Buffalo Bayou slowly winds its way through the center of the fourth largest city in the United States. Over the past 170 years of Houston's development and continued growth, the natural habitats of Buffalo Bayou have been impacted by human development, invasive species introduction, and pollution. The Conservation Division of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership works to rebuild the native habitats of Buffalo Bayou through intensive, volunteer-based restoration programs.These programs include: erosion control, reforestation, habitat improvement, and species diversification.

Rebuilding the ecological balance of Buffalo Bayou's natural environments has to come in phases. Peeling back the layers of anthropogenic impact one layer at a time over the entire stretch or the BBP’s jurisdiction, then enhancing areas that are going to provide the largest impact both aesthetically and ecologically has been the goal of our restoration work.

More details on restoration techniques used to re-establish the bayou's historical conditions can be found in the Vegetation Management Plan (pdf).

Waterways are not isolated environments. The Buffalo Bayou Watershed drains much of central and western Harris County. From mowing the lawn to washing your car, all human activities occuring within this 100 sqare mile watershed effect the health and beauty of the Buffalo Bayou waterway. To find out more about your watershed, visit the Harris County Flood Control District's Watershed Site.

Visit PROJECTS (link) to learn more about our priority restoration projects.

To learn how you can help, visit our Volunteering Page.

Restoration Gallery