Summer Species: Native Plants
Summer Species
An annual celebration of a native plant or animal found along Buffalo Bayou, Summer Species includes nature walks, public art, and more! This year we’re celebrating the native plants that call Buffalo Bayou home in collaboration with the Native Plant Society of Texas – Houston Chapter.
In the Weeds Walks
Learn about the many native plant species that make up our urban landscapes and their role in a thriving ecosystem during In the Weeds Walks, monthly discovery tours of Buffalo Bayou with Nancy Greig, former director of the Cockrell Butterfly Center.
Native Plant Spotlight
In addition to In the Weeds Walks, we’re excited to have a number of other ways to engage with Summer Species! Stop by the Invasive Plant Eradication Unit at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park to learn about native and invasive species, join our e-newsletter to receive fun and informative Summer Species content, or grab a Buffalo Bayou Field Guide from the Bayou Boutique and explore the plants along our parks and trails on your own.
Invasive Plant Eradication Unit
May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9 | 9 – 11am
Artist Mark Dion created the Invasive Plant Eradication Unit in 2011 as an interactive artwork responding to the one of Buffalo Bayou’s key challenges: the proliferation of non-native species. For Summer Species, the Invasive Plant Eradication Unit will pop-up at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park on second Saturday mornings from 9 – 11am to share information on common invasive species in our area, the importance of native species, and what we can do to sustain them.
Visitors will also be able to make native seed “bombs” to help spread native species at home or in the park!
Summer Species Email Series
From May to August, we’ll be sharing a special Summer Species themed e-newsletter each month. Featuring a unique native wildflower, tree, or grass species you might find along the bayou, it’s role in the bayou’s ecosystem, a conservation chat with one of BBP’s partners or conservation team members, and upcoming events, these newsletters are a great way to engage with Summer Species from wherever you might be!
Birds & Plants of Buffalo Bayou Park Field Guide
Stop by The Water Works Visitor Center to get a copy of Buffalo Bayou Park’s very own field guide! This illustrated guide dives deep into the plants, trees, and birds that visitors might find on our trails and green spaces. Take your field guide on the go and explore the park on your own to see what you might discover.
