willdlife Service
“As our region becomes totally urbanized, the people in the region no
longer have a connection to local nature. Furthermore, what was nature
in Harris County for thousands of years - the coastal prairie - is today
almost non-existent. The Prairie Management Area of Willow Waterhole
provides a great opportunity to preserve a tiny bit of our local nature - our
natural heritage, provides opportunity for local citizens to enjoy and learn
about that nature, and extremely important, provides a habitat for an
endangered species and homes for birds and wildlife that are decreasing
exponentially.”
- Lan Shen, Houston Chapter of the Native Prairies Association of Texas (President), Texas Master Naturalists, Gulf Coast Chapter (Member)
11
CHAPTER 2: SITE FEATURES
12
BASIN
Willow Waterhole is one of four
(4) large stormwater detention basins along
Brays Bayou, and will have the capacity to hold
over 600 million gallons of stormwater when
completed. The basins are designed to protect
the surrounding area from flooding during heavy
rains by collecting overflow that would otherwise
cause the Bayou to flood. The basins have been
designed to support a permanent pool of water
with depths up to 8 feet. Variable pool depths
also support a range of submerged and emergent
wetland habitats
As the Houston metropolitan area continues
to grow, detention basins are an important
aspect of sustainably controlling stormwater
and preventing flooding. As more land becomes
covered by buildings, roads and other impervious
surfaces, less rainwater is absorbed into the
ground during storms. During storms, a large
amount of water, called stormwater
runoff, flows into the city’s bayous
and waterways in a very short
time, often causing them to
overflow and flooding the
surrounding neighborhoods.
Figure 2.1: View of remnant coastal prairie
within the Prairie Management Area.
Image courtesy of HCFCD
Figure 2.2: Blue Sage (Salvia
azurea) is an herbaceous
perennial forb native to central
and eastern North America.
Its deep blue blossoms have an
extended bloom period into late Fall
and are attractive to pollinators such as
bumble bees and hummingbirds, as well as
migrating monarch butterflies. Source: Lady
Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; Image courtesy
of Alva Chance / WildflowersOfTexas.com. See
Appendix I for a list of plant species identified
within the PMA.
13
Detention basins collect this excess water from the bayous and gradually release it back into
the system as stormwater levels recede.
In addition to serving an important function by controlling flooding, these large basins are
also designed to support wetlands as mitigation for loss of freshwater wetlands during project
construction. A total of 23.6 acres of wetlands will be created within the basin area. The
Harris County Flood Control District is also required to plant 16,800 trees and shrubs within
the same 279 acre area. Together, the wetlands, forested, and native prairie areas at Willow
Waterhole provide an opportunity to create valuable natural amenities within the city. The
Harris County Flood Control District, along with its partners, have made an effort to create
green infrastructure throughout Houston by integrating these detention basins into natural
ecological systems as parks and nature preserves. Some of these areas will be designed as
active park space, and feature areas for recreation and entertainment, whereas others will be
restored as prairies, wetlands, and other local natural environments.
PRAIRIE The prairie landscape of the site fits into a larger transect of Willow Waterhole
Compartment #3 approximating the topographical features that have historically defined the
Texas Gulf Coast. Just as this transect for the region begins with the coastal marshes and
Industrial
Mowed
Meadow
Slope Grass/
Forest
Bottom
Shelf
Emergent and
Submerged
Wetlands
Forested
Island
Gasmer
Drive
Not to Scale
Figure
2.3: Transect through Willow Waterhole Compartment #3. Source: HCFCD
Figure 2.3: Willow Waterhole Compartment #3 Transect
Emergent and
Submerged
Wetlands
14
lower banks of the bayous, at Willow Waterhole it begins within the basin where new marsh
and bottomland forest habitat will take root. As this landscape moves up the basin slope,
a gradient of wetland forbs and grasses provides a texture to the floodplain that transitions
from floating plants to tall emergent marsh plantings, to shallow emergent marsh plantings,
to plantings on the upper margins of the marsh. As the slope begins to level off at the upper
banks of the basin, the bottomland forest reemerges but soon transitions into the prairie—
first a mowed meadow but very quickly the native tallgrass prairie of the Prairie Managment
Area emerges, which is then framed by an upland forest before the urban development begins.
Within the restored tallgrass prairie, visitors will encounter a slightly undulating terrain of
wet and dry prairie with a great diversity of native plant species that will change in color
and texture throughout the year with small mottes of large trees punctuating the prairie and
providing a sense of constancy.
From basin bottom to prairie, all of these landscape areas combine to form a rich mosaic of
habitat at Willow Waterhole. But it is the prairie that is most unique, as it is so significantly
threatened within the region. By insuring its continued existence, visitors are treated to a
more complete living lense onto the biodiversity of plant and animal life that exists within the
larger region.
Bottom
Shelf
Slope Grass/
Forest
Mowed
Meadow
Prairie
Wet Prairie
Upland Forest
Drainage
Swale
Residential
Warm
Springs
Road
15
Indian Paintbrush
Texas Coneflower
Blue-eyed Grass
Ovateleaf Indian Plantain
Green Antelopehorn
Blazing Star
Rattlesnake Master
Sensitive briar
Indian Grass
Gulf Muhly
Eastern Gamagrass
Blue Sage
Figure 2.4: Plant Species; Images courtesy of Alva Chance / WildflowersOfTexas.com
See Appendix I for plant list.
16
“The Prairie Management Area is a small remnant of the vast coastal
prairie that once dominated Houston’s 401,280 acres. The coastal prairie
is a rare and declining ecosystem at very high risk of global extinction.
The native wildflowers and grasses growing in this coastal prairie remnant
support birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and the insects they
depend on.This urban green space is like no other. The ability to visit a
wild place inside the City is important to all of us who live, work and visit
- Flo Hannah, Conservation Specialist, Houston Audubon
Houston.” VEGETATION
The quiet nature of the prairie landscape at Willow Waterhole and the
fact that its restoration was triggered by one mere plant species now belies the fact that it
currently harbors over 300 species of plant life, 244 of which are native species. Tall grasses
and seasonal wild flowers, punctuated by clusters of existing canopy trees form a landscape
quite distinct from the adjacent basin area. Notable species include forbs such as Blazing
stars, Rattlesnake Master, Coneflowers, Indian Plantain, Blue Sage, Green Antelopehorn and
grasses such as Little, Big, and Bushy Bluestem, Indian grass, Eastern Gamagrass, Gulf
Cordgrass, and Gulf Muhly. It is the great variety of plant species that not only defines
the prairie as an ecosystem but also makes it particularly meaningful from a biodiversity
perspective. For within this mix of plant life is the habitat for a variety of wildlife, which adds
a further level of distinction to this ecosystem.
Casual visitors to the prairie will encounter a landscape that looks very much natural to this
place, as if it has always been been here. Indeed it has. Despite encroaching development,
grazing, and a period of natural reforestation, remnants of the region’s native coastal prairie
habitat have persevered in this location. In an effort to stabilize and expand the extent of
contiguous prairie, HCFCD has egaged
in a two-phase effort to restore the
prairie vegetation through the selective
removal of invasive vegetation and
certain non-desirable trees. A forested
buffer has been retained as a screen
between the prairie and adjacent homes,
as well as various desirable trees within
the prairie that form scattered mottes.
Also key to the prairie vegetation is
of course the Hymenoxys texana,
the original impetus for the prairie
restoration. As part of the restoration,
two small areas have been secured
with new fencing as places where the
plant was first identified and where
HCFCD staff are working to cultivate
more of the species within the prairie.
As sensitive landscape, these areas
will be viewable, but generally not
accessible to the visiting public.
Figure 2.5: Survey flags marking the locations
of Hymenoxys texana in the Prairie Management
Area. Image courtesy of Asakura Robinson
17
American Goldfinch
Black-necked Stilt
Cattle Egret
Cedar Waxwing
Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk chick
Eastern Meadowlark
European Starling
Great Blue Heron
Great-tailed Grackle
Indigo Bunting
Laughing Gull
Figure 2.6: Birds of Willow Waterhole; Images courtesy of Ben Hulsey. See Appendix II for
a complete list of birds identified in the Willow Waterhole Bird Survey.
18
WILDLIFE
As seen in the existing basins and prairie area within Willow Waterhole,
the site offers a greater function than solely stormwater detention. It has become a vibrant
wildlife habitat, providing a home and feeding grounds to variety of species within an urban
environment. Houston Audubon began conducting bird surveys on site in June 2007, and
have collected a surprisingly large number of identified species, almost 200 to date. The
number of species that can be seen on the site is approximately thirty during the summer
months, and can be more than fifty in the winter.1 The Willow Waterhole Bird Survey inventory
can be found in Appendix II and current updates to the survey can be found at the website of
Houston Audubon, www.houstonaudubon.org, or eBird, www.ebird.org.
“The Willow Waterhole prairie is a nice patch of country in the middle of
the big city and an excellent refuge for wildlife, particularly birds. We’re
very fortunate to have it.”
- Mark Meyer, Willow Waterhole Bird Survey, Houston Audubon
The preservation of the prairie and the creation of Willow Waterhole’s newest basin will
certainly expand on the existing habitat at Willow Waterhole and help it to floursh. Wildlife
in urban environments cannot thrive without continguous habitat, which is to say habitat
areas uninterrupted or minimally interrupted by urban development. Willow Waterhole already
boasts an expansive contiguous area of habitat west of South Post Oak Road, and although
this roadway serves as a formidable obstacle to habitat continuity, the new habitat areas of
compartment #3 will be sizeable on their own and still contribute quite significantly to the
larger habitat network of Willow Waterhole.
Indeed the desire to create effective habitat has been a primary contributor to the designs
of both the Prairie Management Area and the new basin area. However, these two areas
are quite distinct in the habitats they foster. Whereas the prairie has been thinned of forest
areas to restore a native grassland, the basin is being replanted with new trees to create both
bottomland and upland forest areas. Ongoing maintenance will also differ between the two
sites as a reflection of differing habitat goals. Whereas the basin will receive both regular
mowing of its top-of-bank trail area and a mostly ‘hands-off’ treatment of its slopes and
bottomlands, the prairie will receive ongoing attention in regard to plant diversity but mowed
only twice per year. Together, the two landscapes complement each other from a biodiversity
perspective and are part of a transect that mirrors the broader landscape transition that has
historically defined the Houston region.
Houston Audubon, “Willow Waterhole Survey,” Assessed 11 July 2014, Available at http://www.
houstonaudubon.org/default.aspx/MenuItemID/1090/MenuGroup/Birding.htm.
1
19
CHAPTER 3: TIMELINE
20
PROCESS The Public Access Plan for
the Willow Waterhole Prairie Management
Area (PMA) was built on the consensus of
stakeholders, adjacent property owners, and
the Harris County Flood Control District in
addressing issues related to site access,
activities and educational opportunities.
What began as an engineering endeavor
in the mid-1980’s for the purpose of flood
mitigation has transformed into a site that
is cherished by the community for its rare
natural amenities within its largely urban
context. Figure 3.3 follows the development
of the site over time. Community involvement
efforts were pursued to ensure stakeholders
had numerous opportunities to weigh in on
the details of the Public Access Plan as
they envision interaction with the site and
preservation of its unique characteristics.
Figure 3.2: Mexican Primrose
(Oenothera
speciosa),
a
perennial
that
produces
large four-petaled flowers,
ranging in color from dark
pink to white, may grow
upright or sprawling to
make a good groundcover.
The flowers bloom from
February to July. While the
plant is drought resistant, it
cannot withstand complete
soil dryness. This may cause
the plant to go dormant, which
is common in the summer, and
resprout with rainfall. Source: Lady Bird
Johnson Wildflower Center; Image courtesy of
Alva Chance / WildflowersOfTexas.com. See
Appendix I for a list of plant species identified
within the PMA.
Figure 3.1: Stakeholder Workshop
participants around fenced prairie remnant
containing the Hymenoxys texana;
Image courtesy of Asakura Robinson
21
The WAIC propose a site along Willow Waterhole Bayou containing
over a dozen dilapidated and obsolete buildings as well as several
brownfields. They recommend the site also serve as a park. The BBA
is partially responsible for getting the U.S. Congress to authorize
HCFCD to design Project Brays allowing more citizens input into the
process than would the US Army Corps of Engineers.
WAIC and BBA members are active
on the Citizens Advisory Committee
formed by HCFCD to receive input on
Project Brays design.
H. Texana is identified on site.
Passage of Section 211 of the Water Resources Development Act
(WRDA) allows HCFCD to perform the General Reevaluation Report
(GRR) studies and Environmental Assessment (EA) at WWH.
The BBA proposes implementing WAIC’s park concept as a series of lakes.
The BBA and eventually
HCFCD begin a series of
engineering studies of the
WAIC proposal.
Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) determines the optimum location for a regional basin is
along Brays Bayou between
Chimney Rock and Stella
Link, but it could not find a
suitable site.
Harris County Commissioners
Court authorizes HCFCD
to excavate the lakes at
the
Willow
Waterhole
site.
HPARD receives a
$750,000 grant for Willow
Waterhole from TPWD based
on the BBA’s design.
The BBA sponsors a
new 501(c)(3) organization, the Willow
Waterhole Greenspace
Conservancy (WWGC),
which becomes the
recognized
steward
of the facility by both
HCFCD and the City.
The WWGC decides to
adopt the name Willow Waterhole Conservation Reserve for the
facility. The WWGC,
with the help of the
National Parks Service,
initiates a process that
eventually adds 30
additional acres to the
Conservation Reserve.
Two engineering studies
funded by the Brays Bayou
Association (BBA) determined a regional stormwater
detention basin is required in
the Brays Bayou Watershed
east of Gessner. The search
for a regional detention site
becomes the holy grail of the
BBA.
Texas Prairie Dawn (H.
texana) is federally-listed as an endangered
species by UDFWS and
State of Texas.
Compartment
3 is observed
as open prairie
habitat with few
trees scattered
across the property.
1985
1986
1989
The BBA presents a conceptual design of a
conservation reserve on the Willow Waterhole
site at a public
meeting held at
Johnston Middle School. The
design is based
on the results of
one of the initial engineering
studies.
The City of
Houston Planning Department facilitates
organizing the
Westbury Area
Improvement
Corporation
(WAIC) to
revitalize the
area around
Westbury High
School.
19921994
1995
Figure 3.3: Willow Waterhole Timeline
1996
1997
1998
19982000
The HCFCD
acquires 279
acres for the
park.
2000
2001
20022003
Related to Willow Waterhole Stormwater Detention Complex
22
A federal grant around $400,000 is received to implement additional amenities including: parking, trails, signage, educational outreach, habitat restoration and plantings. Trees for Houston holds two tree planting events. The WWGC hosts music and movie events as
well as a harvest moon festival. HCFCD acquired 12 additional acres for the Conservation Reserve bringing the total to 291. Yes Prep
students and Troop 99 implement the first and second phases, respectively, of the Bayou Trail Rehabilitation Project.
Native plants are rescued from Compartment 3 and transplanted within the Prairie Conservation Area.
The Triangle Lake is completed by HCFCD including the final remediation phase of the remaining
contaminated brownfield. The inaugural Sunday Music in the Park event is held featuring the jazz
band of Westbury High School and honoring HISD Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier.
Native plants are rescued from Compartment #3 and transplanted within the Prairie Conservation
Area.
H. Texana Site A is fenced.
The Clematis Basin (bounded by S.
Post Oak, Gasmer, S. Willow, and
Ricecrest) is excavated. The Jack
Rafferty Memorial next to Triangle Lake on Ricecrest is dedicated during the second annual Fun
Run. It honors of the engineer who
crafted the first flood control master
plan for Houston in the late 1930s.
The 4th annual Fun Run is canceled due to
recovery from Hurricane Ike. Wildflowers are
again planted.
H. Texana Site B is isolated within
fenced area.
Benches and picnic tables
are installed by the Houston Parks and Recreation
Department. Conservation
Reserve is the focus of
Rice Charette competition.
Boy Scouts install the first
kiosk.
After the spring groundbreaking event, the first
construction phase is completed in the fall. HCFCD
completes the demolition of
the dilapidated and obsolete
buildings and the cleanup
of all but one of the brownfields. The worst aspects of
the site are replaced with
trails, bridges, gazebos,
picnic tables, and benches
funded by the Texas Parks
and Wildlife grant.
The WWGC
holds its first
annual Fun
Run and Walk.
2004
2005
General Reevaluation Report and Environmental Assessment are completed by HCFCD.
Houston Audubon
begins monthly
bird surveys at
Willow Waterhole.
Third annual Fun
Run & Walk has
a larger participation.
WWGC
conducts the first
Lady Bird Johnson
Wildflower
planting. Houston Parks and
Recreation
Department selects
Willow Waterhole
to become one
of its seven new
Signature Parks
bringing the total
to nine.
2006
2007
Related to Prairie Management Area
Current forest buffer area
along northern edge of prairie is created with the 7-acre
clearing of woody vegetation.
Native plants are rescued
from Compartment 3 and
transplanted within the Prairie
Conservation Area.
Woody vegetation is cleared
around H. Texana sites.
Woody vegetation is cleared
from Prairie Management
Area and qualifying trees
are transplanted to Compartment 2 of the WWH
Detention Basin complex.
Biological Assessment of WWH
is completed by
HCFCD.
2008
The Coastal Prairie Management Plan V.1 is completed by
HCFCD.
Native plants are rescued
from Compartment 3 and
transplanted within the
Prairie Conservation Area.
The Coastal Prairie
Management Plan is
updated and V.2 is
issued by HCFCD.
Public Access Plan
is completed for the
Prairie Management
Area.
WWGC starts
organizing
periodic
volunteer work
days. 5th
Annual Fun
Run & Walk is
a success.
2009
2010
Construction is completed
on Westbury Lake (south of
Gasmer Road and east of
Westbury High School). The
WWGC hosts the first Annual
JazzFest. The WWGC holds its
first tree planting event. Third
and final phase of the Bayou
Trail Rehabilitation Project is
completed by students from
various local schools.
Basin
construction
commences at Compartment 3.
2011
2012
2013
2014
Source: Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy and HCFCD
23
Figure 3.4: Public Workshop #1 participants take a tour through the site;
Images courtesy of Asakura Robinson
24
Approximately fifty stakeholders attended
the first workshop on April 10th, 2014. In addition to interested locals, attendance included
experts on coastal prairie plants and wildlife, who were able to lead a discussion of some
of the unique aspects of Willow Waterhole and its Prairie Management Area. The workshop
began with a guided nature walk through the site, which included an educational component
for participants to better undertand the need for preservation of the prairie.
“Paradise Lost? The restoration of the Texas Coastal Prairie must preserved
for future generations!”
- Ralph Rieger, President of the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy
Following the site tour, participants regrouped at the Gathering Place, a nearby community
center, to discuss key issues relating to public access and the types of uses that the prairie and
adjacent basin can support. While formed into small groups of six to eight people, partcipants
provided input by marking up a site map. Working with Asakura Robinson team members,
the stakeholders developed conceptual plans. These plans were presented to the entire group,
and the feedback was considered through the development of the draft Public Access Plans
that was presented at the second public workshop.
Figure 3.5: Public Workshop #2 charrette map with community markups.
Image courtesy of Asakura Robinson 25
On May 13th, 2014, participants met at the Gathering Place for a second public workshop.
The purpose of this workshop was to present the draft Public Access Plan for feedback, and
to determine the community’s design and location preferences for specific places proposed
in the overall public access plan, such as gateways, viewing areas and an outdoor classroom.
After reviewing the findings from the previous meeting and presenting the draft Public Access
Plan, the design team conducted a visual preference survey. Precedent photos for various
site elements were presented on boards, covering designs that ranged from a rustic campsite
aesthetic to more minimalist contemporary styles and layouts for signage, paths and furniture.
Figure 3.6: Public Workshop #2 site amenity voting boards;
Images courtesy of Asakura Robinson
The results of the visual preference survey can be seen in Figure 3.6, with each stakeholder
placing a sticker for their favorite style of seating, fencing, viewing areas, picnic areas, and an
outdoor classroom. In addition, stakeholders were asked for feedback about less conventional
elements such as an interactive smartphone app, sunken trails, and viewing stations. In
general, stakeholders preferred a more minimalist contemporary aesthetic, with emphasis
on using natural and durable local materials that would have a small impact on the prairie
habitats and require little maintenance. A more detailed summary of workshop #2 can be
found in Appendix III.
“The fifteen acre coastal prairie management area, with well-designed
public access, will provide a valuable educational experience. In
addition to delivering significant flood reduction and a close-in 300
acre greenspace, The Willow Waterhole will soon feature a substantial
conservation component.”
- Howard Sacks, Friends of Levitt Foundation Houston and former President of Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy
26
After a nearly 4-month production period, the design team made one final visit to The Gathering
Place on October 22, 2014, to present the final Public Access Plan to the community and
discuss its implementation. Copies of the Plan’s Executive Summary were shared as handouts
and table copies of the full document were available for reading during the meeting for
the approximately 25 people in attendance. After a thorough presentation of the Plan by
the design team, discussion focused on the challenges to implementing the plan, namely
the resources needed to realize the vision. After discussion, there was broad understanding
among community attendees that an additional partner would need to be identified to design
and build the recommended site enhancements identified in the Plan and funding would
need to be secured. The design team and HCFCD shared with the community that discussions
were already underway with various city agencies to assume these roles but this would be an
ongoing process. The design team further clarified that a phased build-out would be possible
and that the Plan included a matrix of itemized capital projects based on various criteria to
assist in developing a phasing strategy.
As the event closed, the community in attendance expressed satisfaction with the Public
Access Plan and looked forward to helping to realize its recommendations.
Figure 3.7: Final Public Presentation
“While a lot of Houston was once prairie, as it became populated and
developed, much was used initially as farm land and then development
proceeded. Very little of the land, not yet developed, was untouched. The
part of the Willow Waterhole Stormwater Detention facility identified as
Compartment 3 is one of those untouched parcels. As such, it has been
covered with native prairie plants. This rare parcel can become a living
open air museum where the native prairie plants can thrive and survive
and be studied and appreciated. It is a unique item to preserve.” - Bob Schwartz, President of the Brays Bayou Association
27
CHAPTER 4: PUBLIC ACCESS PLAN
28
SITE PLAN
At the core of the
Public Access Plan is a vision for a series
of minimal site interventions that will best
provide an opportunity for visitors to access
and experience the prairie as a formalized
park space, will create a cultural amenity
for surrounding communities, and will
respect the sensitive elements of the
landscape through design and educational
opportunities.
Beginning with an overall site plan, the
following section articulates a series of site
elements and landscape treatments that
will together form the experience for visitors
to the Prairie Management Area at Willow
Waterhole Compartment #3. Site furnishings
and materials have been selected as a
guide, and reflect both the stakeholders’
preferences, best practices, and professional
opinion.
Figure 4.2: Indian Paintbrush
(Castilleja indivisa) is showy
annual or biennial that will
grow 6-16 in. high. Its
several unbranched stems
form clumps topped by
bright-red, paintbrush-like
spikes.
Figure 4.1: Bench along a top-of-bank trail,
within the Willow Waterhole Stormwater
Detention Basin.
Indian
paintbrush
has
a reputation for being
unpredictable. In some years,
when bluebonnets (which flower
at approximately the same time
as Indian Paintbrush) are especially
colorful, Indian Paintbrush will have only an
average flowering year. Other years, the flower
is spectacular. Source: Lady Bird Johnson
Wildflower Center. Image courtesy of Alva Chance
/ WildflowersOfTexas.com. See Appendix I for a
list of plant species identified within the PMA.
WINDWOOD DR
29
NEIGHBORHOOD TRAILHEAD
VIEWING PLATFORM
EASEMENT TRAILHEAD
WARM SPRINGS DRIVE
DRAINAGE EASEMENT
GAT
HER
ING
ARE
A
W
ND
LA
ET
SM
ION
ITIGAT
BOTTOM SHELF
GATHERING AREA
PARKING
Figure 4.3: Site Plan
TOP-OF-BANK TRAIL
GASMER DRIVE
GATHERING AREA
30
FOREST BUFFER
WET COASTAL PRAIRIE REMNANT
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
PRAIRIE TRAIL
COASTAL PRAIRIE REMNANT
HYMENOXYS TEXANA STUDY AREA
VIEWING PLATFORM
LINE OF FENCE / PRAIRIE MANAGEMENT AREA BOUNDARY
PIP
EL
WE
T
LA
INE
ND
S
VIEWING PLATFORM
EA
SE
ME
HYMENOXYS TEXANA
STUDY AREA
NT
M
N
IO
AT
IG
IT
PARKING
PARKING TRAILHEAD
0
100’
200’
400’
31
SPACES AND PLACES
A primary strategy for defining public access to the
Prairie Management Area (PMA) will be in the creation of new access points to the area that
serve as both gateways and places of orientation for visitors. These access points—trailheads,
an outdoor classroom, viewing areas (may be sunken, leveled or raised)— are envisioned
as unique spaces and nodes of interest within the larger space of the Prairie Management
Area and the adjacent detention basin. How these spaces are defined in terms of character,
style and scale, and how they have been located on site, is the result of a consensus among
stakeholders as well as the professional opinion of the design team for how to best guide
the visitor experience at the PMA. However, this plan does not design these spaces per se,
but rather makes recommendations on the appropriate scale, character, orientation and use
of these spaces. In most cases, there is great flexibility for how they can be realized in the
future.
Figure 4.4: Trailhead precedents from the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale, Arizona,
representing how multiple trailheads of different scales and uses can relate to each other
through material, detail and form.
32
TRAILHEADS
Two trailheads serve as the gateways to the PMA from
the surrounding neighborhood while two others serve as
linkages between the PMA and the adjacent detention
basin area.
1
2
3
From the South, at the eastern terminus of Gasmer Drive,
it is recommended that a Parking Trailhead be constructed
1 Neighborhood Trailhead
4
to provide primary vehicular parking along the street edge,
2 Easement Trailhead
parking for up to ten bicycles, a dropoff area for school
3 Easement Trailhead
buses, and a covered pavilion with bench seating, drinking
4 Parking Trailhead
fountain, site orientation boards, restroom and trash
receptacle. As part of this trailhead, it is also recommended
that the streetscape of Gasmer Drive be improved to
provide adequate drainage, street edge plantings and a proper street-end vehicular turnaround area be created in cooperation with the City of Houston and adjacent property owners.
As a primary access point for visitors arriving by automobile, this trailhead would serve the
PMA and basin area equally providing straightforward access to both a trail through the PMA
as well as a trail around the detention basin. This is the one trailhead that should be designed
with a simple lighting feature if nighttime use of the basin is permitted.
From the North, at the southern terminus of Windwood Drive, it is recommended that a less
prominent trailhead provide direct access to the PMA from the adjacent neighborhood. With
no dedicated parking, it is envisioned that this Neighborhood Trailhead would primarily serve
adjacent residents and visitors arriving by foot or bicycle. The immediate interface between
the street and the PMA should be minimal:
• a bike rack that can accommodate up to five bicycles
• the beginning of the raised boardwalk trail
• functional signage that informs visitors they are entering the PMA, provides a basic
orientation map of the area and the rules governing its use
• a trash receptacle
A short distance within the PMA, and just beyond an existing drainage swale, the trailhead
would also include:
• a small covered pavilion offering views of the prairie
• educational signage offering additional maps and site information
• bench seating
From this pavilion, visitors would have the option of taking a longer trail through the PMA or
a shorter trail that links most directly to the basin area.
REFORESTATION
NATIV
TOP-O
F
E GRASS
ES
PR
E
RI
AI
PRAIRIE
MANAGEMENT
AREA
AIL
TR
45’ RADIUS
33
BA N K T R
AIL
COVERED PAVILION
UTILITY POLE
UTILITY POLE
GASMER DRIVE
COH R.O.W.
PRIVATE LOT
HCFCD EASEMENT
PRIVATE LOT
Figure 4.5: Plan of Parking Area Trailhead
at Gasmer Drive
PRAIRIE PLANTING AREA
MAINTENANCE OFFICE,
STORAGE AND RESTROOMS
Figure 4.6: Elevation of Parking Area Trailhead
0
25’
50’
COVERED PAVILION
100’
FUNCTIONAL AND
EDUCATIONAL
SIGNAGE
WINDWOOD
DRIVE
34
PRIVATE LOT
FUNCTIONAL SIGNAGE +
LITTER RECEPTACLE +
BIKE RACK
LINE OF BOLLARD
FENCE
EXISTING TREE BUFFER
DRAINAGE DITCH
PAVIL
IO
N
NEW
SHADE
TREES
PRA
IRIE
Figure 4.7: Plan of Neighborhood Trailhead at
Windwood Drive
EXISTING TREE MOTTE
TRA
IL
0
Figure 4.8: Rendering of Neighborhood Trailhead at Windwood Drive
50’
20’
40’
Along the long southern edge of the PMA, where an existing pipeline easement separates the
prairie from the basin area. It is recommended that two very basic Easement Trailheads are
located at key access points to the PMA. One trailhead, close to the trailhead at Windwood
Road, and the other close to the Hymenoxys texana study area, will be defined simply by
functional signage similar to what visitors will encounter at the Neighborhood Trailhead,
and a bike rack for up to 3 bicycles as bicycling will not be permitted in the PMA. At these
locations, the fence would provide a 5’ wide opening with closely placed bollards to allow for
pedestrian access to the PMA while preventing motorized vehicles from accessing the area.
PRAIRIE DAWN
STUDY AREA
PI
EA PEL
SE INE
ME
NT
NC
BA
SIN
TR
AIL
ING
RAI
L
FE
VIEWING
PLATFORM
PRAIR
IE T
35
TR
AIL
HE
AD
Figure 4.9: Plan of Basin Trailhead at Prairie Dawn Study Area
While each trailhead should be designed in the context of its specific site orientation and
relationship to the trail plan, it is recommended that the trailheads are consistent with each
other in form and material to provide a visual identity and legibility for the larger site. There
is flexibility in regard to how form and material will define the character of these trailheads,
but it is recommended that these decisions defer to the existing natural context of the site.
Strategies for addressing this should include using materials and forms that :
• Are simple and straightforward but durable and high quality;
• Aim to blend in with their surrounding rather than overwhelm them;
• Weather with the landscape and develop an attractive patina; or
• Are locally sourced and part of a regional vernacular style.
36
Viewing Areas
At both the Neighborhood and Parking Trailheads, and
additionally at the two Texas Prairie Dawn (Hymenoxys
texana) study areas it is recommended that viewing areas
are created as integral features of these spaces. These are
areas where visitors should be encouraged to pause, rest,
observe both the immediate and larger environment, orient
themselves, and appreciate the surrounding landscape.
The viewing areas would facilitate this by providing basic
bench seating, a covered pavilion area that provides shade and space for multiple people to
congregate, and educational information about the ecology of the surrounding landscape. At
the Hymenoxys texana study areas, viewing devices to aid visitors in seeing and appreciating
the rare plant should be provided.
The viewing areas should be designed to integrate with the boardwalk trail by using similarly
dimensioned wood plank flooring and each area should relate to the others in their design
details, especially the roof canopy materials. All material selections should be very durable.
At the trailheads, it is further recommended that the viewing areas be constructed at the
same elevation as the raised boardwalk trail to reinforce a continuity with the trail. At the
Prairie Dawn study areas the viewing area floor should be built at approximately 4’ above the
floor elevation of the trail to facilitate viewing of the Hymenoxys texana and foster a great
appreciation for the study areas.
Figure 4.10: Elevation of
viewing platform at
Hymenoxys texana
Study Area
37
Figure 4.11: Sunken prairie viewing areas along trail; trail below normal grade (top); trail at
normal grade with prairie mounds (bottom)
Sunken viewing areas provide an alternative
means of experiencing the prairie by
situating the visitor at eye-level with the
prairie. The examples in Figures 4.11
illustrate the concept where an area close
to the Prairie Trail could be excavated or
built up and framed by gabion retaining
walls to allow visitors a finer glimpse of
both the prairie vegetation and the soil sub
strata.
Figure 4.12: Viewing platform precedents (Clockwise from above right): precedent for the
viewing area at the Neighborhood Trailhead; precedent for the viewing area at the Parking
Trailhead; precedent for the elevated viewing platform at the Hymenoxys texana study area;
38
OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
Within the largest existing tree motte of the Prairie
Management Area (PMA), it is recommended that an
outdoor classroom be constructed to accommodate
15 individuals comfortably for visiting school classes
or other on-site educational programs. The classroom
is located to make use of the shade from the existing
trees. The classroom design should be discreet and
designed with minimal intrusion of the landscape:
minimal in-ground foundations, minimal clearing of
vegetation, and no architectural elements that will
negatively impact the existing trees. This being said,
the classroom design should be unique to the PMA,
use natural and very durable materials and incorporate
artistic elements such as sculptural seating, prairie
plantings, natural ground cover material or other
sculptural features that help define the space of the
classroom. Ultimately, because it will exist within
the prairie rather than at its margins, the classroom
design should make every effort to blend in with its
surroundings rather than stand out.
Figure 4.13: Precedents for outdoor classrooms (right); existing gathering space
within the Willow Waterhole Greenway
(bottom)
39
GATHERING AREAS
It is recommended that one or more clusters of tables be
located along the top-of-bank basin trail close to the PMA
to offer a place to gather and seek desirable views of both
the prairie and the basin. The area should include up to 5
picnic tables placed on separate pads of concrete, crushed
earth or decomposed granite, or on a single pad of the
same materials immediately adjacent to the basin trail. It is recommended that a canopy
structure or large canopy trees are incorporated to shade some or all of the tables to
encourage their use. Canopy trees have been used as effective table shading elsewhere at
Willow Waterhole and any canopy structure should be consistent in design with the viewing
areas elsewhere on the site. There are other locations on the south side of the basin, all
identified on the site plan, that would offer adequate places for additional picnicing if
demand encourages it.
Figure 4.14: Precedents of picnic areas (Clockwise from top): Existing picnic area along
the Willow Waterhole Greenway; picnic tables on seperate pads of decomposed granite;
covered picnic area on single concrete pad.
40
TRAILS
A trail network has been conceived as another principal means of framing
the experience of the site for visitors and facilitating accessibility. Two primary trails— one
oriented to the Prairie Management Area (PMA) and another oriented to the basin— will allow
visitors to easily circulate through much of the site, and visually appreciate its full extent,
while respecting the sensitive needs of the habitat areas that will thrive with less human
intrusion.
PRAIRIE TRAIL
The trail that will help visitors to experience and
understand the prairie will be unique to the Prairie
Management Area in regard to design. Visitors will
encounter this trail from each of the four trailheads—
the Neighborhood Trailhead at Windwood Drive, the
Parking Trailhead at Gasmer Driver and the two
Easement Trailheads along pipeline easement. It is
recommended that the trail be constructed in one of
two ways:
• Elevated Boardwalk
This design should be used in all wet areas of
the prairie at minimum. The trail should be 6’
wide with a low wood curb railing on each side
and typically elevated 18” above the existing
grade. At terminus points, the boardwalk should
ramp down to the existing grade at a slope no
steeper than 1:6.
• Grade-level Compacted Earth
This design should be used to connect the main
route of the trail with the outdoor classroom at
minimum. Other sections of the trail not prone
to ponding might also warrant this design. The
trail should be 6’ wide with wood edging and be
compacted with aggregates such as limestone,
natural soil stabilizers and/or other earthen
materials to achieve an adequate firmness
and stability for wheelchair accessibility.For
additional information, refer to National Trail
Surfaces Study Final Report, February 2014
(National Center on Accessibility)
Figure 4.15: Precedents for elevated boardwalk
trail (top) and at-grade compacted earth trail
Images courtesy of Benton County Natural Areas
and Parks Department (top); Rosy Mound Natural
Area (bottom)
41
While each trail type has unique qualities and
benefits to the prairie experience, both provide
a firm and stable surface for accessibility, can be
constructed with relatively little intrusion to the
surrounding landscape and will also have a very
integral relationship with the surrounding landscape
once constructed.
Figure 4.16: Typical sections of the
elevated boardwalk along the Prairie
Trail.
The trail alignment has been driven by a desire
to maintain a contiguous prairie landscape as
much as possible while providing visitors with an
authentic experience of it. Thus for much of its run
through the PMA, the trail will follow the edge of
the forest buffer and provide expansive views of an
unobstructed prairie and the wildlife it will support.
The exception to this is a short trail spur that
connects to the outdoor classroom situated within
the largest existing tree motte. There was general
consensus among stakeholders that this minimal
intrusion of the prairie would facilitate an ideal
outdoor classroom environment within the shade
and shelter of the motte.
42
BASIN TRAIL
At the Easement Trailheads and the Parking Trailhead, the Prairie Trail will connect with the
Basin Trail, a combination of simple 10’ wide mowed grass trail and concrete path similar
in standard to the existing trails maintained by HPARD at Willow Waterhole Compartment
#4. Following the top-of-bank of the basin, the Basin Trail is designed to promote recreation
around the newly created landscape of the basin. And as a counterpoint to the Prairie Trail
that is designed to foster an ethic of stewardship for the reclaimed prairie, visitors will find the
Basin Trail to be both a more expansive and less restrictive environment for active use. Access
to the detention basin bottom shelf will be provided from this trail, but no improvements or
formal trail will be provided.
Figure 4.17: Typical sections of the Basin Trails along existing portions of the Willow
Waterhole Greenway. Images courtesy of Asakura Robinson Company
43
FURNISHINGS
FENCING
It is recommended that the existing barbed wire fence
around the PMA and the existing cattle gates be removed and
replaced with a more welcoming alternative that still defines
the boundary of the PMA while encouraging pedestrian
Line of Fence
access, allowing for wildlife movement and preventing the
intrusion of motorized vehicles. To meet these criteria, it is
recommended that one of three fence types be used: a fence comprised of low wood or metal
bollards spaced approximately 4’ apart and linked by galvanized chain; a similar fence style
of low spaced bollards linked by stainless steel cable; or a fence comprised of slender wood
or metal posts spaced approximately 2’ apart and no more than 42” in height.
With the exception of the fencing at the Hymenoxys texana study areas, which will be specified
and maintained by HCFCD for greater security, it is recommended that one fence type be used
on all sides of the PMA to best define the boundaries of the prairie.
Figure 4.18: Fencing options; Low bollard with chainlink (top); low bollard with cable
(right); tightly-spaced posts (left)
44
SEATING
It is recommended that simple and durable wooden bench seating be provided as a principal furnishing of each viewing area.
There was widespread agreement among community stakeholders that these benches, as a signature furnishing of the PMA,
will lend to the identity and legibility of the site and therefore
should have a unique look that need not be consistent with the
HPARD standard benches located elsewhere along the Willow Waterhole Greenway. There was
also strong agreement that the bench form and material selection should be consistent with the
form and material of the boardwalk trail and viewing areas to which it will be closely connected.
Based on these criteria, it is recommended that the benches are formed from solid wood components and either bolted to the trail and viewing area flooring or designed to be integral with
these spaces. The benches should provide seating for approximately 5 people at both the Neighborhood Trailhead viewing area and the viewing platforms at the Hymenoxys texana study areas.
At the Parking Trailhead, the benches should accommodate 10-15 people. In each location, the
benches can be backless or with back but this decision should be considered within the context
of the each viewing area design.
LITTER RECEPTACLES AND
DRINKING FOUNTAINS
It is recommended that
a litter receptacle and
Litter Receptacle
drinking fountain are
Drinking Fountain
located integrally with
the covered pavilion at
the Parking Trailhead
on Gasmer Drive. At the Neighborhood Trailhead, it is
recommended that a litter receptacle be located integrally
at the entrance to the PMA.
In both cases, the furnishings and their installation should
be of the standard used by HPARD, and those already
used elsewhere along the Willow Waterhole Greenway, to
facilitate maintenance.
Figure 4.19: Bench precedents
(top); HPARD standard litter
receptacle and drinking
fountain (above).
45
RESTROOM
Given that there is currently no dedicated restroom facility for
any portion of the Willow Waterhole Greenway, and in light of
the expansion at Compartment #3, it is recommended that
an ADA-accessible restroom facility be integrated into the
Parking Trailhead structure on Gasmer Drive to serve both
the PMA as well as the larger basin area. In keeping with the
vision for the trailheads to be deferential to the surrounding landscape and low maintenance,
it is recommended that the restroom use a prefabricated waterless composting restroom
design or one that employs a greywater system using water harvested from the roof of the
Covered Pavilion.
There exist several manufacturers of well-designed composting restroom options that could
be easily integrated with the overall design of Parking Trailhead.
Figure 4.20:
Section of the
ClivisMultrum
M54 Trailhead
Series composting
restroom, a model of
composting restroom
that could be used at
the PMA.
Solar Panel
Restroom
Figure 4.21:
Precedent for a restroom
integrally located within
trailhead structure
46
BICYCLE FACILITIES
Given the PMA’s location within the larger
Willow Waterhole Greenway, and proximity to
both the the Brays Bayou Greenway and several
residential neighborhoods, it is anticipted that
many visitors will arrive by bicycle. However,
there was widespread agreement among
community stakeholders that bicycles should
be strictly prohibited within the PMA. Given
these circumstances, it is recommended that
bicycle racks are provided at each trailhead.
The bicycle racks will accommodate a different
number of bicycles at each trailhead (see
Trailheads) but should be consistent in form.
To achieve this, it is recommended that a rack
design is selected that is easily scalable and
designed for ground mounting.
Beyond this
recommendation, there is wide flexibility on
an appropriate design ranging from the more
conventional to the more sculptural.
4 BIKES
38
”
6 BIKES
8 BIKES
63
”
10 BIKES
87
”
11
1”
Figure 4.23: Scaleable bike rack options
(top); Precedent for conventional groundmounted bicycle rack at trailhead (left);
Precedent for sculptural bicycle rack
(above)
47
SIGNAGE
Signage already plays an important role along the Willow Waterhole Greenway – trailhead
bulletin boards provide community news, event announcements and park plans; occasional
trail signage educates visitors about the larger ecological value of wetlands within the park;
signage at the lower banks of the basins reminds visitors and maintenance staff to not disturb
the wetlands; and place-specific signage helps commemorate certain areas of the facility.
Figure 4.24:
Existing functional and
educational signage within
other compartments of the
Willow Waterhole Greenway.
Images courtesy of
Asakura Robinson
48
For the PMA, the role of signage becomes ever more critical. Given that the restored prairie is both a sensitive
and atypical landscape feature for an urban park, and that there is a sizeable deficiency of understanding among
Houston residents for the value of the native prairie and its historic prevalence in the region, effective signage that
engages visitors is one of the best means of insuring that the site is properly used and appreciated. As with the
other parts of Willow Waterhole, there is a continued need for functional signage— the type of signage that communicates rules of use and basic wayfinding orientation— but there is an additional need for educational signage
that communicates a deeper level of information about the site context.
The educational signage might address everything from plant species, to site history, to details about the prairie restoration process. There is good reason to believe that if more informed, the same visitor population that
comes the PMA with limited knowledge of the prairie might become the next generation of the stewards for this
landscape both at Willow Waterhole and elsewhere in the region. Indeed, as a publicly accessible prairie well-integrated with the surrounding neighborhood, the PMA has a unique potential to be engage a wide demographic
of people and function as an experiential educational tool that can effectively reconnect Houston residents to
their native landscape both physically and culturally. To do this, the PMA needs both functional and educational
signage that properly communicates the value of the prairie to visitors, how the prairie works as a living system,
and helps them to become more engaged in its stewardship.
It is recommended that a coordinated set of functional and educational signage elements be developed for the
PMA as an integral aspect of the visitor experience. It is further recommended that these signage elements are
designed to be unobtrusive but durable, and well integrated with the landscape and viewing areas. There was a
wide consensus among community stakeholders that the form of these signage elements be designed in a contemporary style with clean modern lines and graphic design unique to the particularities of the site. The signage
elements need not be visually associated to the signage already in place along the Willow Waterhole Greenway
although they should be designed to coexist with the other mandated functional signage that will already be in
place within the basin area and along the Basin Trail (see Figure 4.24 for examples of these types of signs from
other areas of the Willow Waterhole Greenway).
Figure 4.25:
Precedent for
educational signage
from the pocket
prairie site at the
Texas Medical Center.
Image courtesy of
the Coastal Prairie
Partnership
49
FUNCTIONAL SIGNAGE
Functional signage at the PMA will be most critical as a
means of greeting visitors to the site where it can effectively
set the tone for the visitor experience and insure that
visitors are properly aware of the sensitive habitat they
are entering. With this in mind, it is recommended that
at each trailhead visitors encounter a signage element
that achieves three basic communicative goals:
• inform visitors that they are entering the PMA;
• inform visitors of the rules of the PMA; and
• inform visitors of the basic orientation of the PMA and adjacent basin area with a site map showing trails, trailheads, parking, restrooms, viewing areas and/or other pertinent information.
This signage element should be unmissable to a visitor
entering the PMA, with text and imagery presented close
to eye-level and designed to be engaging and welcoming
for the visitor. If necessary based on management needs,
the signage could also include space for temporary
bulletins related to the prairie such as ongoing restoration
work or upcoming events.
It is recommended that additional functional signage be
provided at the Hymenoxys texana viewing areas given
the sensitive nature of these spaces. In these locations,
the signage element should achieve three specific
communicative goals:
• inform visitors of the endangered species in their midst and the need for securing
these spaces differently than the rest of
the prairie;
• inform visitors of the schedule of ongoing restoration work; and
• provide visitors with contact information for the HCFCD department directing the restoration.
Figure 4.26:
Precedents for functional signage
50
EDUCATIONAL SIGNAGE
At each viewing area, and at other significant locations
along the Prairie Trail, it is recommended that a series of
educational signage elements are provided and designed
to be integral to both the trail and the viewing areas.
These signage elements are much more open-ended
in the information they communicate which could
cover anything from details of the prairie restoration,
to historical documentation of the coastal prairie
landscape in the Houston region. A key determinant in
how this type of signage is deployed within the Prairie
Management Area and along the trails leading to it, is
simply the landscape itself and the key moments where
additional narrative might be helpful to enhance the
visitor experience. While the viewing areas have already
been located with this in mind, there may be other
locations, as the prairie restoration evolves, that could
warrant this type of signage such as the locations of new
plant species introduced or new habitat areas identified.
In general, these signage elements should be considered
as small-scale exhibits that could involve simple low-tech
viewing accessories such spotting scopes and viewing
frames mounted on railings that would complement
presentations of graphics and narrative information.
The form of these signage elements is open-ended as
well. Beyond being integral with other adjacent built
elements, and having a clear visual relationship with the
functional signage, materials used should be durable,
low maintenance and not overwhelm the surrounding
landscape.
As a complement to the the educational signage, there
was overwhelming consensus from the community that
a smart phone app specific to the PMA and perhaps the
larger Willow Waterhole complex would be worthwhile.
The app would serve as a companion to the visitor
experience and provide more comprehensive information
that would be easy to update and linked with other online
resources.
Figure 4.27:
Precedents for educational
signage (top and middle);
precedent for a place-based
smart phone app that would
enhance the visitor experience
to the prairie.
51
IMPLEMENTATION & MANAGEMENT
This Public Access Plan outlines a vision for the Prairie Management Area (PMA) and the
adjacent basin area to be linked both physically and programmatically, but in actuality the
two areas will be managed as separate entities and their respective development trajectories
will follow very different timelines.
As of this document’s printing, the basin area is under construction and scheduled to be
completed in 2015. Upon completion, this area will formally become part of the larger
Willow Waterhole Greenway and will immediately assume a management structure identical
to the existing compartments of Willow Waterhole. This will include regular monitoring by
HCFCD of the overall site conditions from hydrological and ecological perspectives as well
as regular maintainance by HPARD of the mowed top-of-bank trail and any site furnishings
located along this trail.
Although the PMA is currently accessible as public open space, it is not mapped, identified,
or promoted as such. This Public Access Plan envisions a process whereby this area will
become formalized as a public nature park and better integrated into the Willow Waterhole
Greenway. To reach this goal, the PMA will require the same partnership that has shepherded
it until now, combined with a new third party agency that has the resources and willingness
to realize and maintain many of the site amenities outlined earlier in this plan.
The current partnership model includes the involvement of the HCFCD as a landscape
restoration and site management partner, the WWGC as a community engagement,
programming and fundraising partner, and a variety of local environmental organizations as
additional programming and restoration partners. Out of this successful partnership we’ve
seen the dramatic restoration of the prairie, regular programming of the site, and a high level
of community involvement, and, in large part, these roles will need to continue to ensure
the continued evolution of the PMA. However, neither the HCFCD nor the WWGC have the
resources or the mandate to be the fulltime steward of this site. At minumum, this new
partner should have an expertise in managing public parks, an appreciation for the habitat of
the site, a strong interest in promoting the PMA and the larger Willow Waterhole Greenway as
destinations, and the ability to oversee the capital improvement projects recommended for
the site. While this partner should have the capital resources to fulfill at least a portion of the
site enhancements, it is understood that the WWGC in cooperation with the HCFCD and the
Brays Oaks Managament District will continue to assist with fundraising for key projects in
Compartment #3 and throughout the Greenway.
Based on the understanding that enhancements to the PMA may happen gradually over time,
the list on the opposite page is provided as an aid in developing possible phasing strategies
for these site improvements. Rather than recommending a strict phasing strategy, the list
gauges each site enhancement outlined in the Public Access Plan on a set of key criteria so
that a future management agency will have the flexibility to tailor capital improvements to
both the interests of the site as well as available resources.
52
INVENTORY OF PROPOSED SITE AMENITIES
PARK
ELEMENT
RELATIVE
COST
COMMUNITY
WISH LIST
STEWARDSHIP
VALUE
Priaire Trail
$$$


Fencing
$$$
NATURAL RESOURCE
PROTECTION

Prairie Spaces



Outdoor Classroom
$$
Viewing Platform @
Neighborhood Trailhead
$$
Viewing Platform @
Hymenoxys texana
study area #1
$$

Viewing Platform @
Hymenoxys texana
study area #2
$$

Neighborhood Trailhead
Functional Signage
$
Educational Signage
$
Bike Rack
$
Trash Receptacle
$




























Easement Trailheads (2)
Functional Signage
$
Educational Signage
$$
Bike Rack
$
Gathering Area
$$
Parking Area Trailhead
Functional Signage
$
Educational Signage
$$
Bike Rack
$
Drinking Fountain
$
Benches
$
Trash Receptacle
$
Covered Pavilion w/ rest
room, storage and office
$$$
Gasmer Dr. turnaround
$$$
Gasmer Dr. street
improvements
$$$
$ = less costly


$$ = somewhat costly $$$= more costly
I
APPENDIX I
APPENDIX I:
PLANT SPECIES LIST (AS OF JULY 2012 FOR NORTH SECTOR ONLY)
Willow Waterhole Compartment #3 Prairie Conservation Area
Family
Plant List by Dr. Larry Brown, July 2012
Management
Units
Scientific Name
Common
Name
ACANTHACEAE
ACANTHUS
FAMILY
Justica lanceolata
Loose-flowered
water- willow
ACANTHACEAE
ACANTHUS
FAMILY
Ruellia humilis
Fringeleaf wild
petuna
ACANTHACEAE
ACANTHUS
FAMILY
Ruellia nudiflora
Violet wild
petuna
ALISMATACEAE
WATER PLANTAIN FAMILY
Sagittaria papillosa
Papillose
arrowhead
ALLIACEAE
ONION FAMILY
Allium canadense var.
canadense
Meadow garlic
x
ALLIACEAE
ONION FAMILY
Allium canadense var.
mobilense
Meadow garlic
x
ALLIACEAE
ONION FAMILY
Nothoscordum bivalve
False garlic
ALTINGIACEAE
SWEET GUM
FAMILY
Liquidambar styraciflua
Sweet gum
AMARANTHACEAE
AMARANTH
FAMILY
Gossypianthus lanuginosum var. tenuifolium
AMARYLLIDACEAE
AMARYLLIS
FAMILY
ANACARDIACEAE
Scientific
Common
1
Native or
Introduced
Growth
Form
Wetlands
Status
2
3
x
x
N
Herb
OBL
x
x
x
N
Herb
FACU
x
x
x
N
Herb
UPL
x
x
N
Herb
OBL
N
Herb
FACU
x
N
Herb
FACU
x
N
Herb
FACU
x
N
Tree
FAC
Cotton flower
x
N
Herb
Not listed
Zephyranthes traubii
Traubs RainLily
x
N
Herb
Not listed
SUMAC
FAMILY
Toxicodendron radicans
Poison Ivy
x
N
Vine
FAC
APIACEAE
CARROT
FAMILY
Limnosciadium
pumilum
Dog sunshade
x
N
Herb
OBL
APIACEAE
CARROT
FAMILY
Polytaenia nuttallii
Prairie parsley
x
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
APIACEAE
CARROT
FAMILY
Torilis arvensis
Hedge parsley
x
x
x
I
Herb
Not listed
APOCYNACEAE
MILKWEED
FAMILY
Asclepias linearis
Narrowleaf
milkweed
x
N
Herb
Not listed
APOCYNACEAE
MILKWEED
FAMILY
Asclepias verticillata
Whorled milkweed
x
x
x
N
Herb
FACU
APOCYNACEAE
MILKWEED
FAMILY
Asclepias viridis
Green milkweed
x
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
APOCYNACEAE
MILKWEED
FAMILY
Nerium oleander
Oleander
x
x
N
Shrub
UPL
AQUIFOLIACEAE
HOLLY FAMILY
Ilex decidua
Deciduous
Holly
x
x
N
Shrub
FACW
x
x
x
AQUIFOLIACEAE
HOLLY FAMILY
Ilex vomitoria
Youpon
x
x
x
N
Shrub
FAC
ARECACEAE
PALM FAMILY
Sabal minor
Dwarf palmetto
x
x
x
N
Shrub
FACW
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Ambrosia psilostachya
Western Ragweed
x
x
x
N
Herb
FAC
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Arnoglossum ovatum
Ovateleaf Indian Plantain
x
x
x
N
Herb
FACW
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Baccharis halimifolia
Sea-myrtle
x
x
x
N
Shrub
FAC
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Boltonia diffusa
Smallhead
doll's daisy
x
x
x
N
Herb
FACW
APPENDIX I
Family
Scientific
Scientific Name
Common
Common
Name
Management
Units
1
2
3
Native or
Introduced
Growth
Form
Wetlands
Status
N
Herb
FAC
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Calyptocarpus
vialis
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Cirsium horridulum
Horrid thistle
x
x
x
N
Herb
FAC
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Conoclinium coelestinum
Mist flower
x
x
x
N
Herb
FAC
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Conyza canadensis
Horseweed
x
x
x
N
Herb
UPL
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Coreopsis lanceolata
Lanceleaf
tickseed
x
N
Herb
UPL
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Coreopsis tinctoria
Golden tickseed
x
N
Herb
FAC
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Erigeron tenuis
Slenderleaf
Daisy Fleabane
x
N
Herb
Not listed
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Eupatorium compositifolium
Yankeeweed
x
N
Herb
FACU+
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Eupatorium hyssopifolium
Narrowleaf
thoroughwort
x
N
Herb
Not listed
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Eupatorium serotinum
Fall thoroughwort
x
x
N
Herb
FAC
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Euthamia
gymnspermoides
Texas goldentop
x
x
N
Herb
FAC
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Euthamia leptocephala
Flat-topped
goldenrod
x
x
N
Herb
FACW
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Gaillardia aestivalis
var. aestivalis
Lanceleaf Indian-blanket
x
N
Herb
Not listed
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Gamochaeta
antillana
Narrowleaf
cudweed
x
N
Herb
Not listed
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Gamochaeta pennsylvanica
Pennsylvanica
everlasting
N
Herb
FACU
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Helenium amarum
Bitterweed
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Helenium flexuosum
Purplehead
sneezeweed
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Helianthus angustifolus
Swamp sunflower
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Helianthus annuus
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
ASTERACEAE
Straggler daisy
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
N
Herb
FACU
x
x
N
Herb
FACW
x
x
x
N
Herb
FACW
Common
sunflower
x
x
x
N
Herb
FAC
Helianthus maximiliani
Maximilian
sunflower
x
x
x
N
Herb
UPL
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Hymenoxys texana
Prairie dawn
x
N
Federal endangered
Herb
Not listed
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Iva angustifolia
Narrowleaf
sumpweed
x
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Iva annua
Sumpweed
x
x
x
N
Herb
FAC
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Krigia occidentalis
Dwarf dandelion
x
N
Herb
Not listed
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Liatris acidota
Sharp
gay-feather
x
N
Herb
FACW
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER FAMILY
Liatris bractata
Coastal
gay-feather
x
N
State
concerned
Herb
Not listed
x
x
II
III
APPENDIX I
Family
Scientific
Scientific Name
Common
Common
Name
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Liatris pycnostachya
Tall gay-feather
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Packera tampicanus
Great plains
ragwort
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Palafoxia rosea
Rosy palafox
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Pyrrhopappus carolinianus
Carolina false
dandelion
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Pyrrhopappus pauciflorua
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
ASTERACEAE
Management
Units
1
2
3
x
x
x
Native or
Introduced
Growth
Form
Wetlands
Status
N
Herb
FACU
N
Herb
FACW
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
x
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
Cutleaf false
dandelion
x
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
Ratibida columnifera
Prairie coneflower
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Rayjacksonia aurea
Houston camphor daisy
x
N
State
concerned
Herb
Not listed
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Rudbeckia hirta
Blackeyed
susan
x
x
x
N
Herb
FACU
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Rudbeckia texana
Texas coneflower
x
x
x
N
Herb
FACW
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Silphium radula var.
gracile
Rosin-weed
x
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Solidago altlissima
Common
goldenrod
x
x
x
N
Herb
FACU
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Solidago sempervirens
Seashore
goldenrod
x
x
x
N
Herb
FACW
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Sonchus asper
Spiny sowthistle
x
x
x
N
Herb
FACU
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Symphyotrichum
divaricatum
Blueweed aster
x
x
N
Herb
OBL
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Symphyotrichum
dumosum
Rice-button
aster
N
Herb
FAC
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Symphyotrichum
ericoides
Prairie aster
x
N
Herb
UPL
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Symphyotrichum
lanceolatum
Large flower
aster
x
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Symphyotrichum
lateriflorum
Farewell-summer aster
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Veronica missurica
Missouri
ironweed
ASTERACEAE
SUNFLOWER
FAMILY
Youngia japonica
Japanese
hawkweed
BERBERIDACEAE
BARBERRY
FAMILY
Nandina domestica
Heavenly
bamboo
BORAGINACEAE
BORAGE
FAMILY
Lithospermum incisum
Narrowleaf
puccon
BRASSICACEAE
MUSTARD
FAMILY
Lepidium virginicus
Pepperwort
x
x
x
N
Herb
FACW
x
x
N
Herb
FAC
I
Herb
FACU
x
N
Herb
FAC
x
I
Herb
FACU
x
I
Shrub
Not listed
N
Herb
Not listed
N
Herb
UPL
x
x
x
x
APPENDIX I
Family
Scientific Name
Common
Name
Management
Units
2
3
Growth
Form
Wetlands
Status
N
Herb
FACW
N
Herb
Not listed
N
Tree
FACW
I
Vine
FAC
Scientific
Common
CAMPANULACEAE
LOBELIA
FAMILY
Lobelia puberula
Blue cardinal
flower
CAMPANULACEAE
LOBELIA
FAMILY
Triodanis biflora
Venus looking-glass
x
HOP FAMILY
Celtis laevigata
Sugar Hackberry
x
x
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY
Lonicera japonica
Japanese
honeysuckle
x
x
COMMELINACEAE
SPIDERWORT
FAMILY
Commelina erecta
Whitemouth
dayflower
x
N
Herb
FACU
COMMELINACEAE
SPIDERWORT
FAMILY
Tradescantia ohiensis
Spiderwort
x
N
Herb
FAC
CONVOLVULACEAE
MORNING
GLORY FAMILY
Dichondra carolinensis
Carolina
ponyfoot
x
x
N
Herb
FAC
CONVOLVULACEAE
MORNING
GLORY FAMILY
Evolvulus sericeus
Silver
dwrf-morning-glory
x
N
Herb
FACW
CONVOLVULACEAE
MORNING
GLORY FAMILY
Ipomoea cordatotriloba
Tievine
x
N
Vine
FACU
CRASSULACEAE
STONECROP
FAMILY
Crassula aquatica
Water pigmy-weed
x
N
Herb
OBL
CUCURBITACEAE
GOURD
FAMILY
Cucumis melo var.
texana
Cantaloupe
x
I
Vine
Not listed
CUCURBITACEAE
SQUASH
FAMILY
Melothria pendula
Melonette
x
x
N
Vine
FAC
CUPRESSACEAE
CEDAR FAMILY
Juniperus virginiana
Eastern red
cedar
x
x
N
Shrub/
tree
FACU-
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Carex brevior
Short-beak
bladder-sedge
N
Graminoid
OBL
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Carex bushii
Bush's bladder
-sedge
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Carex cherokeensis
Cherokee bladder-sedge
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Carex flaccosperma
Thin-fruit bladder-sedge
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Carex meadii
Mead's sedge
x
N
Graminoid
FAC
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Carex microdonta
Little-tooth
Bladder-sedge
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Carex tetrastachya
Britton's sedge
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Carex triangularis
Eastern bladder-sedge
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Carex vulpinoidea
fox sedge
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Cyperus acuminatus
Taper-leaf flatsedge
x
x
N
Graminoid
OBL
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Cyperus articulatus
Jointed flatsedge
x
x
N
Graminoid
OBL
CANNABACEAE
1
Native or
Introduced
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
IV
V
APPENDIX I
Family
Scientific
Scientific Name
Common Name
Common
Management
Units
1
2
Native or
Introduced
Growth
Form
Wetlands
Status
x
N
Graminoid
FAC
x
N
Graminoid
FAC
x
I
Graminoid
FACW
N
Graminoid
OBL
N
Graminoid
FACW
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
3
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Cyperus croceus
Baldwin's flat-sedge
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Cyperus echinatus
Globe flat sedge
x
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Cyperus entrerianus
Deep rooted Flat
sedge
x
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Cyperus haspan
Soft flat sedge
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Cyperus ochraceus
Flat sedge
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Cyperus pseudovegetus
Marsh flat-sedge
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Cyperus reflexus
Red-bracted flatsedge
x
N
Graminoid
Not listed
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Cyperus retrorsus
var. retrorsus
Ovoid flat-sedge
x
N
Graminoid
FACU
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Eleocharis montevidensis
Spike rush
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Fimbristylis puberula var. puberula
Fimbry
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
OBL
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Rhynchospora
caduca
anglestem
beaksedge
x
x
N
Graminoid
OBL
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Rhynchospora
corniculata
Short-bristle beaksedge
x
N
Graminoid
OBL
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Rhynchospora
globularis
Globe beak-sedge
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Rhynchospora
harveyi
Horn rush
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Scleria ciliata var.
ciliata
Fringed nut-rush
x
N
Graminoid
FAC
CYPERACEAE
SEDGE FAMILY
Scleria pauciflora
Few-flower nut-rush
x
x
N
Graminoid
FAC
EBENACEAE
EBONY FAMILY
Diospyros virginiana
Persimmon
x
x
N
Shrub
FAC
EUPHORBIACEAE
SPURGE
FAMILY
Acalypha gracilens
Three-seed-mercury
N
Herb
FAC
EUPHORBIACEAE
SPURGE
FAMILY
Croton capitatus
Wooly croton
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
EUPHORBIACEAE
SPURGE
FAMILY
Croton monanthogynus
Prairie tea
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
EUPHORBIACEAE
SPURGE
FAMILY
Euphorbia spathula
Warty spurge
x
N
Herb
FACU
EUPHORBIACEAE
SPURGE
FAMILY
Triadica sebiferum
Chinese tallow
x
x
x
I
Tree
FAC
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Acacia farnesiana
Huisache
x
x
x
N
Tree/
Shrub
FACU
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Albizia julibrissin
Silk tree
I
Tree
Not listed
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Baptisia sphaerocarpa
Yellow false indigo
N
Herb
Not listed
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
APPENDIX I
Family
Scientific
Scientific Name
Common Name
Common
Management
Units
1
2
Red bud
x
x
x
3
Native or
Introduced
Growth
Form
Wetlands
Status
N
Tree
Not listed
N
Herb
FACU
N
Herb
Not listed
N
Herb
FACU
N
Herb
Not listed
N
Herb
Not listed
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Cercis canadensis
var. canadensis
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Chamaecrista
fasciculata
Partridge pea
x
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Dalea compacta
var. compacat
Purple prairie
clover
x
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Desmanthus illinoensis
Illinoia bundle
flower
x
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Desmodium sessilifolium
Sessleaf ticktrefoil
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Indigofera miniata
Scarlet pea
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Lathyrus pusillus
Tiny pea
x
N
Heb
FAC+
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Mimosa hystricina
Sensitive briar
x
x
x
N
Vine
Not listed
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Mimosa strigillosa
Powder puff
x
x
x
N
Vine
FAC
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Neptunia lutea
Yellow-puff
x
x
x
N
Vine
FACU
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Neptunia pubescens
Tropical puff
x
x
N
Vine
FAC
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Parkinsonia aculeata
Ratama
x
N
Tree
FAC
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Sesbania drummondii
Rattlebush
x
N
Shrub
FACW
FABACEAE
BEAN FAMILY
Vicia ludoviciana
Louisiana vetch
x
N
Vine
UPL
FAGACEAE
OAK FAMILY
Quercus hemisphaerica
Upland laurel oak
x
x
N
Tree
FACU
FAGACEAE
OAK FAMILY
Quercus nigra
Water Oak
x
x
N
Tree
FAC
FAGACEAE
OAK FAMILY
Quercus phellos
Willow oak
x
x
N
Tree
FACW
FAGACEAE
OAK FAMILY
Quercus virginiana
Live oak
x
x
x
N
Tree
FACU
GENTIANACEAE
GENTIAN
FAMILY
Sabatia campestris
Meadow beauty/
Texas star
x
x
x
N
Herb
FACU
HALOGRACEAE
WATER MILLFOIL FAMILY
Myriophyllum
pinnatum
Watermillfoil
x
x
N
Aquatic
herb
OBL
HALOGRACEAE
WATER MILLFOIL FAMILY
Proserpinaca
palustris
Marsh mermaidweed
x
N
Aquatic
herb
OBL
HYDROLEACEAE
FALSE FIDDLEHEAD FAMILY
Hydrolea ovata
Ovate false fiddlehead
x
N
Spiny
Herb
OBL
HYPERICACEAE
SAINT-JOHN'SWORT FAMILY
Hypericum drummondii
Nits-and-lice
x
N
Herb
FACU
HYPERICACEAE
SAINT'SJOHN'S-WORT
FAMILY
Hypericum hypericoides
St.Andrew's cross
x
N
Shrub
FAC
HYPOXIDACEAE
STAR-GRASS
FAMILY
Hypoxis hirsuta
Yellow star grass
x
x
N
Herb
FACW
IRIDACEAE
IRIS FAMILY
Herbertia lahue
Herbertia
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
IRIDACEAE
IRIS FAMILY
Sisyrinchium
angustifolium
Blue-eyed grass
x
N
Herb
FACW
IRIDACEAE
IRIS FAMILY
Sisyrinchium
langloisii
Blue-eyed grass
x
N
Herb
Not listed
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
VI
VII
APPENDIX I
Family
Scientific
Scientific Name
Common Name
Common
Management
Units
1
2
3
Native or
Introduced
Growth
Form
Wetlands
Status
N
Herb
FAC
N
Graminoid
OBL
IRIDACEAE
IRIS FAMILY
Sisyrinchium
rosulatum
JUNCACEAE
RUSH FAMILY
Juncus acuminatus
Tapertip rush
x
JUNCACEAE
RUSH FAMILY
Juncus brachycarpus
Short-fruit rush
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
JUNCACEAE
RUSH FAMILY
Juncus dichotomus
Fork rush
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
JUNCACEAE
RUSH FAMILY
Juncus marginatus
Field rush
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
JUNCACEAE
RUSH FAMILY
Juncus validus
Flatleaf rush
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
RATANY FAMILY
Kramera lanceolatus
Ratany
x
N
Prostrate
Herb
Not listed
LAMIACEAE
MINT FAMILY
Callicarpa americana
American beauty
berry
N
Shrub
FACU
LAMIACEAE
MINT FAMILY
Hedeoma hispida
Rough false pennyroyal
x
N
Herb
Not listed
LAMIACEAE
MINT FAMILY
Monarda citriodora
Lemon beebalm
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
LAMIACEAE
MINT FAMILY
Salvia azurea
Azure blue sage
x
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
LAMIACEAE
MINT FAMILY
Salvia lyrata
Lyreleaf sage
x
x
x
N
Herb
FACU
LAMIACEAE
MINT FAMILY
Scutellaria parvula
Small skullcap
x
x
N
Herb
FACU
LAMIACEAE
MINT FAMILY
Stachys crenata
Mouseear betony
x
N
Herb
FACU
LAMIACEAE
MINT FAMILY
Stachys drummondii
Pink mint
x
N
Herb
Not listed
LINACEAE
FLAX FAMILY
Linum berlandieri
var. berlandieri
Flax
x
N
Herb
Not listed
LINACEAE
FLAX FAMILY
Linum medium var.
texanum
Stiff yellow flax
x
N
Herb
FAC
LYTHRACEAE
LOOSESTRIFE
FAMILY
Lythrum alatum var.
lanceolatum
Winged loosestrife
x
N
Herb
OBL
MAGNOLIACEAE
Magnolia grandiflora
Southern magnolia
N
Tree
FAC
MALVACEAE
MALLOW
FAMILY
Callirhoe involucrata var. lineariloba
Winecup
x
N
Trailing
Herb
Not listed
MALVACEAE
MALLOW
FAMILY
Malvastrum coromandelianum
Threelobe false
mallow
x
I
Herb
FACU
MORACEAE
MULBERRY
FAMILY
Morus alba
White Mulberry
x
x
I
Shrub
FACU
MYRICACEAE
BAYBERRY
FAMILY
Morella cerifera
Wax myrtle
x
N
Shrub
FAC
OLEACEAE
OLIVE FAMILY
Fraxinus berlandieriana
Mexican ash
x
x
Escape from
cultivation
Tree
Not listed
OLEACEAE
OLIVE FAMILY
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Green ash
x
x
N
Tree
FACW
OLEACEAE
OLIVE FAMILY
Ligustrum lucidum
Glossy privet
x
x
I
Shrub
Not listed
KRAMERIACEAE
MAGNOLIACEAE
Blue-eyed grass
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
APPENDIX I
Family
Management
Units
Native or
Introduced
Growth
Form
Wetlands
Status
x
I
Shrub
FAC
x
N
Herb
Not listed
N
Herb
Not listed
x
N
Herb
OBL
x
x
N
Heb
OBL
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
N
Herb
FACW
x
N
Herb
FACU
x
N
Herb
FAC
x
x
I
Herb
Not listed
x
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
x
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
x
N
Herb
Not listed
x
N
Vine
Not listed
Escape
Tree
FACW
N
Herb
Not listed
x
N
Herb
Not listed
Prairie plantain
x
N
Herb
FACW
Plantago heterophylla
Slender plantain
x
N
Herb
FACW
SNAPDRAGON
FAMILY
Plantago lanceolata
Plantain
x
I
Herb
FACU
PLANTAGINACEAE
SNAPDRAGON
FAMILY
Plantago virginica
Plantain
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
PLANTAGINACEAE
SNAPDRAGON
FAMILY
Veronica agrestis
Wayside speedwell
x
I
Herb
Not listed
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Agrostis elliottiana
Elliot's bentgrass
x
N
Graminoid
FACU
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Agrostis hyemalis
Winter bentgrass
x
N
Graminoid
FAC
Scientific Name
Common Name
1
2
3
OLIVE FAMILY
Ligustrum sinense
Chinese privet
x
x
ONAGRACEAE
EVENING PRIMROSE FAMILY
Gaura lindheimeri
Lindheimer's beeblossom
x
x
ONAGRACEAE
Gaura longiflora
Longflower beeblossom
ONAGRACEAE
Ludwigia glandulosa
Glandular Primrose-willow
ONAGRACEAE
Ludwigia linearis
Narrowleaf Primrose-willow
ONAGRACEAE
Oenothera linifolia
Threadleaf evening
primrose
ONAGRACEAE
Oenothera speciosa
Mexican primrose
ORCHIDACEAE
ORCHID FAMILY
Spiranthes vernalis
Spring ladies's
tresses
OROBANCHACEAE
BROOMRAPE
FAMILY
Agalinis heterophylla
Common false
foxglobe
OROBANCHACEAE
BROOMRAPE
FAMILY
Castilieja indivisa
Indian paintbrush
OXALIDACEAE
WOOD SORREL
FAMILY
Oxalis debilis
Bulbous non-yellow
sourgrass
x
OXALIDACEAE
WOOD SORREL
FAMILY
Oxalis dillenii
Slender yellow
sourgrass
OXALIDACEAE
WOOD SORREL
FAMILY
Oxalis texana
Tufted yellow
sourgrass
OXALIDACEAE
WOOD SORREL
FAMILY
Oxalis violacea
Violet sourgrass
PASSIFLORACEAE
PASSION
FLOWER
FAMILY
Passiflora incarnata
Purple passion
flower
x
PINE FAMILY
Pinus elliotii
Slash pine
x
PLANTAGINACEAE
SNAPDRAGON
FAMILY
Nuttallanthus
texanus
Texas toadflax
PLANTAGINACEAE
SNAPDRAGON
FAMILY
Plantago aristata
Long bract plantain
PLANTAGINACEAE
SNAPDRAGON
FAMILY
Plantago elongata
PLANTAGINACEAE
SNAPDRAGON
FAMILY
PLANTAGINACEAE
Scientific
OLEACEAE
PINACEAE
Common
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
VIII
IX
APPENDIX I
Family
Scientific
Scientific Name
Common Name
Common
Management
Units
1
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Andropogon gerardii
Big bluestem
x
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Andropogon glomeratus
Bushy bluestem
x
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Aristida longispica var.
geniculata
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
POACEAE
2
3
Native or
Introduced
Growth
Form
Wetlands
Status
N
Graminoid
FACU
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
Slimspike threeawn
grass
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACU
Aristida longispica var.
longispicata
Slimspike threeawn
grass
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACU
GRASS FAMILY
Aristida oligantha
Oldfield three-awn
x
x
N
Graminoid
Not listed
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Aristida purpurascens var
purpurascens
Arrowfeather
threeawn
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Borhriochloa longipaniculata
Longspike silver
bluestem
x
N
Graminoid
Not listed
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Bothriochloa ischaemum
King ranch bluestem
x
I
Graminoid
Not listed
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Bothriochloa longipaniculata
Longspike silver
bluestem
x
N
Graminoid
Not listed
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Bouteloua curtipendula
Side-oats grama
x
N
Graminoid
UPL
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Bouteloua rigidiseta
Texas grama
x
N
Graminoid
Not listed
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Briza minor
Quackinggrass
x
I
Graminoid
FAC
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Bromus catharticus
Rescue grass
x
I
Graminoid
Not listed
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Chloris canterae
Paraguayan windmillgrass
x
x
x
I
Graminoid
Not listed
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Cyndon dactylon
Bermudagrass
x
x
x
I
Graminoid
FACU
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Dichanthelium aciculare
var. angustifolium
Needleleaf rosettegrass
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACU
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Dichanthelium acuminatum var. acuminatum
Tapered rosett grass
x
N
Graminoid
FAC
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Dichanthelium acuminatum var. lindheimeri
Tapered rosette
grass
N
Graminoid
FAC
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Dichanthelium commutatum
Variable rosettegrass
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
FAC
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Dichanthelium oligosanthes
Fewflowered
rosettegrass
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACU
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Dichanthelium ovale var.
villosissimum
Egg leaf rosette
grass
x
N
Graminoid
FACU
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Dichanthelium scoparium
Velvet rosettegrass
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Dichanthelium sphaerocarpon
Roundfruit rosettegrass
x
N
Graminoid
FACU
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Dichanthium annulatum
Kleberg bluestem
x
I
Graminoid
FACU
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Dichanthium aristatum
Angelton bluestem
x
I
Graminoid
FACU
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
APPENDIX I
Family
Scientific
Scientific Name
Common Name
Common
Management
Units
1
2
3
x
Native or
Introduced
Growth
Form
Wetlands
Status
N
Graminoid
FACU
I
Graminoid
FACW
N
Graminoid
FAC
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Digitaria ciliaris
Southern crabgrass
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Echinochloa colonum
Jungle-rice grass
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Elymus virginicus
Virginia wildrye
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Eragrostis elliottii
Elliot's lovegrass
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Eragrostis secundiflora
Red lovegrass
x
N
Graminoid
UPL
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Eragrostis spectabilis
Purple lovegrass
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACU
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Hordeum pusillum
Little barley
x
N
Graminoid
FACU
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Leersia hexandra
Southern ricegrass
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Lolium perenne
Perennial ryegrass
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Muhlenbergii capillaris
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
POACEAE
x
x
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
OBL
x
x
x
I
Graminoid
FACU
Gulf muhly
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
FAC
Nassella leucotricha
Texas speargrass
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
Not listed
GRASS FAMILY
Panicum dichotomiflorum
Fall panicgrass
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Panicum repens
Torpedo grass
x
I
Graminoid
FACW
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Panicum rigidulum
Redtop panicgrass
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Panicum virgatum
Switchgrass
x
N
Graminoid
FAC
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Paspalum dilatatum
Dallisgrass
x
I
Graminoid
FAC
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Paspalum floridanum
Florida paspalum
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Paspalum langei
Rustyseed paspalum
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Paspalum plicatulum
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
POACEAE
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
Not listed
Brownseed paspalum
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
FAC
Paspalum puibiflorum
Hairyseed paspalaum
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
GRASS FAMILY
Paspalum setaceum
Thin paspalum
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Paspalum urvillei
Vaseygrass
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Schizachyrium scoparium
var. divergens
Little bluestem
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Setaria parviflora
Knotroot bristlegrass
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Setaria parviflorum
Common bristlegrass
x
x
N
Graminoid
FAC
x
x
x
I
Graminoid
FAC
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACU
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
N
Graminoid
FACW
x
X
XI
APPENDIX I
Family
Scientific
Scientific Name
Common Name
Common
Management
Units
1
2
Native or
Introduced
Growth
Form
Wetlands
Status
x
I
Graminoid
FAC
x
N
Graminoid
FACU
I
Graminoid
FACU
3
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Setaria pumila subsp.
Pumila
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Sorghastum nutans
Indiangrass
x
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Sorghum halepense
Johnsongrass
x
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Spartina spartinae
Gulf cordgrass
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
OBL
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Sphenopholis obtusata
Prairie wedgescale
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
FAC
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Sporobolus compositus
var. compositua
Tall dropseed
x
x
N
Graminoid
UPL
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Sporobolus indicus
Smutgrass
x
I
Graminoid
NI / FACU
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Sporobolus pyramidatus
Whorled dropseed
x
N
Graminoid
FAC
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Steinchisma hians
Gaping panicgrass
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
OBL
POACEAE
GRASS FAMILY
Tridens strictus
Longspike tridens
x
x
x
N
Graminoid
FACW
POLYGALACEAE
MILKWORT
FAMILY
Polygala incarnata
Procession flower
x
x
N
Herb
FAC
POLYGONACEAE
KNOTWEED
FAMILY
Persicaria hydropiperoides
Swamp smartweed
x
N
Herb
OBL
POLYGONACEAE
KNOTWEED
FAMILY
Rumex chrysocarpus
Amamastla
x
N
Herb
FACW
POLYGONACEAE
KNOTWEED
FAMILY
Rumex crispus
Curly dock
x
I
Herb
FAC
PRIMULACEAE
PRIMROSE
FAMILY
Anagallis arvensis
Scarlet pimpernel
x
x
I
Herb
Not listed
PRIMULACEAE
PRIMROSE
FAMILY
Anagallis minima
Little pimperenel
x
N
Herb
Not listed
RANUNCULACEAE
BUTTERCUP
FAMILY
Anemone berlandieri
Berandieri's
anemone
x
N
Herb
Not listed
RANUNCULACEAE
BUTTERCUP
FAMILY
Anemone caroliniana
Carolina anemone
x
N
Herb
Not listed
RANUNCULACEAE
BUTTERCUP
FAMILY
Ranunculus muricatus
Spinyfruit buttercup
x
I
Herb
FACU
RANUNCULACEAE
BUTTERCUP
FAMILY
Ranunculus platensis
Prairie buttercup
x
I
Herb
FAC
RANUNCULACEAE
BUTTERCUP
FAMILY
Ranunculus sardosus
Hairy buttercup
x
I
Herb
FAC
RHAMNACEAE
BUCKTHORN
FAMILY
Berchemia scandens
Rattan vine
x
x
N
Woody
vine
FAC
ROSACEAE
ROSE FAMILY
Pyracantha koidzumii
Firethorn
x
x
I
Shrub
Not listed
ROSACEAE
ROSE FAMILY
Rosa bracteaea
Macartney rose
x
x
I
Shrub
UPL
ROSACEAE
ROSE FAMILY
Rubus argutus
Sawtooth blackberry
x
N
Shrub
FAC
Yellow bristlegrass
x
x
x
x
x
x
APPENDIX I
Family
Scientific
Scientific Name
Common
Name
Common
Management
Units
Native or
Introduced
Growth
Form
Wetlands
Status
1
2
3
x
x
x
N
Vine
FAC
x
x
N
Herb
FACU
x
x
N
Herb
I
Herb
FACU
x
N
Herb
FACW
x
N
Herb
FACU
x
N
Herb
Not listed
I
Herb
Not listed
N
Herb
Not listed
x
N
Tree
FAC
x
x
N
Shrub/tree
FAC
x
x
x
N
Woody vine
FAC
Cut-leaf
ground-cherry
x
N
Herb
FACU
Physalis cinerascens
Beech
ground-cherry
x
N
Herb
Not listed
NIGHTSHADE
FAMILY
Solanum ptycanthum
Black nightshade
N
Herb
FACU
ULMACEAE
ELM FAMILY
Ulmus alata
Winged elm
x
x
x
N
Tree
FACU
ULMACEAE
ELM FAMILY
Ulmus americana
American elm
x
x
x
N
Tree
FAC
ULMACEAE
ELM FAMILY
Ulmus parvifolia
Chinese elm
x
x
I
Shrub
FACU
VERBENACEAE
VERBENA
FAMILY
Lantana camara
West indies
lantana
x
x
x
I
Shrub
FACU
VERBENACEAE
VERBENA
FAMILY
Phyla nodiflora
Frog fruit
x
x
x
N
Herb
FAC
VERBENACEAE
VERBENA
FAMILY
Verbena brasilensis
Brazilian
vervain
x
x
x
I
Herb
Not listed
VERBENACEAE
VERBENA
FAMILY
Verbena halei
Texas vervain
x
x
N
Heb
Not listed
VERBENACEAE
VERBENA
FAMILY
Verbena rigida
Tuber vervain
x
I
Herb
Not listed
VERBENACEAE
VERBENA
FAMILY
Verbena xutha
Gulf vervain
x
x
x
N
Herb
Not listed
GRAPE FAMILY
Ampelopsis arborea
Pepper vine
x
x
x
N
Woody vine
FAC
TOTAL SPECIES
192
179
216
303
NATIVE SPECIES
154
156
192
257
ROSACEAE
ROSE FAMILY
Rubus trivialis
Dewberry
RUBIACEAE
MADDER
FAMILY
Diodia teres
Poorjoe
RUBIACEAE
MADDER
FAMILY
Diodia virginiana
Virginia buttonweed
x
RUBIACEAE
MADDER
FAMILY
Galium aparine
Bedstraw
x
RUBIACEAE
MADDER
FAMILY
Galium tinctorium
Stiff marsh
bedstraw
RUBIACEAE
MADDER
FAMILY
Houstonia pusilla
Tiny bluet
RUBIACEAE
MADDER
FAMILY
Houstonia rosea
Rose bluet
RUBIACEAE
MADDER
FAMILY
Sherardia arvensis
Blue fieldmatter
RUBIACEAE
MADDER
FAMILY
Stenaria nigricans
Diamonflower
x
SALICACEAE
WILLOW
FAMILY
Populus deltoides
Cottonwood
x
SAPOTACEAE
SAPODILLA
FAMILY
Sideroxylon lanuginosum
Gum bumelia
SMILACACEAE
GREENBRIER
FAMILY
Smilax bona-nox
Fiddle-leaf
greenbrier
SOLANACEAE
NIGHTSHADE
FAMILY
Physalis angulata
SOLANACEAE
NIGHTSHADE
FAMILY
SOLANACEAE
VITACEAE
x
x
x
x
(Some subspecies are counted)
XII
XIII
APPENDIX II
APPENDIX II:
WILLOW WATERHOLE BIRD SURVEY, HOUSTON AUDUBON SOCIETY
Willow Waterhole Survey, Houston Audubon Society
European Starling
1000
Neotropic Cormorant
21
Great Blue Heron
7
Great-tailed Grackle
500
Harris's Sparrow
21
Lesser Yellowlegs
7
Laughing Gull
325
Mottled Duck
20
Mallard
6
Ring-billed Gull
300
Least Sandpiper
20
Pied-billed Grebe
6
Mourning Dove
227
Western Sandpiper
20
Red-tailed Hawk
6
Rock Pigeon
200
Cave Swallow
20
Spotted Sandpiper
6
Cedar Waxwing
185
Loggerhead Shrike
19
Inca Dove
6
Common Grackle
165
Great Egret
16
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
6
Brown-headed Cowbird
150
Snowy Egret
16
Orange-crowned Warbler
6
Savannah Sparrow
143
Greater Yellowlegs
16
Pine Warbler
6
Double-crested Cormorant
135
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
16
Dickcissel
6
Snow Goose
130
Semipalmated Sandpiper
15
Black Vulture
5
White-winged Dove
125
Eastern Phoebe
15
Red-shouldered Hawk
5
Red-winged Blackbird
107
Carolina Chickadee
15
Red-bellied Woodpecker
5
Cattle Egret
101
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
14
American Kestrel
5
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
100
Blue Grosbeak
13
Bank Swallow
5
Purple Martin
100
Blue-winged Teal
12
Le Conte's Sparrow
5
Killdeer
80
Stilt Sandpiper
12
Nutmeg Mannikin
5
Chimney Swift
80
Royal Tern
12
Canada Goose
4
American Goldfinch
77
Lincoln's Sparrow
12
Northern Pintail
4
House Sparrow
75
Little Blue Heron
11
Tricolored Heron
4
Yellow-rumped Warbler
70
American Crow
11
Cooper's Hawk
4
Barn Swallow
68
Hooded Merganser
10
Broad-winged Hawk
4
White Ibis
63
Tree Swallow
10
American Coot
4
Northern Mockingbird
60
Chipping Sparrow
10
Forster's Tern
4
American Pipit
60
American White Pelican
9
Eastern Wood-Pewee
4
Cliff Swallow
52
Roseate Spoonbill
9
Tufted Titmouse
4
American Robin
51
Wilson's Snipe
9
Carolina Wren
4
Eurasian Collared-Dove
48
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
9
Gray Catbird
4
American Avocet
45
Eastern Kingbird
9
Black-and-white Warbler
4
Blue Jay
44
Field Sparrow
9
Wilson's Warbler
4
Greater White-fronted Goose
40
Turkey Vulture
8
Swamp Sparrow
4
White-faced Ibis
34
Long-billed Dowitcher
8
House Finch
4
Northern Cardinal
33
Downy Woodpecker
8
Lesser Scaup
3
Eastern Meadowlark
26
Monk Parakeet
8
Green Heron
3
Herring Gull
25
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
8
Mississippi Kite
3
Black-necked Stilt
24
Indigo Bunting
8
Sharp-shinned Hawk
3
APPENDIX II
XIV
Willow Waterhole Survey, Houston Audubon Society Continued
Common Gallinule
3
Bronzed Cowbird
2
Tennessee Warbler
1
Semipalmated Plover
3
Baltimore Oriole
2
Common Yellowthroat
1
Upland Sandpiper
3
Wood Duck
1
Magnolia Warbler
1
Caspian Tern
3
Northern Shoveler
1
Chestnut-sided Warbler
1
Common Nighthawk
3
Anhinga
1
Palm Warbler
1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
3
Brown Pelican
1
Yellow-throated Warbler
1
Crested Caracara
3
American Bittern
1
Black-throated Green Warbler
1
White-eyed Vireo
3
Black-crowned Night-Heron
1
Canada Warbler
1
Sedge Wren
3
Glossy Ibis
1
Yellow-breasted Chat
1
Yellow Warbler
3
Bald Eagle
1
Grasshopper Sparrow
1
White-throated Sparrow
3
Purple Gallinule
1
Brewer's Blackbird
1
White-crowned Sparrow
3
Solitary Sandpiper
1
Orange Bishop
1
Orchard Oriole
3
Pectoral Sandpiper
1
Green-winged Teal
2
Sandwich Tern
1
blackbird sp.
60
Osprey
2
Red-headed Woodpecker
1
cormorant sp.
50
Northern Harrier
2
Northern Flicker
1
swallow sp.
50
Swainson's Hawk
2
Pileated Woodpecker
1
duck sp.
16
Sora
2
Merlin
1
Mallard (Domestic type)
10
Willet
2
Peregrine Falcon
1
peep sp.
5
Least Tern
2
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
1
sparrow sp.
4
Black Tern
2
Great Crested Flycatcher
1
Accipiter sp.
2
Belted Kingfisher
2
Western Kingbird
1
Buteo sp.
1
Willow Flycatcher
2
Blue-headed Vireo
1
hummingbird sp.
1
Northern Rough-winged
Swallow
2
Philadelphia Vireo
1
Empidonax sp.
1
Marsh Wren
2
Red-eyed Vireo
1
warbler sp.
1
Eastern Bluebird
2
Red-breasted Nuthatch
1
Eastern/Western Meadowlark
1
Brown Thrasher
2
Brown Creeper
1
Sprague's Pipit
2
House Wren
1
American Redstart
2
Veery
1
Vesper Sparrow
2
Gray-cheeked Thrush
1
Song Sparrow
2
Swainson's Thrush
1
Dark-eyed Junco
2
Hermit Thrush
1
Summer Tanager
2
Wood Thrush
1
Yellow-headed Blackbird
2
Northern Waterthrush
1
Available at http://ebird.org/ebird/tx/hotspot/L390915?yr=all&m=&rank=hc&hs_sortBy=count&hs_o=desc, Accessed 2014 July 10.
XV
APPENDIX III
APPENDIX III:
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP MEETING NOTES
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP 1 MEETING NOTES
4/10/2014 5:30-7:30 PM
Willow Waterhole Compartment #3 and The Gathering Place
Attendees:
Project Team
Glen Laird, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD)
Carolyn White, Harris County Flood Control District
Stephen Benigno, , Harris County Flood Control District
Curtis Lampley, , Harris County Flood Control District
Kimberlye Jackson, , Harris County Flood Control District
Keiji Asakura, Asakura Robinson Company (ARC)
Zakcq Lockrem, Asakura Robinson Company
Eric Leshinsky, Asakura Robinson Company
Alykhan Mohamed, Asakura Robinson Company
Site Visit The group assembled just inside the Prairie Management Area near the gate at
Windwood Drive.
1. GL gave brief introduction to the prairie restoration process and goals of the current
planning process, explaining that HCFCD would not be building a park but creating the
framework for one.
• A community member who favored more trees in the prairie took issue with the
remarks and responded in a hostile manner. After being asked to leave, the community member chose to stay and ultimately provided constructive feedback during the
meeting portion of the event.
2. ZL introduced the Asakura Robinson team and further commented on the planning
process.
• EL handed out a one-pager developed by ARC that included a site map and preview
of questions to discuss later at the meeting.
• A hawk was identified in a nearby tree, and everyone took a moment to observe.
• Flo Hannah from Audubon identified the hawk as a Swainson’s Hawk.
3. CW described the larger basin vision with plans of the project mounted on boards.
• The future basin is described as an ‘unprecedented landscape for Houston’ due to
its size, recreational potential and the ecology it will harbor.
4. ZL described the pipeline easement nearby as a significant feature of the site and the
requirement for access and maintenance to the easement as something that would
guide planning.
5. ZL raised the issue of parking for the basin as significant to the Prairie Management
Area as well.
• A community member asked whether landscape architects would be dealing with
APPENDIX III
the parking area. ZL responded that because this project was only an access plan
the HCFCD would not be building the parking area but rather looking for agency or
institutional partners to manage the design and build.
• Another community member inquired about the size of the eventual basin when
complete. CW responded that it would be approximately 23 acres, including 8-10
acres of emergent wetlands.
6. With the large prairie motte as a backdrop, Aleen from Coastal Prairie Partnership explained the value of the prairie landscape and the ecosystem it supports.
• She explained that ‘prairie’ is just one of many names for this type of landscape,
others including the savannahs of Africa and the steppes of central Asia.
• She described the oak mottes as historically the survivors of the burns that would
regulate prairie vegetation.
• She remarked on little blue stem being a particularly attractive prairie grass that
would emerge after the burns.
7. SB introduced the biology and significance of the Texas Prairie Dawn.
• He acknowledged that while the Texas Prairie Dawn is hard to establish, most prairie
species do not require seeding and come back on their own.
8. CW explained the transects, how they work and their significance to understanding the
development of the prairie, by providing a regular sample of vegetation.
• A community member asked if the transects are similar. SB responded that they are
quite diverse and there is now extensive data showing how they have changed over
time, including over 300 plant species and 245 native prairie species
9. Aleen acknowledged that prairie management involves the removal of invasive species.
10.CW remarked that there would be an obligation to add trees around the basin so community members should consider which views might be desired.
• A community member asked about the (proposed?) berm. GL responded that it was
intended to block the railroad.
11.A community member asks why all of the other fencing is needed if the Texas Prairie
Dawn enclosure is the ‘sacred’ area?
• GL responded that it was designed to keep out 4-wheelers.
• ZL added that considering other fencing options would be a key component of the
public access plan.
12.SB explained the Texas Prairie Dawn and the protection process in further detail.
• He explained that the species likes sandy, salty soil, that the species went dormant
for many years but came back, and that reiterated the difficulty in growing it.
• He acknowledged that there are nurseries that have developed ways of establishing
the plant more consistently and the HCFCD efforts might ultimately replicate those.
XVI
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APPENDIX III
Meeting
1. Bob Schwartz from the Brays Bayou Association introduced the group to the The Gathering Place and asked that everyone be courteous to one another.
2. ZL reintroduced the goals of the public access plan and surveyed the group’s perspectives on a few core questions.
• How far do people come to visit this area?
• Most visitors come from nearby
• Do people use the other Willow Waterhole compartments?
• Just a little
• What types of uses should the Prairie Management Area support?
Dog walking
Jogging
Bird-watching and bird counts
Water paddling (in basin)
Plant-watching
Seed collecting
‘Botanizing’
Insect-watching
Educational activities
School field trips
Nature!
Just a place to walk
Appreciating quiet and nature sounds
Sitting
Picnic’ing?
No fires!
Things that respect privacy
Walking Trail
No dog poop
Site Furnishings: trash cans, drinking fountain, restrooms/porto-potties
Parking
Classroom area and exhibit space
Interpretive signage
Shade structure (could be combined with classroom area)
3. ZL introduced the breakout group exercise and asked that the group form tables of 6-8
people each. Asakura Robinson team members equip each table with a large site map,
pens and key questions to address graphically on the map oriented around the places,
paths, views and landmarks worth documenting on the site.
• Asakura Robinson team members worked with each group to elicit diverse feedback.
• Following 30 minutes of breakout group discussion and documentation, the groups
reconvened to share their visions.
The visions shared by the groups included the following:
• Parking and restroom to be located on Gasmar Drive
• The need for a visual and/or physical connection between the the two parcels of
the Prairie Management Area
• An elevated boardwalk over the wetland areas between the two parcels of the
Prairie Management Area
APPENDIX III
• Mulched or decomposed granite walkways
• Shade and/or classroom structure within one of the larger mottes
• Multiple trailheads depending on access- from the neighborhood, from the basin
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and from Gasmar
Connect the prairie trail to the basin trail
A foot bridge or boardwalk over the drainage ditch at the Windwood entry
Logs and/or benches for seating in the shade of the mottes
The need for protection around the perimeter from vehicles
Alternatives to the barbed wire fencing that would keep out 4-wheelers or other
vehicles but not wildlife: bollards with chain, low wood fencing,...
Create inviting entrances such as gateways
A visitor center near the parking on Gasmar with restrooms and possibly an
office and exhibit space
Picnic area on top of basin bank, and not in Prairie Management Area
Viewing platform for Texas Prairie Dawn
Interpretive signs and/or exhibits
Trails: ‘Top of Bank Trail’, ‘Prairie Trail’
Avoid fragmentation of prairie in trail design to protect wildlife, keep to the edges of the area with a possible spur or incursion into the prairie
Pack-in Pack-out signage at entries rather than trash cans
Signage at the entrances that communicates the proper ethic toward appreciating the site
Educational and multi-use structure
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP 2 MEETING NOTES
5/13/2014 6:00-7:30 PM
The Gathering Place
Attendees:
Project Team
Glen Laird, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD)
Carolyn White, Harris County Flood Control District
Stephen Benigno, Harris County Flood Control District
Curtis Lampley, Harris County Flood Control District
Kimberlye Jackson, Harris County Flood Control District
Keiji Asakura, Asakura Robinson Company (ARC)
Zakcq Lockrem, Asakura Robinson Company
Eric Leshinsky, Asakura Robinson Company
Presentation
1. GL introduced the meeting, emphasizing the need to continue the process begun in the
first stakeholder meeting and build on the input from that event.
2. ARC updated the community on progress to the plan since the last meeting, outlined
the goals of the current meeting and walked through the exhibits prepared for the meeting using a brief powerpoint presentation.
• ARC emphasized that site plan is still in draft phase, a ‘sketch’, and will incorporate
new comments from community to make more polished.
• ARC walked the community through the draft site plan.
• ARC explained that the site plan is organized by trailheads at Gasmer and Windwood
Drives and at two crossings where the prairie area meets the basin area.
XVIII
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APPENDIX III
• ARC explained that the site plan emphasizes importance of connecting prairie area
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to basin area for public use while insuring that there is a clear boundary between
the two areas.
ARC explained that the site plan makes use of certain basic site furnishings that will
make the prairie area both accessible and help define the character of the space for
public use. Athough many of these furnishing ideas were generated during the first
stakeholder meeting, a goal of the current meeting is to fine tune their locations.
ARC explained that in addition to a proposed trail alignment, the draft site plan also
includes proposed locations for certain site furnishings or amenities such as bathrooms, parking and outdoor classroom, that seemed to have consensus at the first
meeting. But ARC reinforced that even these locations could still be amended at the
current meeting if the community had new information or preferences to guide the
decisions.
ARC organized the community suggestions for furnishings from the first meeting and
put together sets of various precedents for each type of furnishing as a visual preference survey. ARC explained that a primary goal of the meeting was to solicit input
from the community on which precedents were preferable as a way of creating the
appropriate tone and character for the future public space.
Finally, ARC explained that while many of the furnishings ideas from the first meeting are fairly conventional, other more-innovative ideas were generated after the first
meeting that would be shared with the community for feedback. These ideas include
the development of a prairie app to help guide visitors, a section sunken trail or
sunken viewing area that provides a view of the prairie sub-strata and ground-level
view, and a viewing device that could provide visitors with a sharper focus on various
significant prairie plant species.
Charrette
On separate tables, ARC laid out two copies of the draft site plan and three visual preference survey sheets covering precedents for the viewing areas, outdoor classroom and picnic
area (sheet 1); trails, trailheads and signage (sheet 2); and seating, fencing and other ideas
(sheet 3)
• ARC distributed stickers for selecting furnishing preferences, and pens for making
comments on either the site plan or the furnishings, and asked community members
to circulate to the various tables.
• ARC staff engaged with the community members at the various tables, answered
questions and encouraged comments to be shared and documented on the sheets.
Summary of Comments
Comments made on the draft site plan:
• Solar-powered lighting at key areas
• Perhaps best to have viewing areas only at the Texas Prairie Dawn survey areas
• Provide bike racks at all entrances to the prairie
• Provide prairie information signage at all entrances to the prairie
• Formal picnic area possibly not necessary
• Provide park identity signage for drivers on South Post Oak Road
• Consider pedestrian/trail crossings on South Post Oak Road and traffic calming measures.
APPENDIX III
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Consider future paddle trail connection between basins across South Post Oak Road
Provide drinking fountain at parking trailhead
Provide for school bus parking on Gasmer Drive
Provide for vehicle turnaround at parking area on Gasmer Drive
Provide picnic tables along basin near parking areas
Make fencing around Texas Prairie Dawn survey areas more robust
Consider eliminating trail section that wraps around prairie remants
Make sure that bathrooms are sturdy and kept clean
Provide signage that prevents bike use in prairie area and requires dogs to be on
leash.
• Large tree motte is good location for outdoor classroom
Comments made on the visual preference surveys:
Trails:
• Wood boardwalk makes sense to protect the prairie surface
• Trail type should depend on location-- boardwalk could be used near entrances
and compacted earth within the prairie
• Instead of asphalt, use reconstituted rubber tires which makes a very comfortable trail surface
• If boardwalk is used, include railings in some places along trail
• Use natural, low maintenance, durable and locally sourced materials
Trailheads: none
Signage:
• Use materials that don’t fade in the sun and are long-lasting.
• Aim for clean design
• Provide maps and orientation boards at trailheads.
Viewing areas:
• Provide dog bags
• Could use shade and rain shelter at Texas Prairie Dawn areas
Outdoor Classroom:
• Situate in wooded shady area
Picnic Area:
• No tables at all anywhere!
• Provide shade
• Situate in wooded shady area
Seating:
• Place along the trails and in the outdoor classroom
• Place along open areas of the boardwalk
Fencing:
• Make low enough to walk over or with space to walk through
Other ideas:
• Provide viewing device for Texas Prairie Dawn survey areas
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APPENDIX IV
APPENDIX IV:
MEADOWLARK PROGRAM
Figure 5.1: Flyer for the Meadowlark program, an initiative of the Coastal Prairie
Partnership to train prairie docents for areas around Houston. Both the training program
and the docents could be an integral part of the prairie experience at Willow Waterhole.
APPENDIX IV
XXII

willow waterhole - Harris County Flood Control District

Transcription

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