Bayou Preservation Association's highly anticipated 2023 Coastal Watershed Symposium was held September 20th-21st 2024, featuring keynote speaker Andrew Sansom. With a career spanning decades as a dedicated steward of Texas' natural treasures, Sansom has left an indelible mark on conservation efforts, serving as a former Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Nature Conservancy. This year, Sansom brought to the stage a wealth of experience and insight to elevate our understanding of Balancing Growth, Preservation, and Restoration — the central theme of this engaging event. 

 

The 2023 Coastal Watershed Symposium was a unique opportunity to participate in insightful discussions, discover innovative solutions, and connect with like-minded individuals at our Networking Mixer at Riverhouse Houston.

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About Andrew Sansom:

A true titan of Texas conservation, Dr. Andrew Sansom's legacy in environmentalism is unparalleled. He has served as the Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Nature Conservancy, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Texas conservation. Dr. Sansom's impact is felt through his roles in organizations like the Texas Historical Foundation, Bat Conservation International, and The National Audubon Society. From his beginnings at the National Recreation and Park Association, he has undertaken diverse responsibilities, including advising the White House Conference on Youth and contributing to energy education at the University of Houston. An accomplished author, Andrew has penned nine influential books on Texas' natural heritage. His founding of The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment underscores his dedication to water conservation and research. Presently, he serves as a Trustee for the Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation. 

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Field Tour:

Charles H. Milby Park

Tuesday, September 19th, 9:30 AM

2001 Central St, Houston, TX 77017

Field tour guided by Houston Parks and Recreation Department's Natural Resources staff members, Kelli Ondracek and Cassidy Kempf. *We have a limited capacity of 30 attendees, be sure to secure your spot early!

 

On this tour of Milby Park, participants saw the results of a six-year-old reforestation project along Sims Bayou. This six-acre project was HPARD’s first site within their Riparian Restoration Initiative, which aims to restore riparian forests within all City of Houston parks adjacent to waterways. Participants learned about the lessons learned at this first project site and how HPARD’s restoration methods have evolved over time. 

 

To learn more about Houston Parks and Recreation Department, click here.

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​Organizing partners this year are AECOM, City of Houston, EHRA Engineering, Harris County Engineering Dept., Houston-Galveston Area Council, and Talley Landscape Architects.