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 /
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 /
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!
2026 Home Tour: Call for Historic Homes /
"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! /
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:
The placement of a Historical Marker
Improved Park Signage
Nature Preserve Fence Railing
Creation of a Self guided Audio Tour
Art in the Park installation
Community Center Improvements
Parkview Entrance Landscape Improvements
Educational Programming Support
Great Lawn Master Plan Phase I
Bayou Overlook Platform Study
Trash Weir Feasibilty Study
Gateway Steps
Double - Plank Bridge
Rain & Pollinator Garden Improvements
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 /
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! /
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 /
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."
Infrastructure - Keeping Up With Construction /
By Brian Edmondson
White Oak & Studewood Construction Update
Neighbors have likely noticed the construction activity at White Oak Drive and Studewood Street appears to be nearing completion. However, we've recently had another water line leak at the same intersection, so we'll have to see how this might affect the final timeline.
What's This Project All About?
All this activity is part of METRO's BOOST 56 Airline/Montrose project, designed to improve transit and pedestrian safety from Cavalcade all the way to the Texas Medical Center. Think of it as a major transportation upgrade for our area.
The Timeline
Back in 2021, METRO completed Phase One, rebuilding 1.5 miles of Studewood Street from Cavalcade to White Oak. That work set the foundation for the improvements we're seeing now in our immediate area.
What We're Getting
When construction wraps up, we'll have:
Three new or upgraded bus stops near Woodland Heights
Improved sidewalks and crosswalks
Better pedestrian ramps and street crossing
The Bottom Line
Yes, the construction has been disruptive, especially combined with the nearby I-10 reconstruction work. But the end result will be safer, more accessible connections for bus riders, pedestrians, and neighbors alike.
Share Your Ideas for Neighborhood Improvements
Your wish list could become reality! Our District H Council member's office is planning investments for 2026 and wants to hear from residents about projects that could be funded through the Council District Service Fund (CDSF).
This is our chance to speak up about what Woodland Heights needs most. Whether you're tired of dodging sidewalk hazards on your morning walk or dreaming of a safer street crossing, now's the time to make your voice heard.
Ideas That Could Make a Real Difference
Here are some projects that would be particularly impactful for our neighborhood:
Sidewalk repairs and upgrades - especially along school routes and busy pedestrian areas where cracked concrete has become an obstacle course.
Traffic calming measures - speed bumps, better signage, or intersection improvements for streets where cars treat residential roads like racetracks
Pedestrian safety upgrades - improved crosswalks, curb ramps, and lighting for safer navigation
And here's a specific idea: How many of you would love to see a dedicated left-turn signal on White Oak Drive turning onto Studewood? No more playing traffic roulette!
The Power of Speaking Up Together
Here's the thing about traffic calming measures and many other improvements - they often require civic association support to gain traction. If you're dealing with speeding cars on your street or have safety concerns, please shoot us a quick email. When we can show the Council office that multiple neighbors share the same concerns, our requests carry much more weight.
Don't Forget About 311
While you're thinking about neighborhood improvements, keep using 311 for repair needs too. Those sidewalk fixes we've seen around Woodland Heights? Many came from 311 requests. Sometimes the squeaky wheel really does get the grease, especially when multiple people report the same issue. Pro tip: Requests that help kids get to school safely or assist elderly and disabled neighbors often get bumped up the priority list.
Take Action
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete. While there isn't a firm deadline yet, responding sooner rather than later ensures our neighborhood's priorities make it into the planning process.
Ready to help shape Woodland Heights for the better? Your input could be the difference between another year of the same old problems and actually seeing positive changes in our community. Visit houstontx.us21.list-manage.com/track/click?u=82968f3a7f5b11224382e4651&id=9362aa22fa&e=6a794c3b8b and take the survey.
WHCA/Boy Scout Troop 30 Flag Program /
The WHCA Boy Scout Troop 30 Flag Program is up and running! The inaugural round of Holiday Flags have been placed by Boy Scout Troop 30 at subscriber homes. If you placed an order and your flag did not go up last week....please note that it will be up for Veterans Day. We had a slight delay in getting all the orders in by the deadline for the installation of the sleeves as some houses, your subscription will begin in November with Veterans Day. We thank you for your understanding.
Since the program began, 45 neighbors have signed up for the Holiday Flag Program, to support both Boy Scout Troop 30 and the WHCA's Beautification section.
Troop 30 was founded on February 14, 1925, and is one of the oldest continuously active troops in the Sam Houston Area Council. They are located at St. Mark's United Methodist Church right here in Woodland Heights.
Cy Maresh, Fundraising Chair for Troop 30, recently underscored the important fundraising role this new program plays for our neighborhood Boy Scouts."The WHCA Boy Scout Troop 30 Flag Program is not just a subscription, it's a commitment to our community. It will help subsidize monthly outings, scholarships for leadership training, and camping scholarships for families with limited means, making a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors.
Your $120 yearly subscription is not just a contribution, but a vital part of Troop 30's journey towards meeting its scouting goals, and at the same time, supporting WHCA. Your support is what makes this program possible.
Don't miss this opportunity to support Troop 30 and WHCA. Subscribe today and let the flags fly high in our neighborhood!
HOLIDAYS
President’s Day
Memorial Day
Flag Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veteran’s Day
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.
Paws Up - Meet Louis /
Our First Pet of the Month
By Estella Espinosa
We thought we'd start a Pet of the Month feature in the newsletter. Partly because we like pets (dogs and cats - oh and from my part practically any other creature except for snakes well I don't actually dislike them just want to stay away from them). I digress, getting back to the Pet of the Month the second reason we see a lot of neighbors walking their dogs in the morning and evening. So we thought this we'd take a moment to introduce you to a few pets you might see around the neighborhood when you're out on a walk.
Louis, is a Cirneco dell’Etna, and is named after Louis Prima, the Sicilian-American-New Orleans jazz musician. He's one of our pup El Dogo Julio's friends who call themselves the 'Beauchamp Springs Canine Mafia' because of the area the live in near Beauchamp Springs.
"My family is from Louisiana, and the breed is Sicilian, so we thought it was perfect," Karen Sonnier explained. "We stumbled upon Louis and his breed after the loss of our vizsla, looking for a new pup to bring home. Luckily, the breeder just had new pups looking for homes. He looked a lot like a mini vizsla. He really is the boss of our house, but he pays you back with big cuddles regularly. He loves all dogs and is always trying to figure out humans. When we first brought him home, he was so shy that we couldn’t get him to leave the backyard, and now he loves to get out and meet other dogs on his 2-hour-long walks a day, sometimes longer. He never wants to go home. He can often be found looking out the front windows or the gate. He just likes to watch and get attention."
Louis is a very friendly pup, and he lives with his paw-rents Karen Sonnier and Brian Miksch. Wave a paw when you see them walking down the street in our neighborhood.
Want us to feature your favorite pet or nominate one for pet of the month? Let us know, send in your nomination along with a photo to communications@woodland-heights.org.
WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report Working Diligently to Keep Woodland Heights Safe /
July 1 - July 31, 2025 - 738 Total Calls
By Beth Sorensen
WHCA July 2025 Financial Statement /
By Doug Carroll
Super Neighborhood 15 Considers Greater Heights Strategic Connections /
Most people are really busy in their daily lives. When they come to see changes around the city they are typically surprised – and not always for the better. That doesn’t have to be the case. At a recent Super Neighborhood 15 meeting civic associations board members were briefed on the plans to develop “Greater Heights Strategic Connections.” We are passing the information on to the Woodland Heights neighborhood so you can provide your input and have the opportunity to voice your opinion during this planning process.
This process is currently in its earliest stage, which involves studying what might be possible or desirable. They are literally asking how we might like to get around in the future. So, now is the time for neighbors to speak up.
Who is Super Neighborhood 15 - You Might Ask
Super Neighborhood 15, aka The Greater Heights, includes; Clark Pines Civic Assoc., East Sunset Heights, Houston Heights Association, Montie Beach Civic Club, Norhill Neighborhood Association, Sunset Heights Civic Club and our own Woodland Heights Civic Association. SN15 meets every second month at the old Fire Station on 12th Street. This month the focus of the meeting was a presentation sponsored by The Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ5) on the plans to develop “Greater Heights Strategic Connections.”
“Greater Heights Strategic Connections” that’s certainly a mouthful, but nebulous. What does it mean? Simply put, TIRZ5 has commissioned a consulting team comprised of TEI Planning + Design, supported by Toole Design Group, to craft a comprehensive plan for how people will move about the neighborhood in the future. That’s to include;
Identify key improvements that enhance safe access to schools, parks, community destinations, and local businesses.
Build on local assets such as White Oak Bayou, MKT Trail, Nicholson Trail, Shepherd Durham Bikeway, and more.
The presentation was made by Clint McManus of TEI Planning + Design. The slide deck he used is available here.
The scope of the project is quite large. It will include Districts C and H, Super Neighborhoods 14, 15, & 22 in Harris County Precincts 1 & 4. Setting aside roads, it’s an effort create a long-term strategy for mobility that includes all forms of transport, including; bikes, pedestrians, strollers, rollerblades, or whatever else might arise. It’s an effort to make a substantial part of the city better connected and accessible perhaps without resorting to the automobile. Once the plan is in place, it serves as the basis for seeking funding to enact a phased implementation.
This is an example of The Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ5) working in partnership with several other organizations to plan for better mobility options as the city continues to grow. To do this well they need all our input now. It’s our job as a civic association to make sure you know that you have an opportunity (some might think obligation!) to add your voice to the process. If we all engage, we can ensure that the eventual outcome delivers safe and efficient mobility for everyone.
You can have you say by completing their “Community Vision Survey.” There’s a separate process they call “Map My Vision” that lets you enter the routes you commonly travel through the area, so they can better understand the flow of traffic.
This is an example of The Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ5) working in partnership with several other organizations to plan for better mobility options as the city continues to grow. To do this well they need all our input now. It’s our job as a civic association to make sure you know that you have an opportunity (some might think obligation!) to add your voice to the process. If we all engage, we can ensure that the eventual outcome delivers safe and efficient mobility for everyone.
WHCA June 2025 Financial Statement /
WHCA Constable Patrol Activity Report /
Working Diligently to Keep Woodland Heights Safe
June 1 - June 30, 2025 - Total Calls 662
By Beth Sorensen
Keeping Woodland Heights Safe This Summer
By Beth Sorensen
On July 4, Deputies Suggs and Lemons joined us for our annual Kids Bike Parade on the Norhill Esplanade. Their presence helped keep traffic calm and our kids safe as they paraded and played, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the event.
Beyond supporting events like these, our Deputies work hard year-round to keep Woodland Heights safe. From patrolling our streets to responding to calls, they’re a reassuring presence in our neighborhood. Summertime is especially busy, as many of our Constable Program members take advantage of vacation watches—a service where Deputies check on your home while you’re away, giving you peace of mind and an extra layer of security.
We’re grateful for Deputies Suggs and Lemons and all they do to protect and care for our community! If you’re not yet a member of the Constable Program and would like to enjoy benefits like vacation watches, we’d love to have you join us in keeping Woodland Heights safe.
Please reach out to me at security@woodland-heights.org if you have any questions or issues with your membership.
Yard of the Month: 802 Woodland - Henri and Janet Tallichet /
By Ryan Taylor
Henri and Janet Tallichet, have lived in their bungalow on Woodland Street for 17 years.
"We moved from Memorial and being home builder and landscaper, we had a lot of fun with the revival of the place," Janet told us as we interviewed her regarding her home and its garden.
She credits her green thumb and love for landscaping to her grandmother and mother. And her choice of profession to a realization that adding machines and offices did not suit her.
"As a kid my thumbs were always in the dirt but not planting. I watched my maternal grandmother garden at their ranch home in East Texas and my mother in her Houston gardens which surely saved her sanity with 4 kids. I initially chose to be a CPA but really hated it.I did not thrive with the 10 key and closed spaces so I decided to literally dig in everybody’s dirt! My best idea was to take the Master Gardeners class at the Harris County Agricultural Service Offices and I recommend it to any aspiring gardener."
Her garden is filled with natives that combine her landscapers knowledge of both natives and plantings that enjoy Houston's climate.
"Of course all of my plants are native to somewhere.The original plantings were acquired from Treesearch Farms, a nursery that deals in native plants.In general, the foundation plants are either native or of a very similar climate. Many Chinese plants love Houston and my happiest plants are the Chinese Fringe trees in the north west front and at the Watson midpoint. I don’t recommend them to someone who wants a tidy, polite yard though."
Janet's favorite gardening stores include resources she's become familiar with as from her work,
"I have been a professional landscaper for years and worked to keep in the good graces of my favorite suppliers.My main go- to is Wholesale Gardens in Bellaire but my true love is Treesearch Farms."
When viewing her yard you'll find Peggy Martin Rose trellising the iron fence along the Watson side. Bedding plants include salvia faranaciea and some roudy interlopers who have found their way in making themselves at home along with some "out of control pink & white flowers" Vincas who were grown from seed.
Her garden provides a great home for garden dwellers both of the flying and crawling variety ...
" Everything in my yard is alive. Even, sometimes, Ol’ Rosco. My recommendation is to shop reputable nurseries, who are willing to answer questions, and really know what there doing.Another option is to study books that are written with Native, Southeast Texas and our Humidity in mind. Anything goes (almost)."
Like so many gardeners ... the choice of what goes into Janet's garden is simply a matter of taste,
"I see it, I want it and then hopefully have a place for it."
As with most gardeners, there's always the pleasure of getting into the garden and working to create something that you love.
"Like a good mother, I have no favorites, every part gets my special attention and makes me happy."
She does make an exception for one well known Houston favorite,
"A giant old oak!"
Like most gardeners, Janet has favorite and not so favorite parts when it comes to gardening.
"Most favorite is just being in the dirt...Worst is mosquitoes and Roscoe’s pungent little gifts."
Regarding being this month's Yard of the Month, Janet responded,
"It's Fun!I I love to share.
This is Gonna Be Treemendous! /
WHCA at Work Amongst the Trees
This is another in a series detailing some of the largely unseen things that WHCA does for the neighborhood. This time we’ll consider the case of the trees on the Norhill Esplanade. It’s been noted that they are in need of trimming. WHCA has officially adopted the Norhill Esplanade, which means we’re responsible for its maintenance. The fact that we’re well into hurricane season gives some people a sense of urgency about this.
You’d think this a simple matter. Call a contractor. Get it done! Ryan Taylor, WHCA Director of Beautification, takes charge of the matter, getting a quote from an arborist. Alas, that quote comes in at around the price of a good used car!
At this point it’s good remind you that the WHCA is a Civic Association. Not a Homeowners Association. Membership in a civic association is voluntary, and the membership dues are small, just $20-50/household/year. In contrast, membership in an HOA is mandatory and their fees are significant, often more than $1k/household/year. The natural consequence of this is that WHCA simply cannot afford to spend $20k+ on trimming trees. We must find another way.
While not well-resourced, we are resourceful. We reach out to the office of the city forester at the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. They are charged with supporting the trees across the entire city. They routine engage contractors to trim trees. Ryan, Stella & I meet with one of the forestry staff on the esplanade to survey the situation.
He agrees that it needs to be done. They will put the Norhill Esplanade in their queue. We also agree upon the nature of the work, to ensure that the trees are appropriately trimmed. On this basis, HPARD will, at some point in the future, have a contractor trim the trees.
But wait! We’re not done yet! There are two CenterPoint power lines that traverse the Norhill Esplanade. By law, HPARD staff or contractors cannot trim near power lines. So naturally, we reach out to CenterPoint. A flurry of emails ensue.
Tim Yurick, Manager of Vegetation Management, reaches out to Onyekachi Ejim, Senior Forester, who advises that “…4 spans of tree trimming needed for this location. We will address as soon as we have a work order available.”
At this point, we’ve done all we can. We wait.
To their credit, CenterPoint acted swiftly. They had Trees, Inc do the work only a week of two following this initial engagement. We’re still waiting and hoping for HPARD to take care of the rest.
PS – Thanks to neighbor and former WHCA board member Stacey Kmetz, who works at CenterPoint, for connecting us with the right people at the company.
Home Tour - In Search of Historic Homes Spring 2026 /
TBA on time and homes to be toured
The WHCA Home Tour is the neighborhood's largest fundraiser, netting almost $44,000 in 2024, thanks to the many volunteers, local business sponsors, and enthusiastic tour participants. Be sure to stay tuned for more details regarding homes on the tour route.
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.
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.
President's Report: July 2025 /
The fourth WHCA Member’s Meeting of the year was held on Tuesday, July 8th in the great room at Zion Lutheran Church.
Now that we’re well into summer, I expected a modest group attending. Even so, and despite some late afternoon rain, some 23 neighbors gathered to hear our guests and receive an update on WHCA activities.
Act One
The first guest was Thomas Wheaton, Director of Communications from CM Castillo’s District H Office. He highlighted the council member’s Prop A initiative to move the last public session each month into the evening. WHCA is one of many civic clubs that signed onto a letter to the mayor and council in support of this proposal.
The simple fact is that working people find it challenging to go to the afternoon public sessions. This fundamentally alters the feedback that council gets from the residents. A late afternoon or evening session will improve the chances that council hears representatives on all sides of any particular issue.
City council took up the issue the following day, and it passed! The first evening session is going to be 6pm Tuesday, August 26th. Now it’s up to us to attend these sessions, to show council that they have real merit.
Mr. Wheaton concluded by handing out a flier asking everyone to fill out the 2026 Council District Service Fund (CDSF) Survey. This is an effort to collect community input spending priorities, including; public safety, sidewalks, parks and more.
Act TWO
The second guest speaker was Sherry Weesner, President of The Memorial Heights Redevelopment Authority (aka TIRZ5.) Sherry outlined a number of projects in the area, eventually settling on a new effort that focuses on updating Stude Park.
The headline here is that HPARD and TIRZ5 have committed $1M to improvements to the park. The process starts with an evaluation of state of the park, and study of how it might be improved to better address how it’s used. The first capital project will be a playground renovation.
Sherry emphasized that the study will require significant public input from park users. She urged the assembled audience to make their voices heard in that process, to ensure the project reflects the needs of the community. As more information including meeting dates becomes available WHCA will be sure to provide information on how you can make your voices heard.
The final phase of her presentation answered the question, “What is a TIRZ and how does it work?” This little civics lesson was follow-up to the very basic intro to TIRZ and management districts that was part of the March Member’s Meeting.
Act THREE
Louise Moss rose to give an update on plans for the 2026 Woodland Heights Home Tour. The committee heads are still seeking homes to profile. If you’d like your home to be considered, or know of a home you think should be considered, please contact Louise Moss or Megan Mastal.
There are just a few weeks left in this stage of the process. In the late summer they will be selecting the homes to be featured, such that photographs can be taken before the holiday season is upon us.
Later in the year, they will be seeking volunteers to help with the execution of the event. It takes over one hundred fifty people to act as docents, guiding attendees through the historic homes.
Act Four
Lauren Snead followed with an update on the Lights in the Heights Bash. The 2025 LITH Bash will be held the evening of Thursday, November 13 at the historic Heights Fire Station on 12th Street. . Many thanks to the Houston Heights Association for partially sponsoring the event venue costs, we welcome their sponsorship of the event.
Lauren was seeking a new co-chair to help plan the event. Danielle Garcia has stepped up and will be co-chairing the Bash with Lauren! Welcome aboard Danielle so very happy to have you working with Lauren!
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.
If you would like to engage in any fashion please contact: bash@woodland-heights.org