Sustainability
Sustainability is a societal goal that aims to enable humans and nature to coexist in a productive way for current and future generations. This concept is based on the principle that our survival and well-being depend on the natural environment. Sustainability
presumes that resources are limited and should be used conservatively and wisely with a view towards long-term priorities and consequences. In simplest terms, sustainability is about our children and our grandchildren, and the world we will leave for them.
Sustainable aspects of Exploration Green ("the Green") include:
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The the Green is protected against future development by a Conservation Easement held by Galveston Bay Foundation ("GBF"). See additional discussion below.
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An operating agreement between the Clear Lake City Water Authority ("CLCWA") and the Exploration Green Conservancy ("the Conservancy") details roles and responsibilities for ongoing operation and maintenance of the Green.
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No operator attention is needed during rain events to manage water levels in the Green's detention ponds. Storm water retention, storm water drainage, and water levels in the lakes are automatically controlled by the Green's hydrologic design.
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The CLCWA Land Steward has full-time responsibility for managing the Green and can draw upon CLCWA resources as needed.
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The Conservancy Board of Directors, which includes representatives from CLCWA, meets monthly to oversee management of the Green, with each board member having assigned areas of responsibility.
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The Conservancy network includes more than 1,300 active volunteers who help plant and maintain native vegetation and provide other essential services.
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An on-site nursery provides facilities for propagation of trees, shrubs, and aquatic plants.
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The Conservancy has an active partnership with Texas Community Watershed Partners AgriLife Extension Office to provide expert leadership regarding aquatic plant propagation and planting.
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Native trees and plants are used for landscaping, ensuring that all plants at the Green are well-adapted to this area, reducing irrigation requirements.
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Irrigation, where it is required, is accomplished using “re-use water” (treated municipal wastewater) instead of with treated potable water.
Plan your visit
What to do, see and learn
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Hike/bike/roller blade six miles of ADA compliant trails along five lakes.
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Scavenger Hunt
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Bird Watch
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Study Nature
Map
Environmental Goals
The Green has been designed to strategically return the land to a more natural state, what one former board member referred to as “un-development.”
Conservancy experts, award-winning design organizations, and citizen volunteers have all joined together to create the CLCWA Exploration Green Master Plan. SWA Group (Houston’s award-winning landscape architecture, planning and urban design firm with projects at Buffalo Bayou and Hermann Park) has applied advanced design approaches to citizen input to create a project master plan with numerous conservation elements.
GBF, the premiere environmental organization in the Bay Area, is a key partner of the Green. GBF holds a conservation easement on the Green property. The conservation easement is a legal document that prevents future development of the property in perpetuity and will ensure an environmentally sound approach to the area, now and in the future.
Native Plants and Trees
The Conservancy incorporates native plants in the development of the Green. Native plants are specially adapted to live in a given geographical area. Native plants and animals have adapted to each other and to their specialized habitats over thousands of years. Native grasses, shrubs, and trees are essential to a healthy, functional, biodiverse ecosystem and demonstrate natural defenses to local diseases and insects, reducing the need for insecticides. They provide habitat and food for local birds and other wildlife, including pollinators, and need less human assistance to survive than most non-native plants. They also provide essential ecosystem services that help conserve and keep our water clean, reduce erosion, and respond well to drought and other weather extremes. Studies have even linked human health benefits with native plant communities; studies have found stronger immune systems and reduced incidence of asthma for children in areas dominated by native plants compared to areas dominated by non-natives and pavement.
Plant & Animal Species Guide
Created by Ms. Amanda Morse as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award Project, the Exploration Green Plant and Animal Species Guide is a great way to learn about the plants and animals that can be found at the Green, as well as others that are native to Texas. Be sure to visit the Green throughout the year to see animals, insects, and plants that vary in population or appearance during the different seasons.
The information and images are derived from local naturalists as well as from several organizations, in particular, the National Audubon Society, Wildflower.org, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Texas A&M Forest Service, and Britannica. When possible, citations and links to specific external pages are made for further educational opportunities.
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!