#GivingTuesday Kicks off FWP End of Year Campaign

#GivingTuesday reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity. It is touted as a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world"

Let's unleash our power to preserve the natural beauty our community! Woodland Park, a place for recreation and a sanctuary of biodiversity and serenity, needs your support! Your sustaining membership and/or one-time donation can make a lasting impact, ensuring the park thrives for generations to come. Our end of the year campaign will bring much needed support to the park we all love.

Increase Your Impact with Membership!

Every Giving Tuesday dollar counts towards sustaining Woodland Park's ecosystems and recreational value. The best way to give is to join as a subscribing member, as membership provides for 60% of our annual operating costs.

Already a Member? You can still donate to enable our next steps for the park. We have bold visions to address some of the toughest problems in the park and and create greater access for all.

Can’t donate today? Subscribing is free! Keep abreast of the latest news and events, open to all!

In 2023, FWP again earned the Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid/Guidestar. Every year, millions of nonprofits spend trillions of dollars around the world. Candid finds out where that money comes from, where it goes, and why it matters.

November Audubon Bird Survey Results!

Dispatch from our Bird Guru, Mary Goldsby, on the November 18 Bird Survey!

“It was a beautiful autumn day for our final monthly bird survey of the year! All typical birds seen at this time of year in Houston as well. 

Birders: 9

Species: 25 + 2 other taxa

Next monthly survey: January 20, 2024 7:30am

In December the Christmas Bird Count will be Monday December 18, 2023 and it begins at Woodland Park but also covers several more parks/stops in the Heights area. I'll send out an email in a few weeks with contact information for anyone interested in participating.  

Today:
White-winged Dove  13
Mourning Dove  2
Double-crested/Neotropic Cormorant  1
Great Blue Heron  2
new world vulture sp.  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  2
Belted Kingfisher  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Downy Woodpecker  2
Eastern Phoebe  2
Blue Jay  10
Carolina Chickadee  3
Red-vented Bulbul  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
House Wren  2
Carolina Wren  4
European Starling  10
American Robin  3
Scaly-breasted Munia  4
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  2
White-throated Sparrow  2
Great-tailed Grackle  9
Orange-crowned Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Northern Cardinal  8

Fall Clean-up Yields 2000 Pounds of Trash

Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped us clean up Woodland Park on Sunday, November 12th, and especially for the Emerald Oaks Girl Scout Community for organizing the event. We had 175 people help us remove 2000 pounds of trash from Little White Oak Bayou. Our last 2023 clean-up is happening this Saturday, November 18th from 9am-12pm! Come join us!

For the 3rd year in a row, volunteers will have pulled over 10000 pounds of trash out of Little White Oak Bayou in Woodland Park, and we are now totaling over 625 tires pulled out of the bayou as well.

Thanks to Girl Scout Troops 122201, 122329, 122279, 122221, 122286, 122327, 122033, 122213, 122195, 25365, and I’m sure there are more! Plus, volunteers from Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart and Incarnate Word Academy Environmental Clubs, the Hogg Middle School National Jr Honor Society, Boy Scout Troop 30, and Cub Scout Pack 88! So many friends and neighbors too!

Most unusual Item winner was Gaby Godfrey from Girl Scout Ambassador troop #122247 for finding this moon snail shell.

Mother Nature is so very grateful for all of your help!

Please consider joining Friends of Woodland Park to keep these efforts going! We have annual memberships starting at $25 and lifetime memberships as well. Find out more at https://www.friendsofwoodlandpark.org/shop....

Christina DeHaven Named 2023 Best Friend of Woodland Park

Christina and her family live near Woodland Park and developed a strong connection with it during the challenging days of the Covid pandemic, particularly after they found heir beloved dog there, Milo, who now shares their park adventures.

In the midst of the pandemic, Friends of the Park (FWP) sought to share the park's beauty with a broader audience despite the restrictions of social distancing. Recognizing Christina's exceptional videography skills, they reached out in the hopes of FWP funding a short video about the park. She enthusiastically agreed and captured the beauty of the park, interviewed board members and even got a drone out for some amazing aerial footage. Christina truly went above and beyond - interviewing board members and using drone technology for some amazing aerial footage. She ultimately created four remarkable videos for FWP, with a fifth in progress, all as a voluntary contribution.

These videos have resonated with countless online viewers, amassing thousands of views. Christina's work skillfully captures the park's beauty and its thriving ecosystem. Through her business, Haven Creative, she's contributed to many high-profile events like the Houston Rodeo and collaborated with institutions like Texas Children's Hospital - Christina's expertise is unquestionable.

The Award was accepted by Christina’s son, Jack, and her husband, Matt. As her husband Matt commented, “Christina knows how to tell a story,” and we are so grateful for her helping FWP to share ours.  If a picture is worth a thousand words, Christina’s work is truly priceless. 

About the Award: In 2022, the Board of FWP created the “Best Friend” of Woodland Park Award” as a special recognition for an individual or group to be given each year at the Annual Meeting.  The Award is given by the FWP Board to show appreciation for those who generously dedicate their time and labor to Woodland Park, with contributions that greatly advance our mission - “.Preserving the park's natural habitat along with its unique historical significance to the City of Houston, and to providing for the enjoyment and education of all who visit.”

TODAY! FWP Annual General Meeting with Guest Speaker Andrew Groocock

FWP will hold its Annual General Meeting, open to all, on October 17th. We are honored to have Andrew Groocock, professional historian and tour guide, joining us as Guest Speaker. We will have tables from local organization as well as plenty of Woody the Turtle and FWP merchandise!!

• 5:30 - Come by and meet our guest organizations and enjoy a cold beverage

• 6:00 - Meeting Start and address from the Board of FWP, including honoring the “Best Friend of Woodland Park”

• 6:30 - “History of Woodland Park and Surrounds” with Guest Speaker Andrew Groocock

Meet Andrew!

Originally from England, I have lived in Houston for more than 30 years and consider myself a Houstonian.

In a city which has no zoning, has grown overnight and attracted a population from around the world there is much to surprise and delight. 

I served as president of The Professional Tour Guide Association of Houston from 2014-2016, and since 2015 I have been a guide on the historical boat tours offered by The Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Commemorative Mural Getting Some TLC

We are so excited to be working with Sandra Jacobs, the original artist of the beautiful art on the side of the Woodland Community Center, on a restoration project of the mural. Jill Whitten, art conservation specialist, is also providing input and advice.

Sandra was part of the educational department at MFA, and she created the murals in Woodland Park and Hartman Park on Houston’s east side. The children in HPARD’s Summer Enrichment Program at Woodland Park were all given the opportunity to be involved in the art project.   Nine of the kids (ages 6 to teens) were more serious about painting and worked on the mural.  Sandra selected the theme representing how one’s life ambition begins with a seed and grows with knowledge to accomplish one’s career goal. 

 Each child painted their own area representing their career goal (sports, medicine, astronaut, lawyer, etc.). The painting was done in the craft room with the 3 panels placed on the floor or leaning up against the wall.  HPARD installed the mural. The City of Houston funded the project which took 2 weeks to complete. 

We will be looking for 2-3 volunteers to help with the restoration, timing of which is to be determined. Please contact FWP Board Secretary Louise Moss for more information.

Mark Your Calendars! Fall/Winter 2023 Events

The FWP Board takes the summer off but we ALWAYS hit the ground running for Fall/Winter event planning! Scroll down for FWP Events, Community Center Schedule info, and a few important events from our strategic partner organizations. There are more events to come so stay updated by subscribing and following FWP on Facebook and Instagram. Use the ICS and/or Google links below each event description to automatically add to your calendar!

(Note: Details may change without notice. Check the FWP website for updates.)

October 7th:

American Rivers/JPMC Clean-up Day

Contact Board Treasurer Pat Rutledge if you would like to volunteer.

October 10th:

Member “Hike & Slice”

Easy hike for all current members followed by pizza in the community center. Click here to RSVP and to Join FWP. Contact Board President Kelli Fereday for more details.

Add to calendar: ICS Google

October 17th:

Annual General Meeting

Open to All! Bring your own chair! Andrew Groocock, professional historian and tour guide, is joining us as Guest Speaker. Check out local organizations, news from the Board, the Best Friend of Woodland Park award, and more Woody the Turtle merchandise! Contact Board President Kelli Fereday for details.

Add to calendar: ICS Google

October 21st:

Audubon Bird Survey

Monthly on every third Saturday. Also November 18th and December 16th. Contact Mary Goldsby to be added to the email list.

Add to calendar: ICS Google

November 7th:

Board Meeting

Contact Board President Kelli Fereday if you would have a concern or would like to suggest item for the Board’s agenda.

Add to calendar: ICS Google

November 9th:

Community Concert

Join us on November 9th at 6pm (doors open at 5:30) for rockabilly from Billy Folchi, plus comedy from Travis Elementary alumnus Henry Coffman! ALL AGES ARE WELCOME! Contact our new Music Director, Loreta Kovacic, for more info.

Add to calendar: ICS Google

November 12th: Scout/Community Cleanup Day

Contact Board Member Lauren Lindsay for details or to volunteer to help.

Add to calendar: ICS Google

November 28th:

Member Happy Hour

Members are invited to join the FWP Board at the home of Board Member Lauren Lindsay. Not a member? Its easy to join as an annual or lifetime member, and memberships start as low as $25.

Add to calendar: ICS Google

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Community Center

Schedule

Open weekdays Noon-8pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Check out this article for program info or contact Center Manager Rob Messa for more information on activities or to book the craft room

Other Community Events: FWP partners with many other organizations to promote shared interests - put these on your calendar too!

• October 7th: Tour de Northside Bike Ride and Festival sponsored by the Greater Northside Management District

• October 7th and 9th: Block-walking and Picnic for Fair for Houston, advocating for Proposition B (a non-partisan initiative supported by the FWP Board - learn more here) on the upcoming election.

• October 17th: Houston Parks Board 2023 Annual Luncheon

• October 19th: Scenic Houston Annual Dinner

• October 20th: Houston Heights Association Battle of the Boards Charcuterie Event

• October 20th: Pots for Plants sponsored by the Bayou Preservation Association. Come out to recycle your plastic plant pots and keep our beloved watersheds clean!

• November 3rd: The Official Lights in the Heights Bash - Pints in the Heights! sponsored by Woodland Heights Civic Association

• November 14th: White Oak Bayou Association Annual Meeting in the Historic Heights Firehouse

• December 9th: Lights in Heights 2023 sponsored by Woodland Heights Civic Association