Spring Cleaning is a Community Effort
WFDD prides itself in not only maintaining its channels for proper operation but also keeping them clean and green for residents using channel-side trails and parks for recreation. In addition to monthly mowing and debris removal and regular organic fertilization and herbicide treatments, the District is removing freeze-damaged vegetation, including brush and trees that could blow or fall in channels and on banks, creating a hazard during seasonal spring rains. Residents can help by not throwing branches and yard trimmings over back fence lines or on the channel slopes behind their homes. Using the channel as a dump site can reduce flood control capacity and impede access needed for regular maintenance or emergency response during severe weather. Please dispose of yard waste responsibly!
Butterfly Garden Adds Education Panels, Plants
Opened in 2019, Willow Fork Park’s butterfly garden is receiving a spring makeover of new plants, added irrigation, crushed granite walking paths, a wooden fenced perimeter, and two educational panels. “Like everywhere else in Houston, the garden got hammered during the freeze,” said Neil Stillman, president of Friends of Willow Fork Park, which assists with garden’s upkeep and related activities. “We are in the process of replanting over 60 plants and are very excited about interpretive panels being installed in April that will include a QR code linking to our full plant inventory.” The panels include easy-to-understand information on the significance of pollinator gardens and the Monarch butterfly migration and life cycle. Visit WFDD’s Willow Fork Park web page to learn more about the park and garden, which is also an official Monarch Watch and Waystation.
Opened in 2019, Willow Fork Park’s butterfly garden is receiving a spring makeover of new plants, added irrigation, crushed granite walking paths, a wooden fenced perimeter, and two educational panels. “Like everywhere else in Houston, the garden got hammered during the freeze,” said Neil Stillman, president of Friends of Willow Fork Park, which assists with garden’s upkeep and related activities. “We are in the process of replanting over 60 plants and are very excited about interpretive panels being installed in April that will include a QR code linking to our full plant inventory.” The panels include easy-to-understand information on the significance of pollinator gardens and the Monarch butterfly migration and life cycle. Visit WFDD’s Willow Fork Park web page to learn more about the park and garden, which is also an official Monarch Watch and Waystation.
Is Your Flood Insurance Policy Current?
While Hurricane Harvey seems distant to many, those in WFDD whose homes flooded during the 2017 storm both remember and recognize the value of having a flood policy. Board member Dan Smith, who was displaced from his home for nearly seven months, appreciates first-hand how flood insurance can help you get out from under water. “We’ve had flood insurance continuously for our Cinco Ranch home of 22 years, never thinking we’d use it but knowing that if you live on the Texas Gulf Coast, it’s a must—not a maybe,” said Smith. “The repair costs far exceeded anything that I ever imagined even for just a small bit of water in our home. Flood insurance covered all repair costs and the coverage was a huge help during a difficult time.” Each spring, WFDD sends a postcard to all residents as a reminder on the importance of having flood insurance. Last week residents should have received their postcard with facts and information on where to learn more. The postcard can also be viewed on WFDD’s website
