About Watonga Prairie Restoration

The Watonga Prairie is located within TC Jester Park, immediately east of Watonga Blvd. along the Bayou Greenway trail. The proposed project scope entails the rebuilding of the pollinator meadow into a year-round prairie. This project is part of an ongoing effort by the Houston Parks Board to restore the previously created meadows to more natural prairies and is home to native pollinators such as Mexican free-tailed bat, Monarch butterfly, and native bees.

The original planning for the restoration project included the establishment of meadow areas adjacent to the trail system wherever possible. The intention was to reduce maintenance and pollution outputs, create habitat and greener green spaces, and diversify the “look” of the trails. Houston Parks Board is holding onto those same intentions as the meadow program transforms into newly rebuilt Prairies on the Greenways.

Project Description & History 

The following project tasks are the identified major tasks needed to complete the overall project:

1) Herbicide treatment of existing pollinator meadows which is dominated by non-native species including KR Bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum) and Kleberg Bluestem (Dicanthium annulatum)

2) Post-treatment mowing and scraping to bare dirt of existing pollinator meadow area

3) Haul in and staging of new compost/soil for rebuilt prairie

4) Spreading of compost/soil over project site to within 2” of new material with immediate seeding and planting of live native grasses

Any reconstruction or restoration must start at the very beginning and typically this includes a detailed survey or assessment of the project site’s current conditions. For the new prairies, this assessment entails the ongoing evaluation by Conservation Tech across multiple seasons and across all of the Bayou Greenways which cover 150 linear miles weaving through the City of Houston.

Preliminary data suggests that the original seeding efforts have not created the desired effect of a well-established native prairie; rather, these areas have been encroached by invasive exotic plants. For some areas, it may be a simple targeted treatment and replacement with key mature native plants; while other areas may require a complete rebuild: treatment, removal of treated materials, new soil placement, and planting with seed and mature plants.

Community Impact

Within a few months since installing new prairie plants, the seeds of native grasses and forbs have already sprouted. This project showcases the beauty that The Bayou Greenway Trail has, gives the ability to plan appropriately for future prairies, and engages the local community with volunteer opportunities. All are welcome to enjoy this new prairie along Greens Bayou Greenway at the trailhead at Fall Lake and Greens Parkway and White Oak Greenway at Watonga Blvd.