Houston Parks and Recreation is making significant strides in habitat restoration, with a focus on revitalizing the coastal prairie ecosystem. During a recent visit to Suliman Rodriguez Park, Natural Resources Manager Kelly Andresik highlighted the ongoing efforts to replace invasive species with native plants, transforming the area into a thriving natural habitat.

Andresik oversees approximately 17,000 acres of natural areas in Houston, where her team is dedicated to restoring ecosystems that have been affected by urban development. The park, once dominated by Chinese tallow trees, is now being restored to its historic coastal prairie habitat, showcasing the success of years of hard work.

One of the key initiatives involves riparian restoration, where trees are planted along waterways to create forested buffers that mimic historical landscapes. At Milby Park, for example, the team planted trees every ten feet along a hundred-foot stretch adjacent to the bayou, enhancing the local ecosystem and providing vital habitats for wildlife.

The Parks and Recreation team also operates a greenhouse to cultivate native grasses, trees, and bushes, which are then transplanted into various parks across the city. This hands-on approach not only supports biodiversity but also engages the community in environmental stewardship.

As these restoration projects progress, they serve as a model for future initiatives aimed at preserving Houston's natural heritage. The commitment to restoring and maintaining these vital ecosystems underscores the importance of green spaces in urban environments, ensuring that residents can enjoy and connect with nature.