Texas Coastal Watershed Program, an extension of Texas A&M AgriLife, is coordinating wetlands development. Photo: Jerry Hamby
There will be 39 acres of wetlands throughout Exploration Green, as well as more than 100 acres of upland and island areas planted with native grasses and wildflowers. Photo: Jerry Hamby
project to the tune of $28 million, but “when it comes down to it, the Conservancy will raise funds to create and manage the park,” Peterson said. To this end, the Conservancy is coordinating with local-area non- profits such as Trees for Houston, the Galveston Bay Foundation, and the Texas Coastal Watershed Program. So far, the Conservancy has raised $1.3 million through private do- nations, business sponsors, and grants, but Peterson said they need another $7 million. The money will be used to build six miles of hike- and-bike trails throughout the project, plant thousands of trees, and develop other amenities such as an education center, picnic tables, and park benches. Peterson called this community collaboration “innovative,” citing the Clear Lake City Water Authority’s foresight to build a project like Ex- ploration Green with the community, nonprofits, and other partnerships. “The Water Authority had the vision for this. They went out on a limb and fought for it, planned for it, and did everything required to raise money for the excavation,” Peterson said. “When Harvey came along and filled the Phase 1 area right to the top, it held 100 million gallons of stormwater. It worked just the way it was supposed to.” “The project spans such a wide portion of the district that someone can ride their bike through Exploration Green to the park-and-ride nearby, commute downtown (by bus) and back,” Stanhouse said. “The fact that the community will have a safe place to ride their bikes through town is huge.”
Conclusion For decades, Peterson drove by the golf course without thought for its potential. He hopes that the site’s transformation will be a boon to the community. Even with just the first phase under construction, residents are proud to live so close to the nature park, he said. Despite the $7 million the Conservancy has left to raise, Peterson is optimistic. He called the fundraising a challenge but hopes that resi- dents will be inclined to donate as they recognize the natural beauty of Exploration Green. “The last time I walked around Phase 1, it was great to see the progress. I mean, the whole area that had been excavated was green,” Peterson said. He said that wildlife is coming back to the area quicker than he expect- ed. Even though the park is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, wildlife has found a home in Exploration Green. From hawks and turtles to native water birds, “it’s amazing to see…I think the wildlife can somehow tell when it’s their land again,” he said. KELLY SHIPLEY is an associate and project manager at Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN; www.lan-inc.com), a planning, engineering, and program management firm. She can be contacted at kdshipley@lan-inc.com.
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