Neighborhoods to Trails Southwest

07/29/2026

Encourage folks to follow Willow Waterhole Conservancy if you haven’t already. More important, if you live in the Houston area, plan a visit. Think about visiting during the Golden Hour, when it is particularly beautiful and just begging you to photograph its charms.
Willow Waterhole Greenway

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

This week we're featuring a photo from our own Conservation Educator, Austin Perez, of a Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus).

Did you know? Relative to their body size, Black-necked Stilts have some of the longest legs of any bird in North America, second only to flamingos. Those long pink legs let them wade into deeper water than many other shorebirds to hunt for insects, small crustaceans, and tiny fish.

They are also fiercely protective parents. When a predator gets too close to their nest, Black-necked Stilts will fake an injury, dragging a wing as if hurt to lure the threat away from their eggs before flying off to safety once the danger has passed.

📸 Spotted some great wildlife on your visits? Send us a message, and include your name so we can credit you.

Thanks to Austin for this week's photo, and thanks to all of you for celebrating the wild side of our greenspace with us!
See you next Wednesday!

07/16/2026

Sneak peak at Burnett Bayland Phase 1 improvements - estimated completion in 2026.
The addition of this little lake adds storm water detention while providing natural beauty, more walking trails with a scenic bridge, and restorative green space. Let’s make it easier to connect from
Office of Commissioner Lesley Briones, Precinct 4

07/12/2026

Gee, if that trail along Renwick ever gets built (thick red line), think of how much faster you'd be able to cycle to important destinations to the north?
Use this link to give your input to the planning team on the Renwick Trail Feasibility Study.

https://arcg.is/XiHXq1

07/11/2026

From Keegan’s Bayou Trail to Columbia Tap Trail
We picked up riders of all ages along the way of the 25 mile round trip route and even enjoyed our rainy shelter in place experience under an oak tree canopy at TSU. We encourage everyone to get out and learn how to get around on our Brays Bayou Greenway and connecting trails.
Houston Parks Board Office of Commissioner Lesley Briones, Precinct 4 Rodney Ellis Houston Parks - HPARD

07/08/2026

We love all the great work that’s been accomplished. What are your priorities for what comes next? Houston Parks - HPARD, Houston Parks Board
Tell us the connecting trails to key destinations or other trails and bayous you are wanting to come next.

🌿 Weekly Park Highlight:

Brays Bayou Greenway is one of Houston’s most important green corridors, connecting neighborhoods with miles of trails, native landscapes, and outdoor recreation. It’s a powerful example of how green infrastructure can improve both community access to nature and urban resilience.

07/06/2026

UPDATE: City Traffic Engineer is sending a team member to evaluate the white concrete divider for a paint job to make it more visible. Thanks to everyone who supported the need for a fix.
I also appreciate the responsiveness of our City engineer.

Took a fall this morning crossing onto a sidewalk and failed to notice a raised white concrete divider beside the curb cut.
I had my helmet on, which protected my head and face.
Padded gloves protected my hands, which would have been badly bruised and braised, but came out with just a little pink.
Knees covered by pants, so just a mild road burn.
Then there is the forearm.
Pedaled the 6 miles home with no problems except a bruised ego.
Btw, I was trying to map a safe route between Bellaire and Uptown. Will discuss the perils later.

07/05/2026

We’re gonna have a good day,
Three riders, all with different plans for celebrating July 4. We started together, agreeing that each person had the right to spin off as needed. One cyclist did 20, one 36, and one clocked over 60.
Good day.

07/02/2026

Our latest episode of Neighborhood Trail Talk is live! 🎙️

In Episode 2, Willow Waterhole’s own Austin Perez (Conservation Educator) and Daniel Milikin (Executive Director) sit down for a wide-ranging conversation about urban conservation right here in SW Houston.

They cover everything from rare wildflowers and vanishing coastal prairies to alligators, invasive nutria, and the water-filtering power of wetlands. They also dig into the bigger picture: equitable access to greenspace, the living cities movement, and how Willow Waterhole grew from a flood mitigation project into one of Houston’s most beloved natural areas.

Watch on our YouTube channel, link in bio!

Podcast

06/30/2026

Our latest episode of Neighborhood Trail Talk is live! 🎙️

In Episode 2, Willow Waterhole's own Austin Perez (Conservation Educator) and Daniel Milikin (Executive Director) sit down for a wide-ranging conversation about urban conservation right here in SW Houston.

They cover everything from rare wildflowers and vanishing coastal prairies to alligators, invasive nutria, and the water-filtering power of wetlands. They also dig into the bigger picture: equitable access to greenspace, the living cities movement, and how Willow Waterhole grew from a flood mitigation project into one of Houston's most beloved natural areas.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DWVIUmKcf5s?si=9iMaekLrrsoHBaqK

In this episode of Neighborhood Trail Talk, host Kay Swint joins Au...