Author: Nico

Immature White Ibis; they turn white as they mature; marsh at The Heights Reservoir

Marsh in The Heights Reservoir; Autumn on the way

Spillway on the Levee Trail, above The Heights Reservoir on the left; the Ancient White Oak Bayou on the right

Snowy White under Houston Avenue near downtown Houston

Ancient waterline spanning White Oak Bayou at White Oak Station (located between Yale and Shepherd)

Shot at sunrise across the Ancient White Oak Bayou, dry since being diverted to the conrete Channel beyond the tree-line on the right. At the turn of the 20th Century, this 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 hiked daily between TC Jester and Houston Avenue capturing images of the flora, fauna, and marshes that thrive in Houston’s subtropical wonderland.

Right Bank, White Oak Bayou Channel, under Houston Avenue near Downtown Houston

Feral Muscovey Ducks, Right Bank, White Oak Bayou Channel under Houston Avenue near downtown

Right Bank, White Oak Bayou Channel, Woodland Heights… just below the I-10 construction near downtown Houston

Marsh, TC Jester Reservoir