Shot at sunrise across the Ancient White Oak Bayou, dry since being diverted to the conrete Channel beyond the treeline on the right. At the turn of the 20th Century, this whole bowl-shaped area was a gigantic swimming hole for residents of The Heights, a newly incorporated city just northwest of Downtown Houston. The flood control project was inspired by repeated flooding, over many decades, of surrounding neighborhoods. The White Oak Channel was built a couple decades back and was an engineering marvel – and a great success. Flood waters recede quickly, neighborhoods no longer flood, and houses are safe. But, the Ancient White Oak Bayou was drained, diminished, and eventually forgotten. However, its remant thrives and is beautiful in its own right, for those who take the time to look for it. Beware though, the remant is well-hidden in the flora for which Houston is famous. People jog, bike, and hike past miles of it everyday, never seeing it. For the past five years, Bob the Dog and I have hike daily between TC Jester and Houston Avenue capturing images of the flora, fauna, and marshes that thrive in Houston’s subtropical wonderland.
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