PUBLISHED: October 2024 By Liz Rebstad, HPB Nursery Technician
On February 24th, 2024, Houston Parks Board brought the community together for a ParksByYou Day event at our newest prairie restoration site at the Bayou Greenways trail at W. 11th St and TC Jester. More than 100 volunteers joined us that day, planting over 3,500 native prairie grasses and forbs — a huge first step in transforming this space into a thriving prairie. Among the species planted were Eastern gamagrass, Big bluestem, Little bluestem, Missouri ironweed, and Texas Grama, all selected for their ability to establish strong root systems and support local biodiversity
The following week, we hydroseeded the area with a coastal prairie seed mix designed to maximize plant diversity. This mix is key to creating a dynamic ecosystem, with a variety of species that bloom across different seasons, providing vital support to local wildlife.
In addition to the plantings, we installed four pollinator boxes to encourage nesting for important species like bees and other beneficial insects. These boxes are checked monthly to ensure they remain sturdy and continue to offer a safe haven for our tiny but mighty pollinator friends.
Now, nine months after that initial planting, we’re excited to share that the prairie is thriving! The grasses have taken root, and many of the seeded species are starting to show their true colors. With each new bloom, we see a greater variety of pollinators visiting the site, from butterflies to native bees. It’s a promising start for this little slice of restored prairie, and we can’t wait to see how it continues to grow and evolve.
Thanks to everyone who has been a part of this project so far. We’ll continue sharing updates as this space grows into a vibrant, restored prairie for both wildlife and the community to enjoy!
