A local stormwater detention basin is undergoing a vibrant transformation. The Greens Bayou Coalition recently completed phase three of the Green Up Greens Bayou project. With the help of dedicated volunteers, crews planted nearly one hundred native trees, turning an essential flood control site into a welcoming green space that adds environmental value and natural beauty to the community.

On March 26, the Glen Forest Basin became the latest focus for environmental improvement in the North Houston District. Located along Greens Bayou near I-45 and Knobcrest Drive, the Harris County Flood Control District stormwater detention site was transformed by 67 enthusiastic volunteers from the Greens Bayou Coalition who planted and mulched 90 native trees in under an hour.

With this latest project phase, the total number of newly planted trees between I-45 and Hardy Road comes to 331. While earlier efforts focused on building a shade canopy along hike-and-bike trails, phase three shifted attention directly to the Glen Forest Basin itself.

Transforming a Blank Space into a Natural Habitat

Stormwater detention basins play a vital role in the North Houston District. They capture excess rainwater during storms to protect nearby businesses and homes from flooding. However, outside of severe weather events, these large engineered spaces are lacking in aesthetics.

Colleen Gilbert, Executive Director of the Greens Bayou Coalition, saw a chance to enhance both the basin’s function and its look.

“The basin is really just a giant hole in the ground,” Gilbert said. “Flood control added some wildflowers, which made a huge difference, but we wanted to make the area even more visually appealing. With trees in place, it looks like a robust green space.”

Because the basin holds water after a severe rain event, organizers had to select tree species that survive in challenging conditions. Trees for Houston donated a carefully chosen mix of native varieties known to thrive in wet environments. Volunteers planted bald cypress, river birch, swamp chestnut oak, nuttall oak, buttonbush, and pine. This variety ensures both diversity and resilience for the site.

Deep Roots for Better Flood Mitigation

These trees do more than improve the scenery. By helping the basin absorb and manage stormwater, they actively boost local flood resilience and support a healthier ecosystem.

“The roots of these trees do an incredible job helping to reduce flooding,” Gilbert said. “They soak up a lot of water, which is exactly what flood control requires. Adding trees to the basin is a win all the way around.”

Robert Fiederlein, Vice President of Planning and Infrastructure for the North Houston District, was on site for phase three of the effort and noted the widespread benefits of a thriving tree canopy.

“Planting trees has so many environmental benefits—they help absorb carbon dioxide from the air, reduce flooding by taking up moisture as they grow, and make the area much more pleasant to look at,” Fiederlein said. “They also create important habitats for birds and wildlife as they mature.”

The Power of Partnership

Collaboration drives the success of Green Up Greens Bayou efforts. For nearly two decades, the Greens Bayou Coalition and North Houston District have worked together to strengthen the region. Their partnership began with flood control improvements and eventually expanded into environmental restoration and community outreach.

“We blend our work on trails and parks with the Coalition’s environmental efforts in a way that has a substantial impact,” said Fiederlein, who also serves on the Greens Bayou Coalition’s board. “Several of our parks border the bayou, and our trails tie everything together along its length.”

Caring for newly-planted trees remains a key challenge for any large-scale project. Young trees need steady watering during their first two years to establish strong roots and donations from Trees for Houston are dependent on providing that care. Fortunately, the North Houston District often steps up to meet this need. Whenever the Greens Bayou Coalition adds trees to District parks or trails, the District commits the resources required to keep them maintained and watered.

Volunteers Drive the Progress

Of course, planting hundreds of trees requires deep dedication from community members and corporate groups. During phase three, volunteers from organizations including NRG, Frost Bank, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, and the North Houston District arrived ready to make a meaningful contribution to the community.

“We couldn’t accomplish any of this without our volunteers,” Gilbert said. “They are incredible. Sometimes we have companies send out 35 people in a single day. It is fantastic to know we can count on them, and they always show up ready to help.”

Support and grants from groups like the Texas A&M Forest Service and H-E-B are also vital for the Coalition’s efforts, often covering the costs of tools, mulch, and other essential supplies.

Looking Ahead to Phase Four

Momentum for the Green Up Greens Bayou project remains high. Volunteers are already looking forward to the next opportunity to get involved. Organizers are planning for the upcoming fall planting season, building on the success of previous phases.

Phase four is tentatively scheduled for November 2026. This next step will bring tree planting efforts to the newly expanded Jack Drake Park and its nearby basin. The North Houston District maintains both areas, providing a supportive environment for new plantings to thrive.

To learn more about future volunteer projects, environmental programs, or the recently opened Greens Bayou paddling trail, visit the Greens Bayou Coalition website.