Willow Waterhole Greenway

10/07/2026

Come celebrate the native prairie with us at our very first Colors of the Prairie Chalk Art Festival!

On Saturday, November 7, from 11 AM to 4 PM, Willow Waterhole is turning into a giant canvas, with chalk artists filling the pavement with color while a live DJ keeps the music going and you wander through food and craft vendors, nature and educational booths, and plenty of hands on activities for the whole family.

You can join our Seed Stomp and help us spread native prairie seed on the hillside, stop by the seed ball making stations to take a little prairie home with you, and recieve a native fruit tree to plant in your own yard. It is a fun way to take part in restoring the habitat you are standing in.

It is free to attend, and whether you come for the art, the food, or the chance to learn something new about the prairie, we would love to have you out there with us. Bring your family, bring your friends, and plan to stay a while.

More details at colorsoftheprairie.com

We cannot wait to see you there! 💚🎨

10/05/2026

Join us this Saturday, October 10, for our volunteer cleanup day! Come spend the morning helping care for the trails and habitat at Willow Waterhole while making a positive impact in the community.

Whether you are a longtime volunteer or joining us for the first time, we would love to have you out there with us. It is a great chance to get outside, meet fellow nature lovers, and help keep Willow Waterhole beautiful for both wildlife and visitors.

Work runs from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and we will meet at 11350 Ricecrest St., Houston, TX 77035. Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and comfortable clothes you do not mind getting dirty. Sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen is also highly recommended, and be sure to bring water to stay hydrated.

Sign up for free: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1991705785620?aff=oddtdtcreator

We hope to see you there! 💚

10/05/2026

Is tonight the night you bring your binoculars out to Willow Waterhole?

09/30/2026

🌿 It's time for another edition of Wildlife Wednesday at Willow Waterhole!

This week we're spotlighting the Poisonbean, also known as Rattlebox (Sesbania drummondii), a native shrub you will often find growing along our lake edges and wetter areas of the park.

Did you know? This plant earns both of its names honestly. The seeds inside its pods are toxic if eaten, which gives it the name Poisonbean, and once those pods dry out, the loose seeds rattle around inside when the wind blows or you brush past it, which gives it the name Rattlebox.

Even though it is not safe to eat, Rattlebox plays an important role here at Willow Waterhole. Its flowers attract pollinators, and it serves as a host plant for certain native butterflies. It is a good reminder that not every plant needs to be useful to us to be valuable to the ecosystem.

📸 Photo Credits: Larry Allain
Spotted some great wildlife on your visits? Drop them in the comments or send us a message, and include your name so we can credit you.

Thanks for celebrating the wild side of our greenspace with us! 💚🌾
See you next Wednesday!

09/29/2026

Wednesday Morning Access at Willow Waterhole

Wednesday, September 30, a press conference will be held on Dryad Street regarding the tragic killing of a Westbury High School student. The press conference begins at 10:00 a.m., with activity and traffic expected to increase beginning around 8:30 a.m.

In support of the family, the Westbury High School community, and our community partners, Willow Waterhole will open the Gasmer Road gates beginning at 8:30 a.m. to provide an alternate entrance and exit. Please see the map for that gate's exact location.

If you plan to visit Willow Waterhole on Wednesday morning, please use the Gasmer entrance if possible and allow extra time for traffic.
We ask our park community for patience, compassion, and understanding tomorrow morning.

09/23/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out for Trees for Birds! We loved spending the day birding with all of you, and a big thank you to our partners at Trees For Houston and Birds Houston for joining us and adding so much to the experience.

If you enjoyed a day outside with us, we have another chance for you this Saturday. Join us for National Public Lands Day VolunBEERing on September 26 from 5 to 7:30 PM at Willow Waterhole Greenway, sponsored by Saint Arnold Brewing Company. We will spend the evening caring for our trails and natural areas, and then celebrate with friends and a well earned beverage.

Sign up for free: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986086096980?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thank you again, and we hope to see you Saturday! 💚

09/17/2026

It's almost time for National Public Lands Day VolunBEERing, sponsored by Saint Arnold Brewing Company!

Join us Saturday, September 26 from 5 to 7:30 PM at Willow Waterhole Greenway to help care for our trails, natural areas, and wildlife habitat. Once the work is done, stick around to celebrate with friends and a well earned beverage, courtesy of Saint Arnold.

What to bring: closed toe shoes, sun protection, and work gloves.

Sign up for free: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986086096980?aff=oddtdtcreator

A big thank you to Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Texas' oldest craft brewery, for sponsoring this event and celebrating our public lands with us. We hope to see you there! 💚

09/14/2026

Join us this Saturday at 9am, at The Rafferty Oak on Triangle Lake, as we partner with Girl Scout Troop 147142 for the grand opening and donation drive of our Sharing Shelf! Come out and celebrate and donate!

09/08/2026

09/07/2026

Have a wonderful Labor Day Everyone!