Here's what what's happening along Buffalo Bayou this month.
January 2023
Moving into a new year always holds promise, but 2023 will be an especially exciting year on Buffalo Bayou. In addition to even more robust public programs and art, there will also be progress in Buffalo Bayou East, where new park and trail projects will break ground. In the coming months and years, Houston’s waterfront will become greener, more accessible, and more connected for all to enjoy.
Looking Back...
As we close out 2022, we cannot help but reflect on the landmark year behind us. This past fall, BBP announced a historic public-private partnership that will turn our Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan into a reality. A $100 million catalyst gift from the Kinder Foundation has leveraged significant public support from the City of Houston, including Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone funds, as well as Harris County. Soon after this major announcement, we broke ground on our first project in Buffalo Bayou East, the affordable housing site known as Lockwood on Buffalo Bayou. In 2022 we also unveiled our new, second-generation waterway cleanup boat, the Bayou-Vac, and launched new traditions including Cistern Illuminated, a light installation in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, Night Light, a thrilling evening of video art on the trails east of downtown, and a range of programs for Spanish speakers. We look forward to continuing many of these exciting offerings in the coming year.
"Night Light"
April 2022
Rich Kinder at announcement of public-private partnership for Buffalo Bayou East
September 2022
...Looking Ahead
So much is in store this year including the return of beloved programs and the introduction of new ones. We are delighted to announce that the wildly popular music series Underground Sounds in the Cistern will continue in 2023, as well as Night Light, which will illuminate Buffalo Bayou East once again this spring. Our Summer Species will be birds, highlighting Houston’s role as a hub for our feathered friends. Finally, we can look forward to seeing progress in Buffalo Bayou East, which will be detailed in a new newsletter coming soon.
Jumpstart January with Wellness Programs for All
Fresh starts, fresh air! This year, BBP is offering a wide range of ways for you to jumpstart your wellness journey along Buffalo Bayou, whether that means taking a guided stroll along the trails, practicing your sun salutations under the skyline, or finding your center in an underground sound bath.
Wellness Walks with Urban Paths
Every Wednesday at 6:30pm
Meet at The Water Works (105 Sabine St.)
Sound Healing Meditation
Saturdays and Sundays at 10am
Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
Sunset Yoga
Select Evenings, coming April through October
The Water Works (105 Sabine St.)
There’s still time to experience Cistern Illuminated! Our winter light installation in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is on view through next Sunday, January 22. Enjoy this dazzling display of revolving colors that highlights the impressive reflection cast by the site's 221 columns. See this mesmerizing installation before it’s too late!
The series of musical performances accompanying Cistern Illuminated has been sold out for weeks, but we have good news! 12 additional performances have been added to the schedule this week. Secure your spot for these one-of-a-kind subterranean choral performances here.
Get your paddles ready! The 51st annual Regatta presented by Gillman Subaru is happening on March 11. This is the largest canoe and kayak race in Texas, covering a 15-mile stretch of Buffalo Bayou. Paddlers can participate in multiple categories from competitive to recreational, so whether you want to try for a team win or aim for a personal best, the Regatta is a great way to get out on the water with like-minded people. Registration opens later this month.
Join Us Along the Bayou!
Are you interested in getting more involved with our organization? As we welcome 2023, it’s the perfect time to discover all that Buffalo Bayou Partnership has to offer by joining us as a BBP Member. Each level of membership includes opportunities for community and fun, all while supporting our continued work along the city’s historic waterway. We have an exciting lineup of member events and unique perks with something for everyone, so commit today to make a big impact on Buffalo Bayou this year and beyond.
If you need to check your membership status or want additional information, please contact us at membership@buffalobayou.org.
Native wildflower meadows at Buffalo Bayou Park provide critical pollinator habitat in this urban setting. These meadows also reduce soil erosion on slopes and improve the overall appearance of these natural areas. Last month, BBP re-seeded a total of 3.26 acres (142,005.6 sq ft) with 71 pounds of a mix that contained the following flowers and grasses: Maximilian sunflower, Plains coreopsis, Pink evening primrose, Lemon Beebalm, Black-eyed susan, Firewheel, Upright prairie coneflower, Winecup, Texas Bluebonnet, Huisache daisy, Cutleaf daisy, American basketflower, Texas yellow star, Lanceleaf coreopsis, Golden-wave, Clasping coneflower, Prairie verbena, Little bluestem, Switchgrass, Indiangrass, Sideoats gram, and Wildrye. These diverse plant communities require full sun and little-to-no foot traffic to grow. You will start to see these flowers and grasses bloom in the early spring until late summer. Below is a map of 9 areas planted with wildflowers (highlighted in purple). We hope you stop by and visit the meadows; don’t forget your camera!
Please note that The Water Works Visitor Center and Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern will be closed on Sunday, January 15 until 3pm due to the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Half Marathon.
