Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Learn more about Exploration Green ("the Green") here. If you have a question that isn't listed, please email us at info@explorationgreen.org and we will get you the answer and update our FAQs.
Plan your visit
What to do, see and learn
-
Hike/bike/roller blade six miles of ADA compliant trails along five lakes.
-
Scavenger Hunt
-
Bird Watch
-
Study Nature
Map
Where is the Green Located?
The Green is located in the heart of the Clear Lake area. The street address of the main parking lot is 16314 Diana Lane, Houston, TX 77062.
What is the difference between the Green and the Exploration Green Conservancy ("the Conservancy")?
The Green is the the 200-acre project constructed on the former Clear Lake City Golf Course property. The property was purchased by the Clear Lake City Water Authority ("CLCWA') for use as a storm water detention area. The CLCWA developed the master plan for the project and initially sponsored the formation of the Green.
The Conservancy is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to develop, preserve and protect the land known as the Green. The Conservancy is responsible for raising philanthropic funds to fulfill the part of the Green master plan that includes the installation, operation and maintenance of the park amenities. The installation, operation and maintenance of the park amenities is outside CLCWA’s purpose of providing water, sewer, and stormwater management to the Clear Lake Community. The Conservancy is one of several organizations partnering with CLCWA. Other partners include the Galveston Bay Foundation, Trees for Houston, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service/Texas Community Watershed Partners.
What rules are applicable to use of the Green?
Is the Green wheelchair accessible?
The Green hike and bike trails meet all federal and state requirements for handicap access.
Who should I call if I notice someone violating the Green rules of use or engaging in other potentially criminal activity on the Green?
For non-emergencies, please call the Harris County Precinct 8 Constables Office at (281) 488-4040. CLCWA has a standing agreement with Precinct 8 to prosecute any criminal activity that may at the Green. The Harris County Precinct 8 Constables Office is located just two blocks away from the Green.
For emergencies. call 911.
Can I feed the animals I encounter at the Green?
No, please don’t! The Green is a native habitat for native species. The birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians living here can fend for themselves. Importantly, human food can harm them and create a dependency issue. “Wild” bird seed can introduce non-native species of plants that may be invasive to this area. Just don’t!
Why is fishing not allowed in the the Green lakes?
CLCWA and the Conservancy prohibit fishing in any of the Green storm water detention ponds. The reasons are threefold:
(1) The Green has no piers or other structures to accommodate fishing. Standing along the banks to fish causes damage to the wetlands adjacent to the detention ponds.
(2) Discarded monofilament fishing line, lures, and weights are undesirable pollutants that can injure wildlife living in the water or volunteers working in wetlands.
(3) In the event of a prolonged drought, the CLCWA pumps reclaim water directly from its wastewater treatment facilities into the storm water detention ponds to prevent algae blooms among other issues. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality specifically permits the use of reclaim water “in remote, restricted, controlled, or limited-access areas where human contact is unlikely” for use as a “supply to non-recreational water bodies.”
What is the purpose of the fountains, sprayers and bubblers I see in the lakes at the Green?
The bubblers and fountains in aerate the water (increase the dissolved oxygen concentrations in the water). Higher dissolved oxygen levels support aquatic life and help prevent algae growth. The lakes incorporate a combination of bubblers and fountains. The bubblers run year-round.
When temperatures climb into the 90s, dissolved oxygen can be depleted because the ponds are shallow and heat up quickly, driving off the oxygen. When this occurs, the fountains (aerators) are turned on to keep the oxygen levels at desired levels.
CLCWA routinely monitors the dissolved oxygen concentration in the lake water and turns the fountains on in late spring when the oxygen levels start to drop. They are turned off in the fall as they are no longer needed.
The Conservancy and CLCWA minimize the use of fountains because they are deterrents to some birds that frequent the Green.
Are the trails lighted at night?
No, there is no lighting within the Green. Use of artificial lighting is inconsistent with management of native habitats and would be a nuisance to adjacent homeowners. Consequently, the Green is only open to visitors from dawn until dusk.
Can I find restrooms at the Green?
The are currently no permanent restroom facilities installed at Exploration Green. Portable toilets are available in Phase 2 (adjacent to the parking lot off El Dorado Blvd), Phase 4 (adjacent to the enclosed pump structure) and Phase 5 (adjacent to the parking lot off Bay Area Blvd).
Are there any plants or animals at the Green that I should be aware of?
As in any outdoor area in the Houston region, visitors may encounter mosquitoes, biting and stinging insects, snakes (venomous and non-venomous), and alligators. Visitors are encouraged to stay on the paved trails and sidewalks to minimize these encounters.
Donate
Creating the Green’s 200-acre park and conservation area has been a major undertaking. Unlike city or county-owned parks, the Conservancy must raise all the funds for the amenities and services offered - native trees and grass, hike and bike trails, educational programs, and other infrastructure like park benches and signage.
Would you like to help? We are always looking for people and organizations to provide financial support for the Green!