Birding in Woodland Park: A Springtime Adventure

Woodland Park, a haven for bird enthusiasts, hosted a delightful Saturday morning of birding. With ten birders in attendance, the group identified an impressive array of 32 different species. The next survey is eagerly anticipated for April 20, 2024, at 7:30 am, promising another opportunity to engage with nature's symphony.

The recent bird list (see below, and click each for more info) from March 23, 2024, reflects the vibrant bird life in Woodland Park. Highlights include the graceful Snowy Egret, the majestic Great Blue Heron, and a remarkable gathering of 50 Cedar Waxwings. Each species observed has been thoughtfully linked to further information on the park's website, inviting visitors to explore and deepen their understanding of these feathered friends.

As spring migration continues, the next six weeks are prime for birdwatching. Enthusiasts are encouraged to venture outdoors and witness the seasonal spectacle.

However, the joy of birding is shadowed by a significant challenge: the perilous journey migratory birds face each year. As they traverse the Texas skies, the allure of artificial lights can lead to fatal collisions with buildings, a tragic fate for up to one billion birds annually in the US. The solution is simple yet impactful – turning off lights during peak migration hours can safeguard these winged travelers. Learn more here for some simple steps you can take to help

Happy birding to all, and may the skies remain a safe passage for our avian companions.

 

Bird List March 23. 2024

#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

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

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

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!

Woodland Community Center Youth and Adult Activities

There is so much on offer at the Woodland Park Community Center this fall/winter. Center Manager Rob Messa is running multiple programs for young and old in the building at 212 Parkview St. Note that programs may change without notice due to one-off events.

After-School Enrichment

10 Spots Remain as of Oct 1st! The After-School Enrichment Program (AEP) is a recreational and cultural enrichment program for youth ages 6 - 13. The program is FREE of charge for all participants, but registration is required. Youth participants are engaged in a wide variety of activities that include crafts, nutrition, fun fitness, nature exploration and instructional sports.

Volleyball

The indoor court is set up for volleyball from 6-8pm on Monday and Wednesdays. Monday nights tend to be all adults, and Wednesdays are a good mix of tweens, teens, and adults. Be sure to sign a waiver when you arrive, or complete one for your kiddo. One responsible adult must stay with minors.

Pickleball

Pickleball is now on from 10:15am to 1:45pm every Saturday. All ages and levels welcome!

Bring your equipment or use the equipment purchased by FWP for HPARD. You can even check out a set from the center to use outdoors once the basketball court refurbishment is complete.

Basketball

There is a long history of basketball in the Woodland Community Center. The courts are set up for “shooting hoops” on Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8pm.

Saturday Pickleball Play Times Expanded!

Following on from the very successful trial of Pickleball in the Woodland Community Center, center manager Rob Messa has now expanded Pickleball play from 10:15am to 1:45pm every Saturday at the Woodland Community Center, 212 Parkview.

Bring your equipment or use the equipment purchased by FWP for HPARD. Plus, you can check out a set from the center to use outdoors once the basketball court refurbishment is complete. All ages and levels welcome!

Time to Hold Court (Repairs, that is!)

We were crossing our fingers and waiting to let you know - but it’s already happening! The long-needed and awaited refurbishment of the outdoor tennis and basketball courts - the latter with the added bonus of pickleball AND basketball striping - is underway as of September 27th!

Show me the Money: The FWP Board approached the Houston Parks and Rec Dept (HPARD) in early 2023 with a proposal to split the cost of tennis court refurbishment. An expanded agreed scope was estimated at ~$15,000 - and the Board realized that this was far more than FWP could support without a dedicated funding campaign. FWP then approached the office of District H City Council Representative, Karla Cisneros, who were able to find room in the budget to share the cost equally between District H and HPARD.

Tennis and Basketball Court Repairs Began Sept 27th

Scope includes:

1 - Repair, resurface, and repaint the existing tennis court with modern two tone design.

2 - Pressure wash the basketball court. 

3-Completely restripe the basketball court including a pickleball stencil (in a contrasting color) overlaying the eastern half of the basketball court.

Backstory: In late 2022, the FWP Board noticed that the extremely popular tennis and basketball courts needed some TLC. And, after the successful trial of Pickleball (see related news!) in the Woodland Community Center, the Board wanted to find a way to provide more access for those players, while balancing that with existing basketball and tennis demands.

 Remember way back when? When FWP was established over 15 years ago, one of the initial goals was to resurface and upgrade the existing park tennis court.  That was one of the early successes thanks in large part to the office of the then District H City Council Representative, now Sheriff Ed Gonzales! 

So keep an eye out when you enter or pass the park in the coming weeks to observe the progress of these much needed improvements.  It shouldn’t be long until you can enjoy them.

1000 lbs of Trash Removed on World Cleanup Day

World Cleanup Day was September 16th and nearly 1000 pounds of trash were removed from the park!!! Amazing to have such a devoted coalition of schools - Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, St. Thomas High School, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory and St. Pius X High School - come together to clean up Woodland Park. Combined with the work of the Baringa crew yesterday, nearly 1000 pounds of trash - including 9 tires and 2 shopping carts - were removed from the Woodland Park Nature Reserve including Little White Oak Bayou.

Checkout and like this short video of the day by the Duchesne Environmental Club!

Bird Survey Spies 19 Species!

We had an exciting morning on September 16th at Woodland Park during our monthly bird survey walk. This time, we were a cozy group of four dedicated birders who gathered bright and early at 7:30 am. It's always great to see familiar faces and welcome newcomers to our community of bird enthusiasts.

We spotted a total of 19 different bird species during our walk. The Fall Migration is underway - we now see our year-round residents and the exciting additions of migrating birds passing through our area.

Our next bird survey is scheduled for Saturday, October 21st, 2023, starting at 7:30 am near the community center. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a beginner eager to learn, everyone is welcome to join our friendly group, led by Mary Goldsby.

As always, remember to bring your binoculars, bird field guides, comfortable walking shoes, and your curiosity.

Birds spotted on Sept 16, 2023 in Woodland Park with a photo of a female Summer Tanager

Help Woodland Park Win $75,000

FWP is asking you, our most enthusiastic park supporters, to vote every day until September 18! But we are getting ahead of ourselves. First the fantastic news: Woodland Park has been chosen as one of 9 parks, nationwide, to be a finalist in a contest to win $75,000.

HPARD submitted Woodland Park to the Niagara Perk Your Park contest where 3 of 9 finalists will each be awarded $75,000. In Woodland Park that money will be earmarked for forest restoration, and for education regarding riparian forest ecosystems on the Gulf Coast.

Should Woodland Park win the grant, HPARD will plan and supervise the work.

To win the grant we must be one of the top 3 vote-getters in the contest sponsored by Niagra. Park supporters can vote every day until September 18. (And, for those with more than one email account and more than one platform from which to submit votes, voters can vote 2 or 3 times per day!). We recommend leaving a browser open with the website to facilitate casting your daily vote.

A short list of what we have to gain if we win this $75,000 grant:

  • In the summer months parts of the trails are impassable due to invasive grasses and weeds.

  • More native plants directly equates to more native insects, birds and other animals.

  • An opportunity to look back into our natural history with a view to what a Gulf Coastal bayou ecosystem looked like before our city was developed.

  • Opportunities for young urban park users to experience a pristine natural habitat, and to learn how that habitat works from the soil to the skies above (birds!).

Please help Friends of Woodland Park campaign for this grant. In a world of social media, it is all about getting the word out and keeping the fires lit for one month! FWP, with help from many of you, has raised much smaller amounts in the past, and it was hard work. This is such a rare opportunity for us, and the grant would make such a difference in our park, we cannot afford to let this chance slide by!

We thank all you for your support and help in this endeavor!

WOODY Merch has Crawled into our Store!

Woody has arrived, and so has NEW Woody inspired merch! Featuring a one-of-a-kind Picasso inspired hand-drawn rendering of Woody by the artist, Dylan Conner, these items are guaranteed to make you smile. Limited quantities will be available at the Happy Turtles, Trails, and Hot Dogs event on May 13th from 11am-1pm in the park. Come join us, and you can always order online!

Woody the Turtle Goes Live Today!

Woody is Here! Join us TODAY, May 13th, for Happy Trails, Turtles and Hot Dogs! We are monitoring the weather and will make another announcement just after 10am if we have to change our plans.

Rain, Rain, Go Away! Turtles, Face Painters, and Hot Dogs can stay!

Woody the Turtle Dedication THIS SATURDAY!

Happy Turtles, Trails, and Hot Dogs is happening this Saturday, May 13th, from 11a-1pm at Woodland Park, 212 Parkview St. This annual FREE family event is TURTALLY special this year as it will feature the unveiling and dedication of our newest park addition - Woody the Turtle, an artistic play sculpture imagined and created by Heights resident and artist Dylan Conner.

Face Painting, special turtle guests, and local organizations will be on hand for all to enjoy. The event will kick-off at 11am with the dedication and speakers starting at 11:30. Hot dogs and root-beer floats will be provided free of charge while supplies last.

We are watching the weather and will communicate any changes as needed.