SAVE THE DINOSAURS FROM EXTINCTION! /  by Estella Espinosa

Since 2008, the Norhill Esplanade has hosted an unlikely array of prehistoric creatures, glittering and shining along its perimeters, all ready to celebrate LITH. These creatures, Brontosaurus, winged Pterodactyls, and more, have become a cherished part of our community, bringing joy and wonder to the holiday season.

Now, some may say, these creatures are not necessarily creatures you’d expect to see taking to the skies with Rudolph. But here in the Woodland Heights, they do. Taking to the trees to spread their unique and whimsical version of Holiday magic to everyone’s delight.

These unlikely prehistoric Santa’s helpers are made possible by the creative talents of Ward and Susan Pennebaker, who have gifted the neighborhood and its youth with a priceless present celebrating the love of the artistic, creative, quirky, and whimsical to brighten the holiday season. And along the way, they have brightened their neighbors’ lives and inspired them to embrace the uniqueness of Woodland Heights, keeping it a ‘Big Little Community.’

Evolving With the Times

Neighborhood legend says that the first dinosaur, a giant Brotasaurus made on a chicken wire base, took its first steps onto the esplanade around 2008. It was a family project, concocted between Ward, his son Andrew (Drew), and his college roommate James. Little could they imagine at that time that this first giant reptile would leave such lasting giant footprints in the hearts of so many of their neighbors.

Since then, the dinosaurs have evolved. Shedding their chicken wire armature for more lightweight and durable skeletal structures and upgrading their incandescent lights to LEDs. But despite their upgrade efforts, the Norhill Esplanade Dinosaurs are once again facing a crisis.

The increasing costs of maintenance, storage, and repairs could trigger a mass extinction event for these beloved creatures. Their popularity has created a need for professional assistance with their upkeep and deployment. Up to now, Norhill neighbors have stepped up - quietly funding the effort to keep the Dinosaurs glowing every LITH.

Saving the Dinosaurs from Extinction

Now, the WHCA is joining the Norhill neighbors’ efforts, and we’re inviting you to join us as well by contributing to the ‘Save the Dinosaurs from Extinction’ fund. Your donation to this newly created fund can keep the dinosaurs walking among the Norhill trees every LITH. You can make your contribution to the effort at the WHCA store.

It’s a great way to say thank you for the delight these creatures have brought throughout the years. It’s also a great way to continue sparking the imagination and delight in a child’s eyes during the Holiday season.

Help Save The Dinosaurs!

There are various donation levels you can make to the fund for the care and feeding (tongue-in-cheek) of the dinosaurs. We hope you’ll take a moment to visit the WHCA store and make a contribution.. We hope you’ll take a moment to visit the WHCA store and make a contribution.

- Estella Espinosa, Director of Communications

THE 2025 LIGHTS IN THE HEIGHTS BASH /  by Lauren Snead

The Lights in the Heights Fundraising Bash was a huge success and a ton of fun! We are thrilled to announce we raised around $11, 000 from that night alone. These funds, with additional business sponsorships, will fund our 2025 Lights in the Heights, including costs for security, street closures, port-a-potties, street cleaning, and more.

We had a great turnout! A huge thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and supported the event. We’re especially grateful to our sponsors. Without them, this night would not have been possible. Thank you to the Historic Heights Association for generously underwriting half the venue cost, to Gabby’s for donating amazing food, to Mutiny in the Heights, Eureka, and Christian’s Tailgate for providing drinks, and to Cooper’s Orthodontics for supplying our koozies.

Everyone enjoyed the photo booth, thanks to Mirror Mirror Magic Mirror! A heartfelt thank-you to the WHCA board for their support, their efforts, and their presence at the Bash. In particular, thank you the WHCA president, Michael Graves, for his constant support and willingness to help!

This incredible night happened because of our amazing volunteers! A huge thank you to Nikki Hanley and her event planning expertise! Thank you to Amanda Dinitiz, Ashley Allison, Jim Chambers, Christa White, and Christina Thiele. Our volunteers didn’t just get things done, they made the work genuinely fun and enjoyable. We are so grateful for each of you.

For us, the Bash marks the start of the holiday season. We hope you enjoy this time with friends, family, and neighbors. Have a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to seeing you on the streets of Lights in the Heights!

- Lauren Snead & Danielle Garcia, LITH Bash Co-chairs

Wildflower Planting Sowing Seeds for Spring /  by Ryan Taylor

Last year, the WHCA adopted the Houston Avenue Esplanades near Main Street from the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. We had an idea, that instead of simply maintaining the esplanade by mowing it, which we're happy to say our new landscaping crew is doing a great job of that since this fall, back to our idea. We thought we'd plant the first esplanade in wildflowers so in the spring they would create a great entrance to our neighborhood.

We had a good show of blooms on that esplanade for a first years planting. However, we know it could be better and we're well aware that it takes a little while, good rain, and persistence to create a beautiful wildflower display and we're working on that. 

So to keep up with the persistence part (and hoping for rain this winter into spring) WHCA Beautification Director Ryan Taylor with the help of Boy Scout Troop 30 will be out seeding the esplanade with wildflowers on November 15th. Wildflowers like to be seeded in the fall for a spring bloom. 

If you see them on the esplanade, first slow down and keep them safe, and then honk your horn to say THANK YOU to everyone that's out planting seeds for the spring. 

If you want to know more about the wildflower planting and how you can support the effort and other beautification efforts across our neighborhood, email beautification@woodland-heights.org. Ryan would love to hear from you! 

If you want to learn more about planting wildflowers in your own yard here's a great article from .... for you from Texas A&M Agrilife Today 

An Update From Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority /  by Estella Espinosa

The Greater Heights Strategic Connections Plan is in its second round of public engagement, and community input is needed to identify specific streets, trails, and intersections where improvements can make the most impact.

In Round 2, we’re asking residents to help pinpoint priority locations for mobility improvements.

From now until November 16, visit mhraconnects.com/map-my-needs to mark locations where you’d like to see changes that improve safety, connectivity, and access.

Community feedback is essential to creating a plan that reflects local needs. Please share this opportunity with your neighbors.

Presidents Report October 2025 /  by Michael Graves

Halloween is now upon us, marking the start of the holiday season. Tonight, we deal with the pressing matter of candy distribution to crowds of kiddos. It's one of our favorite things to do. It's lots of fun to see the kids and their parents in their costumes every year. It's also really nice to see the kids, all grown up with their own families, coming by. Last year, we had someone drive in from Spring to bring their little boy in to let him see the Halloween she grew up with. That was extra special!

Once they are dispatched, all thoughts turn to the Lights in the Heights Bash. Looking back, we’re not always very clear at describing the BASH. So, I shall try again.

The Lights in the Heights Bash is a classic fund-raising party. This year it’s to be held the evening of Thursday, November 13th at the Old Heights Fire Hall on 12th Street. The party will feature food from Gabby’s BBQ and drink from Eureka Heights and Mutiny in the Heights.

There will be both silent and live auctions, featuring numerous things of interest donated by neighbors and local businesses. Some items are small, while others more significant. Last year, I lucked out on a hefty gift card from Credence, Levi Goode’s new upscale eatery.

The largest item auctioned last year was a private hayride through the neighborhood, pulled by Ulf’s Andresen’s antique Porsche tractor. Which by the way is up for auction again this year - can't think of a better way for you and your family to view the neighborhood in lights as part of a new family tradition. Be sure to get your bid in early for this item!

This year, Stella and I are donating tickets to enjoy Le Chef Club at Culinary Institute Lenotre. CIL, just over yonder, is one of the finest Culinary Arts Schools in the country. Le Chef Club is their program of casual weekend classes. The lucky winners will spend a Saturday morning (you're choice) learning to cook some great cuisine (or pastries!) in a professional kitchen, then enjoy the fruits of their efforts for lunch. We’d done this a dozen times, and every time is great fun.

If you have something you’d like to donate, it’s not too late! Email bash@woodland-heights.org with your idea.

All proceeds from the Bash support the main event, which is the 38th Annual Lights in the Heights on Saturday December 13th. As was announced previously, the route will be Bayland and Woodland Streets. Our entertainment committee is amassing volunteer performers to be matched to porches /yards along the route. If you’d like to volunteer your yard or porch please reach out to Stephanie Frey at EntertainmentLITH@gmail.com.

An event of this size would be impossible without the generosity of many sponsors. We are very happy to announce that Memorial Hermann Greater Heights is returning as a Gold sponsor of the event.  We’re grateful for their support these many years. That said, we are most definitely still in need of sponsors! Details are available on our web site or contact me directly at president@woodland-heights.org.

Paws Up - Meet Angus & Pantera /  by Estella Espinosa

There are many pups and kitties looking for homes, and here in our Woodland Heights community, we have several neighbors making a significant difference by helping them find their forever homes. Alaina Herbert, past president of the WHCA, is one of our neighbors who, along with her husband Ryan, dedicates their time and energy to fostering dogs in search of their fur-ever homes. Their efforts have a profound impact on the lives of these doggies, and we can't thank them enough for all they do. It's ruff out there sometimes, and they need a little helping paw to reach out and help them connect with the right home.

So we thought this month's Paws Up - Pet of the Month is a special thank you to all our neighbors who choose to help by fostering. It's a collective effort, and each one of us, by lending our time and energy, is part of a larger cause to support pups who need a little extra help to find a home they can call their own with their forever families.

First, we have Angus! He's a 4 year old cockapoo with a spunky personality and his favorite thing to do is getting the zoomies! He's ready to zoom into his new home and bring joy and lots of fun to a new fur-ever family who are looking for a small pup to make their home complete! If you would like more information about adopting Angus contact Alaina.hebert@gmail.com.

Would you like to have your pet (dog, cat, goldfish, etc) featured in next month's newsletter as Pet of the Month - just send in their details to communications@woodland-heights.org. This column is just our way of recognizing the many different family member companions that live in our community. 

Next, we have Pantera! She's a beautiful 6 month old, spayed, Shepherd mix who loves playing with her stuffies in the most comfortable spot she can find. Currently being fostered she's looking for her own special home where she can grow with her new special family. If you're looking for a new fur-baby to make your home complete you can apply to adopt Pantera from Three Little Pitties at https://adopt.animalsfirst.com/animal/62cc8e128b02916730334440/6880f3417895860c4101a615.

Yard of the Month: 601 Woodland Street /  by Ryan Taylor

Stacie Cokinos and Pam Radford enjoy the ‘sip and stroll’ garden paths surrounding their home at 601 Woodland. Purchased in 2016, the home underwent a yearlong renovation before they move in in 2017.

“The original house was so overgrown, it was difficult to see the house through the growth!’ Stacie commented, “ I love the layout and the little paths. We call it a “sip and stroll”, for its fun to explore the small garden paths sipping coffee or wine, depending on the time of day. Our front yard is small, and from the picket fence to the house there is no grass, it’s all garden beds. The paths give the small yard a purpose.”

The garden is filled with Angel trumpet, periwinkle, pentas, milkweed, camilla, azalea, salvia, Mexican heather, juniper, agapanthus, foxtail fern, and amaryllis purchased at nearby garden centers Joshua’s, Another Place in Time, Houston Garden Center, and Buchanan's. Peggy Martin, Belinda’s Dream, and Cinco de Mayo roses round out the display of blooms to be found along the paths.

“I have fond memories gardening with my grandparents, and I find “working the earth” to be restorative and grounding,” Staci continues. “Along the pathways you’ll find 6 decorative encaustic tiles from my great grandmother’s house that are part of the stone pathway.”

Amongst the native plants … ‘‘My surprising stars are the juniper bushes, from Uri through the heat dome, they are a constant source of vivid green and structure. Periwinkles are the summer hit.”
 
Staci chooses easy to maintain colorful and heat tolerant plants for her garden, “I used to have lantana, which did provide pretty pink and yellow color, but they grew so big it was a chore to keep them tame."
 
Her garden choices attract butterflies, bees and birds which Staci enjoys seeing through her office window overlooking the surrounding garden. As with many gardeners, her least favorite part of gardening is the weeding.

“I love watching things grow and bloom, except for the weeds. Spring and fall, I spend 2-4 hours in the garden (more if I can manage!) But summer, maybe 15-30 minutes weekly.”

Her favorite plant helps her connect with her neighbors.

“My angel trumpet! It blooms profusely summer and fall, and is a fun conversation starter with neighbors passing by."
 
When asked how it feels to be selected as yard of the month, Staci responded,  

“I am thrilled! There are many beautiful yards in the neighborhood and is exciting to be called out. I like the community aspect of working in the yard, enjoying sweet conversations and greetings with neighbors and their dogs passing by.”

311 Delivers a Hole-in-One Week /  by Michael Graves

As is my habit, Julio and I went out for our morning walk on Thursday, August 21st. In the morning we take a short walk. We travelled north on Beauchamp to West Norma, turning east and proceeding to Houston Avenue. There we turned south and continued on our merry way.

In the morning Houston Avenue is very busy with people making their way to work & school. As we passed 3311 Houston Avenue we heard a terrible sound. A small car going southbound at quite a clip slammed into a large pothole. It made us both jump!

As the traffic cleared we looked at the pothole. I took a picture of it intending to open a 311 case on the matter when I got home. I knew better than to do that from my phone. In the past the 311 app had trouble uploading pictures. And a picture was definitely warranted in this case.

Arriving at my desk a short while later, I visited the 311 web site and reported the pothole. The process was easy. “Pothole” was literally the second of the quick links on the page. The 311 system responded with an email acknowledgement a few minutes later. Then I went on about my day.

The surprising part comes exactly a week later. The afternoon of Thursday, August 28th I got a call from an unknown number. A young man calling said he was reaching out in reference to the pothole I had reported. He was seeking a little more exact guidance as to the location. I was only too happy to oblige. It was just a few yards south of 3311 Houston Ave, on the east side of the southbound lane, in front of an empty lot.

The young man told me he’d found it and would proceed to patch it right then and there! He agreed it was the sort of thing that would cause a Honda Civic or Toyota Carola some serious grief.

There are a lot of things wrong is the world. So, it’s notable, and worth sharing, when things go right! In this case, the city’s 311 system worked as promised. The problem, admittedly a small one, was addressed in just a week.

WHCA/Boy Scout Troop 30 Flag Program Update /  by Estella Espinosa

Holiday Flag Program - Round One

The WHCA Boy Scout Troop 30 Flag Program kicked off this past Labor Day, thanks to all our first-round subscribers! Great work by Boy Scout Troop 30 on their inaugural first run! Well done and many thanks from the WHCA!

You can help support the Boy Scouts' efforts by signing up to be a subscriber to the Boy Scout Holiday Flag Program. The next Holiday, Flag Day, on the schedule will be in commemoration of Veterans Day.

 Armistice Day / Veterans Day History

In 1919, President Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day to commemorate the end of fighting on the Western Front of 'The Great War' (World War I, 1914 - 1918). During his address he stated, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The date, time, and hour are central to the date chosen for this recognition, as it commemorates the time when hostilities finally ceased, the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month," 7 months after the Treaty of Versailles was signed.

It was renamed Veterans Day by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954 and is now dedicated to service members of all wars.

You can find more information on Veterans Day at the following links:

HOLIDAY FLAG PROGRAM DATES
Don't miss this opportunity to support Troop 30 and WHCA. Subscribe today.

  • Veteran’s Day – November 11, 2025

  • President’s Day – February 16, 2026

  • Memorial Day – May 25, 2026

  • Flag Day – June 14, 2026

  • Independence Day – July 4, 2026

  • Labor Day – September 7, 2026

We deeply appreciate your support for Boy Scout Troop 30 and the WHCA. Your contribution makes a significant difference in our community. To subscribe and for payment information, visit www.woodland-heights.org or click on the button below and subscribe today!

For more information on Boy Scout Troop 30 or 3TO visit their website. 

WHCA Boy Scout Troop 30 Flag Program

Cars & Coffee: Sunday October 12th /  by Estella Espinosa

Your invited to come out for CARS and COFFEE on the Norhill Esplandade October 12, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Meet some of your fellow car enthusiasts over a cup of coffee and admire the lineup of cars. Or you can be a part of the show with your favorite ride as one of those featured around the esplanade.

Either way, it's a great way to meet your neighbors and share an early morning. Want more details or have question call Jessica Bodensteiner at 281-744-2903.

Here's a look at some of the cars from past CARS AND COFFEE events.

2025 LITH Route Announced /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

The LITH Event Route has been provisionally approved by COH Special Events. That means we're one step closer to getting things ready for this year's Lights in the Heights event, scheduled for the second Saturday in December, which this year is Saturday, December 13th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Mark your calendars!

So you know the traffic flow we're putting up the proposed route map and also sending out a SHOUT OUT to all the houses along the route - we're looking for Porch Volunteers along the route of Bayland and Woodland. As always LITH is a time for people to stroll the streets and listen to the sounds of music coming from porches along the route. 

To volunteer your porch to host a band (the band is free - they're volunteering for LITH just like you) email Stephanie Frey at  EntertainmentLITH@gmail.com. She'd love to hear from you!

President's Report: September 2025 /  by Michael Graves

September is a busy time of year. Kids are well and truly back to school, after school activities have ramped up. The September Member’s Meeting of the WHCA was held at 7pm on Tuesday, September 9th at Zion Lutheran Church, on the very same day as the Travis Elementary Open House. Even so, there were around 20 neighbors in attendance.

This particular meeting featured a presentation on the future of Stude Park. The presentation was lead by Sherry Weesner, President of the Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ5) with help from a team of designers and landscape architects from SWA Group. The presentation was followed by an animated Q&A session.

Greater Heights Strategic Connections Plan
Timeline & Area

Sherry opened by introducing the Greater Heights Strategic Connections Plan. This is an effort to identify ways to improve mobility across a broad swath of the Northeast part of the city. Stude Park, with its walking trails and bike paths, is a significant piece of that larger puzzle

Stude Park Survey - SWA Group

Transitioning to a focus on Stude Park, she introduced Scott McCready, Olivia Pinner and Adam Scott of SWA Group. TIRZ5 has contracted SWA Group to study Stude Park, survey the community about ideas for improvements, and assemble some design ideas for the future. The SWA team are current or past WH residents, so they have some insight into how important the park is to the neighborhood.

The team from SWA presented a range of idea for ways to improve the utility of the park. Their presentation addressed many different perspectives and use cases. The best of these will be woven into a long term vision plan that will guide the evolution of the park into the future.
 
We’re still at the beginning of a years-long process. At the time of this meeting over 300 people had already completed the initial public survey. That effort remains ongoing until November 14th. We encourage everyone to complete the short, survey, adding their perspective to the many who love the park.

*PS – Congratulations to SWA Principal, Scott McCready, who was recently name the “2025 Best Friend of Woodland Park" for his continuous commitment to seeing the park improved over many years.

*PPS - Had I known just how engaging this discussion was going to be I would have arranged to have the meeting recorded. We’ve done this on occasion in the past, when there’s a topic of broad interest to the neighborhood, like Street Safety Improvements.

Save the Date! LITH Bash /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

Save the Date for the he 2025 LITH Bash! Things get busy during the holidays so be sure to put a hold on your calendar for Thursday, November 13!

The historic Heights Fire Station on 12th Street will be the location for this years festivities. We thank the Houston Heights Association for partially sponsoring the event venue costs and welcome their sponsorship!

Volunteers and donations for both the live and silent auctions are needed. In the past, the auction has featured a wide variety of items, for example, a week in a country house, sports tickets, home & yard services, jewelry, photographs or paintings, fine wine, and fine dining gift cards.

The LITH Bash is a fundraiser to help pay for the costs associated with the December LITH event. Funds raised by the Bash and the live and silent auction help cover the cost of permits, security, porta potties, and other items needed to put on the event. If you would like to volunteer or help please contact: bash@woodland-heights.org.

We Have A Winner! 2025 Cloisonne Ornament /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

We have a winner! Max and Margot Robinson are the winners of the 2025 WHCA Cloisonne Ornament Contest. Their winning design reflects WHCA traditional blue and white signature tile design infused with a string of colorful holiday lights.

The design will be featured on a Cloisonne Ornament, which will soon be available in the WHCA store for those who want to get their holiday shopping in early. Please stay tuned to WHCA social media for updates and preview picks of the design. And of course when its available in the WHCA store for you to place your order.

As with the LITH Bash, the sale of LITH merchandise, including the 2025 Cloisonne Ornament, helps fund the LITH annual event held in December. Your purchase of a Cloisonne Ornament and any additional LITH merchandise is greatly appreciated!

2025 LITH Seeking Sponsors /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

Calling all local business owners: The most wonderful time of the year is quickly approaching!

The Woodland Heights Civic Association and its wonderful counter part committees have begun planning Lights in The Heights 2025. This year's event will take place on December 13th, 2025.

Lights in the Heights is made possible each year by our wonderful local business sponsorships! If you or someone you know is a local business owner, big or small, and is interested in helping sponsor the event this year, please reach out to Dallas Jagneaux Boyle at sponsors@woodland-heights.org  and visit the link below for all of the sponsor perks!

Business Sponsorship

2026 Home Tour: Call for Historic Homes /  by Michael Graves

"2024 Homes With A Heart" Featured Homes

The Woodland Heights Home Tour is a bi-annual fundraising event for the WHCA. The focus is on showcasing some of the early historic homes of the Woodland Heights neighborhood. In 2024 “Homes with Heart”, featured seven homes which showcased the broad range of Woodland Heights charm found in these old homes.

Currently, the Home Tour Committee is seeking neighbors with historic homes who would like to volunteer their homes for inclusion on the route. The WHCA would appreciate your help in nominating or volunteering your historic home for consideration.

Do you have a candidate? We’d love to hear from you!

If you have a historic Woodland Heights Home and would like to be considered for the 2026 Home Tour, please get in touch with Louise Moss at limoss@comcast.net or Megan Mastal at mmastal@insightspr.com. The Home Tour Committee will begin viewing potential homes in June. The goal is to showcase Woodland Heights' historic charm with homes of various sizes, architectural styles, and décor. All homes need to be original, but renovations and additions are welcome.

FWP - 15 For 15 Bridge Update! /  by Woodland Heights Civic Association

Mark another 15 for 15 Project completed for Friends of Woodland Park! Congratulations for everyone involved in seeing this project completed. Special thank yous to Council Member Mario Castillo, District H, for his critical part in ushering the project through the permitting process.

Life Scout Thomas Fereday chose the Double Plank Bridge installation as his Woodland Heights Eagle Scout Project. The project replaced an unsafe plank crossing that was in extreme need of replacement. Now completed neighbors who walk the nature trail running through the Woodland Heights Nature Preserve will not only have an easier way to cross the gully across Little White Oak - but they will be much safer while doing so.

"This bridge is really important to me. I'm really glad we got to do something permanent. It was what I wanted to do when I first set out to decide what I wanted to do for my equal project, and this is exactly what I was envisioning, and I had so much fun doing it," said Thomas Fereday, during the ribbon cutting for the new bridge. "We had an incredible team. And I think that's kind of what this bridge is about. It's kind of small, but it's the result of like so many different organizations working together. They're from Mr. Taylor's construction company with these concrete footings, all the engineering done by the people we ordered it from, the help from Mr. Permitting, the help from Mr. Castillo with getting that done on time. And everything was just, there were so many people and organizations that had gone into building this 14-foot, 3-foot wide bridge. But it's been so much fun. That day that we started the construction was the most fun leadership I've ever had in my life."
 
Ryan Taylor, WHCA Beautification Director, and his crew helped with the installation by assisting with the concrete pillars.

"Supporting our local youth in service projects like this not only improves our neighborhood's beauty and vibrancy but also fosters a sense of pride, responsibility, and connection among our residents of all ages. By helping Thomas with his Eagle Scout project, we are investing in the next generation of community leaders and demonstrating how collaboration can make a lasting, positive impact on the place we all call home." Ryan continued, "As the Beautification Chairperson for the Woodland Heights Civic Association, I love seeing young people step up to improve our community! This project reminds me why I am passionate about my role - it's not just planting flowers or cleaning up parks, but about nurturing a spirit of volunteerism and teamwork. Working alongside dedicated youth, like Thomas, motivates me to keep making our neighborhood a place we are all proud of!"

The construction of this new bridge will support safe access for all users. It also marks the completion of one of the 15 for 15 Campaign projects the Friends of Woodland Park have targeted for their 15th Anniversary Celebration. 

“Thank you to all who helped bring the new bridge to fruition. We were especially honored to have Council Member Mario Castillo attend the official ribbon cutting this past week to celebrate its opening,” said Kelli Fereday, President of Friends of Woodland Park. "The 15 for 15 Campaign is all about celebrating this wonderful asset our neighborhood has all within walking distance from our homes. We look forward to completing the rest of our projects and hope our neighbors will join us in the effort." 

Additional projects that are part of the FWP 15 for 15 Campaign include:

  1. The placement of a Historical Marker

  2. Improved Park Signage

  3. Nature Preserve Fence Railing

  4. Creation of a Self guided Audio Tour

  5. Art in the Park installation

  6. Community Center Improvements

  7. Parkview Entrance Landscape Improvements

  8. Educational Programming Support

  9. Great Lawn Master Plan Phase I

  10. Bayou Overlook Platform Study

  11. Trash Weir Feasibilty Study

  12. Gateway Steps

  13. Double - Plank Bridge

  14. Rain & Pollinator Garden Improvements

  15. Revitalize & Refresh Playground

Friends of Woodland Park was incorporated FWP as a non-profit in 2010 when four neighbors saw an opportunity to make a difference in their neighborhood while celebrating a parks historic roots and building on them for the future. At that time, Woodland Park was facing potential closure by the city due to its condition and under-utilization.

Then four neighbors,  Becky Houston, Pat Rutledge, Beth Fisher, and Louise Moss, saw the parks potential  and as the saying goes, the rest is history. Today, thanks to their efforts and other neighbors who have joined FWP mission, Woodland Park is a shining example of one of the few remaining natural, intact, riparian spaces in the city — creating an area for nature preservation and enjoyment as well as providing a recreational center for the local community. To find out more about FWP visit friendsofwoodlandpark.org.

Train Watch Houston /  by Michael Graves

Woodland Heights is to a large degree blessed that we don’t have rail lines running through the neighborhood. That said, there are railroad crossings south of Woodland Heights on Houston Avenue, Sawyer Street, and Heights Boulevard. If you transit those routes routinely there’s a good chance you’ll end up waiting for a train at on time or another. Typically when it’s the least convenient.
 
The city recently launched Train Watch, a web portal that allows you real-time access to the status of various railroad crossings in the city. This gives you a place to look to know in advance if your planned route is currently stopped due to a train.
 
According to CM Castillo, “…the interactive map gives you live updates on key railroad crossings across Houston, so you’ll know in real time, whether a crossing is open, occupied, or stalled.”
 
While a convenience for residents, this sort of real-time info is critical for emergency services. It informs their selection of the fastest route to the scene of any emergency.
 
CM Castillo further says, “The City of Houston is continuing to expand its network of railroad crossing sensors, so stay tuned as even more crossings are added!”
 
Let’s hope so, because the three crossings closest to Woodland Heights (those mentioned above) are apparently not yet part of the program.

What Does It Mean! /  by Michael Graves

Florence Street Trees Tagged with Orange Dot

Alison Hartzell is a long-time neighbor and former WHCA board member emailed asking if we might know why the trees along Florence Street, on the west side of Travis Elementary, were marked with a single dot of spray paint. She noted that the trees otherwise appear to be healthy.

Leveraging her deep connections to the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Estella Espinosa (WHCA, Director of Communications) forwarded the question to the department's City Forester. The Urban Forestry Division responded quickly, saying that the dot meant the trees were due to be trimmed. Nothing more.
 
The canopy provided by mature trees is a tremendous asset to the city. WHCA has a long history of advocating for the trees in the neighborhood. If you see something suspect being done to trees please report it to 311.  If you think the matter is urgent call HPARD directly at (832) 395-7100

Yard of the Month /  by Ryan Taylor

608 Euclid - Tom and Sue Ella Allen
By Ryan Taylor

Tom and Sue Ella Allen have lived in Houston for 33 years, except for a few years in South Carolina and 10  years in southwest Houston; most of those years have been here in the Woodland Heights.

"We had our pick of all the areas in and around Houston. The Woodland Heights turned out to be a great fit for us, " Sue Ella commented. "No green thumbs at our house. Tom's grandmother was an avid gardener, but that did not rub off on him. We hope to keep all the new plants alive despite ourselves."

Though they appreciate their yard being selected for Yard of the Month, they are quick to credit their landscaper with their success.

"It is great to be recognized for keeping our community looking good and contributing to the survival of the bee and butterfly population. However, most of the hard work was provided by Laura Neff of the Rice Organization, Inc. and her crews. They provided the final design, sourced the plants and materials, and converted our lawn sprinkler system to a drip irrigation system," Sue Ella continued.

Tom and Sue Ella Allen have lived in Houston for 33 years, except for a few years in South Carolina and 10  years in southwest Houston; most of those years have been here in the Woodland Heights.

"We had our pick of all the areas in and around Houston. The Woodland Heights turned out to be a great fit for us, " Sue Ella commented. "No green thumbs at our house. Tom's grandmother was an avid gardener, but that did not rub off on him. We hope to keep all the new plants alive despite ourselves."

Though they appreciate their yard being selected for Yard of the Month, they are quick to credit their landscaper with their success.

"It is great to be recognized for keeping our community looking good and contributing to the survival of the bee and butterfly population. However, most of the hard work was provided by Laura Neff of the Rice Organization, Inc. and her crews. They provided the final design, sourced the plants and materials, and converted our lawn sprinkler system to a drip irrigation system," Sue Ella continued.

Through the process of working with a landscaper, the Allens have learned there are benefits to landscaping with native plants. Relying on Buchanan's for potted annuals, they fill their gardens with native plants, including

"Texas native or Texas hardy Guara, Salvia, Purple Cone Flower, Horseherb, Ajuga, Oxalis, Turkscap, Texas Sedge, Ligularia, Holly Fern, Carex Grass, Creeping Jenny, Dwarf Mondo Grass in the front yard. Rudbekia Gloriosa Daisy, Old Fashioned Penta, Salvia, Star Jasmine, and Dwarf Yaupon Holly in the side yard."

When choosing plants for their yard, the Allens choose low-maintenance perennials with a compatible hardscape of gray flagstone paths with either Black Star Gravel or Dwarf Mondo Grass to fill the spaces. But their favorites are the Azaleas, which they planted shortly after they moved in. 

After living in Houston for 33 years, they've learned to keep Houston ever changing weather in mind with its potential for hot, cold, and humid conditions that affect how gardens grow - , they offer the following suggestions,

"The best bet is to stay with natives. Also, plant with sun and shade requirements in mind."

The side yard behind the fence east of our house. It is our outdoor cooking and living area with a deck, a small lawn area, and a variety of annual potted plants, including our old claw-foot tub full of Asparagus Fern. Their yard and its native plantings attract a variety of critters who enjoy the green environment they've created including bees, butterflies, squirrels, and a variety of birds. 

As with most gardeners we've featured in our monthly Yard of the Month feature, their least favorite part of gardening is pulling weeds.

'"We spend about one hour a week to dead head flowers and pull weeds." and their favorite part of gardening is, "...planting the new spring annuals."

In spite of their love for annuals, they've opted to go for year-round green in their favorite part of their yard, "It's our outdoor cooking and living area with a deck, a small lawn area, and a variety of annual potted plants, including our old claw-foot tub full of Asparagus Fern. Despite all the new plantings in the front yard, our lawn in the side yard is synthetic turf. We can keep it green all year round."