Restoring Riparian Parks in Sims and White Oak Bayous
The Student Conservation Association is restoring riparian habitat, leading volunteer events, and monitoring water quality at eight parks along Sims Bayou in the Houston area.
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Project Area
River Basin: San Jacinto
Water Bodies: Sims Bayou Above Tidal (1007D), Sims Bayou Tidal (1007), Buffalo Bayou Tidal (1013), Little White Oak Bayou (1013A), White Oak Bayou Above Tidal (1017), and Brickhouse Gully/Bayou (1017A)
Location: City of Houston
Background
The Sims Bayou and White Oak Bayou watersheds are in the highly urbanized area of Houston. The volume of stormwater runoff is high in urban areas because much of land is impervious. The water bodies in the watersheds do not meet state water quality standards due to high concentrations of fecal bacteria. Several portions of the watershed also have concerns for excessive nutrients, dissolved oxygen, legacy pollutants, or impaired macrobenthic communities.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) has implemented three projects to educate the public about watershed management and improve water quality through riparian habitat restoration and trash cleanups.
Back to topProject Descriptions
February 2017 – February 2020
SCA implemented best management practices including litter cleanups, riparian habitat restoration, and public education at Milby Park. Student crews trained by SCA and community volunteers participated in project activities and conducted Texas Stream Team water quality monitoring.
October 2019 – August 2022
SCA and Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) continued riparian habitat restorations and enhancements at Charlton, Stuart, and Reveille parks in Houston. HPARD hired student interns to work and facilitate events to remove invasive plants, install and maintain native riparian plants, and clean up litter.
The interns completed multiple environmental science training programs including Texas Watershed Stewards and Texas Stream Team Citizen Scientist Monitoring, and then performed monthly Texas Stream Team monitoring at two sites in the project area. SCA developed and installed educational signage at each restoration site.
September 2021 – April 2026
SCA and HPARD are continuing riparian restoration, student intern training, water quality monitoring, and community outreach at eight parks in Houston:
- Townwood Park
- Margaret Jenkins Park
- FM Law Park
- Sims Bayou Park
- Timbergrove Manor Park
- Langwood Park
- Freed Art Nature Park
- Hogg Park
For More Information
Student Conservation Association website
To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or email us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.