More Rainbow Hunters Reporting

Hi there,

This Cora and Juliette, we are 7 and and 5 years old and we are sisters (our mom is transcribing). We hunted all over the Woodland Heights and we found 107 different houses with rainbows! We looked on Euclid, Norhill, Woodland, Bayland, Byrne, Omar and Merrill plus our street.

Cora’s favorite was 1011 E 7 1/2 St - I liked how many different colors there were and how pretty it was. Juliette’s favorite was 815 Merrill - I liked how big and beautiful it was with all the different colors - my best friend lives there too and she helped make it. Here is a photo of us. We did not hug even though it was hard.

We also submit our house as a runner-up - we live at [address removed] and our rainbow has gold glitter on it. We know everyone loves glitter! We had lots of fun but we missed the prize day. If there are any prizes left will you please let us know?

Thanks!
Cora & Juliette

Melissa Sternfels responds:

Thank you so much for your lovely note, and for taking the rainbow hunt so very seriously. I can first assure you that there are PLENTY of prizes left.

Second, I agree with you about glitter. Everyone loves glitter. And, I hope to see a glittery sun on your house on Wednesday when my daughter I begin our “sunshine” hunt, April 1.

Yard-of-the-Month: 3014 Norhill

After 18 years at 3014 Norhill St, Tiffany Tyler and Charles Kuffner have found that balance in their yard: the soil is rich, the birds and pollinators are happy, the squirrels play, the children grow, it is both relaxing and fun for their family to tuck into the garden work, and it is beautiful!

The yard has taken shape through some trial and error, and some help from friends and neighbors. Stories abound in their yard with neighborhood and historical ties. The monkey grass forming a border along the north beds have been there since they moved in. The Texas maiden hair fern was passed along to them from a friend on Bayland when they moved in as well. The soil itself is enriched from a compost begun before they moved there, wheelbarrowed from three blocks away. The red firespike salvaged from a home in Norhill before it was torn down. And of course the bluebonnets, tended and prodded and now finally blooming at the southwest corner. My favorite is the fig ivy covering the low brick border along Woodland, which also celebrates 18 years with them here.

There is a lot of color to see as we come into blooming season: day lilies, pentas, many varieties of coleus (another of my favorites), purple salvia, columbine, ice plant, Texas gold lantana, purple sage, the native butterfly-attracting purple porterweed, edible nasturtium, foxtail fern, pineapple hamelia, Dutchman's pipe, echinaceas, native milkweeds, tiny volunteer violas, and a yellow globe ground cover. Adorning the porch and deck are a variety of zinnias and geraniums. 

Over all of it towers their mature water oak to the west, giving them relief from the heat of the afternoon sun, and drummond red maples to the north. In spite of the shade, their satsuma and Meyer lemon trees are blooming with promise this year!

What's the secret to having such a nice yard? The Houston Museum of Natural Science plant sale gives her a lot to work with, as well as local favorite Buchanan's. And Tiffany has been inspired by the community of organic farmers and veggie enthusiasts at Central City Co-op, where she has been involved for many years in its development. The soil was in poor condition when they moved in, so regular household compost has helped nurture and feed the roots. Tiffany wants to feel relaxed and have fun gardening so that is rewarding in itself, and she doesn't worry over the weeds much - if pollinators enjoy them then they have a place at this corner too. Not to be overlooked is the abundance of yard art tucked all about the gardens, most of it gifted to her, or acquired from local artists or on trips, all quietly at home here.

Creature Feature: Samantha

This month’s Creature Feature takes a new twist. We’re introducing Samantha, a one year old female Pitt/Husky mix that we’ve been fostering for the past six weeks. Samantha (Sammy) is seeking a furever home and would prefer to stay in Woodland Heights.

Riding in cars with boys

I like to go places. This little SUV seems like a nice way to go.

Me & Julio down by the school yard

Dis my fren Julio. He’s been very nice to me. I pick on him cuz he’s so big. He can’t really jump very much, like I can.

At Monte Beach Park

Dis where I was found. Nice park. Lotta squirrels.

Chillin

After the play I gotta rest. I like that dog door. I can go in or out whenever I want. It’s awesome.

Conehead

Was not a good day. Saw the doc. Can’t recall much about it. I wuz sleepy for a bit. Da cone makes the dog door awkward. Still, pretty happy to be home again.

Almost night time

Getting sleepy. Maybe if I snuggle in he’ll lemme stay outta da box. Time for snoozles.

Samantha was abandoned in Monte Beach Park in mid-February. Her former owner must have really cared for her. She was healthy, recently groomed and left where they could be sure she’d be found.

Our vet confirms that she’s healthy. We had her spayed and signed her up with a couple of rescue agencies, but have yet to have any inquiries.

She’s a great friend to Julio, our 3 year old Dogo/Setter mix. Less so to Gwen, our 10 year old Labrador, who finds all the puppy energy disturbing.

She’s smart and energetic. Walks well on a leash. Likes to ride in cars. Does well at the dog park, too. She’s been to Bill Archer Family Bark Park several times.

We’d love to keep her, but she’s aggressive towards our cats. We’ve not been able to dissuade her of that habit. As a result, she’s been crated in our garage apartment (my home office) overnights. She loves the dog door! She has the run of yard and office by day.

Sammy is super sweet. Julio would like his new friend to stay nearby, so they can have play dates.

We’ve accumulated a library of pics and videos to help Sammy find a great home. If you’re interested please contact communications@woodland-heights.org.

Rainbow Hunt Gallery: The Hunted and the Hunters

WH Rainbow Hunt-Harper Hatfield Reporting

I am Harper Hatfield and I am a 9 year old 4th grader at Travis Elementary.

Last week, some brilliant people organized a rainbow scavenger hunt to spread a little cheer around the neighborhood during this dark time. You can enjoy this event by riding a bike, driving around in the car or even just taking a stroll down the street! This is a great experience to have fun with our community and see everyone’s amazing art work while still being safe and socially distanced. 

It was so exciting to see all of the different rainbows the kids created and displayed. We spotted painted rainbows, crayon rainbows, flag rainbows, sidewalk chalk rainbows and even a pinata rainbow! But, my mom and my favorite was definitely the rainbow made of streamers, with Kermit the Frog sitting on a balcony and holding a poster that said “the lovers, the dreamers and me” (pictured above.)

It was the perfect excuse to pull my mom and myself out of the house, get some fresh air, exercise and see our beautiful neighborhood. I had so much fun making my rainbow art so I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next time!

Thank you!

Harper Hatfield
Morrison St.
Woodland Heights

Great Rainbow Hunt Official Rules

First: observe all safety guidelines, and safe social distancing at all times. You know what to do. (In other words, don’t be getting us into trouble with Mayor Sylvester, County Judge Lina or Principal Day!)

Second: walk, skip, ride, scooter, saunter, skate or stroll your way through our neighborhood, keeping track of how many Rainbows you can find (within the boundaries of the Woodland Heights, which is generally I-10 to the South, Studewood to the West, Pecore to the North and I-45 to the East). 

Third: if you didn’t take a picture, did it really happen? Take lots of photos! And if you are into that whole social media thing, please tag us!

Fourth: once have finished your Great Rainbow Hunt, please email the WHCA at communications@woodland-heights.org or, better yet, post on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WoodlandHeightsCivicAssociation/. Please tell us who was in your search party, the total number of Rainbows your search party found, and the address(es) of your very favorite Rainbows. Please also include any photographs that we can share.

Fifth: at all times, at all times, be aware of your surroundings and again, please pretty please be safe. Also see, Official Rule 1, above. 

FINALLY: You are a winner! Collect your family’s prize from the purple bucket on the porch at 714 Euclid (March 25 through the 30th, and until we run out) generally between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm OR, please let us know your address for prize drop off. 

***Note that all prizes were pre-packaged and have also been placed in paper bags, by gloved hands. Before handling, please take all appropriate measures to ensure both your and your family’s safety. Again, see Rule 1.***

The City of Houston’s COVID safety guidelines can be found here: https://houstonemergency.org/covid19/

The CDC’s COVID guidelines can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprotect%2Findex.html

Six things to do with the kids

Hi Neighbors:

First – a disclaimer. I am not a parent nor do I play one on TV.

Second – a friend asked if I had any ideas for a scavenger hunt for kids and I’m getting the sense that some of you parents out there might be getting just a tiny bit stir crazy. So here are some ideas for things to do…

#1 - Wildflowers

It is the absolutely best time of year to learn about wildflowers. You could download the free East Texas Wildflowers app (at Google Play or the App Store), head down to the bayou (or park or whatever), and challenge the kids (and/or you!) to ID every wildflower you find.

The app is simple to use. Select the plant type (wildflower or vine), pick a color, count the petals, and select the leaf arrangement. Once entered, these choices narrow down options to the point where you can scroll through and compare the app’s photos to your flower and work out the ID.

Have the kids take photos and use a journal to draw sketches and write descriptions. Then group flowers by different variables (color, number of petals, size, leaf arrangement, etc.) and challenge the kids to ID what’s the same and what’s different about each (a useful skill for pre-algebraic thinking).

Older kids can learn about plant families. There’s a great intro to plant families at http://www.wildflowers-and-weeds.com/Plant_Identification/Patterns_in_Plants.htm that is drawn from the book Botany in a Day. (The book is a slightly challenging read for adults, but has some good drawings/overviews kids can use.)

If older kids or adults want an old-school field guide, I would recommend A Field Guide to Southwestern and Texas Wildflowers. It’s not as flashy as the newer regional guides but is an excellent hard core resource.

#2 - Bird Watching

Go bird watching! Particularly if you have binoculars. If you are new to birds, download some of the zines or posters I’ve put at http://whiteoakbayou.org/resources-and-zines.html.  Each features a small group of similar birds. Bring chairs to the edge of the bayou and learn to ID each of the herons and egrets (zine/poster #1) and diving birds (#6) you’ll find there (these birds are big enough to ID without binoculars).

Or wander the neighborhood and search for birds like cardinals and other commoners (#4), pigeons/doves (#5), and blackbirds (#10). If you are up for a challenge, bring binoculars, a blanket and picnic basket and hang out in the shade of bridge that crosses over a bayou while you learn to ID the aerialists who may be nesting under the bridge (#7) and/or watch for soaring hawks (#2 and #3).

#3 - Further Bird Watching

Take the bird thing a step further and download the free BirdsEye Texas app, Merlin Bird ID app and/or Audubon Birds app. Go to http://whiteoakbayou.org/uploads/3/4/9/1/34911613/thebestfeatures-of-threefree_birdapps2018-07-12.pdf to download an intro to each and directions for how to use the BirdsEye Texas app to create a mini-field guide that features only the birds that are being reported right around you.

#4 - Monitor Nesting Birds

Become a Yellow-crowned Night Heron expert by keeping tabs on the nests that are just now being built/repaired in mature Live Oak trees in various neighborhoods. It’s easiest to see these birds early in the morning or just before dusk, but you can go looking anytime.

Take a notebook, list each address where you find a Yellow-crown, and keep records of how many you see at each nest every time you pass by. Note that young Yellow-crowns are brown with light spots and then transition slowly into adults that are kind of gray with black-and-white striped faces. You can find photos of Yellow-crowns at https://ebird.org/media/catalog?taxonCode=ycnher&sort=rating_rank_desc&region=Harris,%20Texas,%20United%20States%20(US)&regionCode=US-TX-201&q=Yellow-crowned%20Night-Heron%20-%20Nyctanassa%20violacea Very cool birds!

#5 - Draw, Partner!

Learn how to draw birds. There is a fantastic book titled The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds. The author (John Muir Laws) also has some free tutorials at his website at https://johnmuirlaws.com/ (see his blog).

#6 - Night Sky Watching

Go outside at night and learn to ID the constellations. My favorite kid-friendly book is Find the Constellations by H.A. Rey (the guy who wrote the Curious George books). Combine use of the book with a star finder app like Sky Map or Star Walk 2 and you’ll be good to go!

Hope these ideas help.

- Wendy Wright

Introducing The Great Rainbow Hunt

Following from the success of the city-wide ☘️Shamrock Hunt☘️, the Woodland Heights Civic Association cordially invites you and your family to participate in the 🌈 Great Rainbow Hunt!

Similar to the Shamrock Hunt, neighbors are asked to place a rainbow (or two, or three, or twenty) of their choosing, in their windows, on or before Tuesday, March 24th.

🌈Paint it. 🌈Color it. 🌈Print it out. 🌈Macrame it. Whatever! Then, on Wednesday, March 25th, the 🌈 Great Rainbow Hunt will begin.

Additional details will follow, including how YOU or YOUR FAMILY can win a prize for locating the most 🌈s (within the boundaries of the Woodland Heights Civic Association).

Also, be on the lookout for the WHCA’s announcement of a neighborhood-wide scavenger hunt, which will be aimed at our younger neighbors, as well as the upcoming 🌞Great Sunshine Hunt, the 🌼 Great Flower Hunt, and other family-friendly-social-distancing-activities.

Questions? communications@woodland-heights.org. And, if you aren’t already a WHCA member, please consider joining us by visiting our website at https://www.woodland-heights.org/membership

P.S. - an easy way to add rainbows to your home is to use these Rainbow Windows Clings, available on Amazon.com.

An Approach to Social Distancing on St Patrick's Day

View fullsize

Here’s an image to get your started!

Bye Bye Bridge: Old Wooden Bridge on Stude Park Trail To Be Removed.

This just in regarding an old portion of the trail at Stude Park. The bridge in question is the small wooden foot bridge close to the bayou. It’s been is disrepair for years. It gets very slippery when wet. It also suffers flooding events very poorly.

Good morning,

Houston Parks Board continues making progress on improving the White Oak Bayou Greenway for all trail users. We sincerely appreciate your continued support and would like to share an important update with you.

In an effort to ensure everyone is using safe and well-maintained trails along the bayous, Houston Parks Board will be demolishing an old and crumbled asphalt trail along White Oak Bayou between Stude Park and White Oak Drive. Part of the trail demolition includes a wooden pedestrian bridge south of Thelma Drive and White Oak Drive. Click here to view a map of the demolition area.

Work will begin on the trail and bridge demolition starting Monday, March 16, and is expected to potentially last through March 20, depending on weather, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Our contractor for this project is L.N. McKean, Inc., who has performed other successful demolition and trail work for our organization.

After work is complete, the trail area will be returned to grass. Trail users can continue to use the White Oak Bayou Greenway Trail (the primary trail for this bayou) that is located near the top of the bayou’s bank along White Oak Bayou Drive.

If you have any questions about this work, feel free to email or call me at the contact information below. Please also share this information with anyone else you think may be interested.

Want to know more?

To learn more about our nonprofit organization and how we create, improve, protect and advocate for parks for everyone, visit www.houstonparksboard.org and click “About Us.”

To explore an interactive map of our other projects, visit www.houstonparksboard.org, and click on our Interactive Map.

Thank you,

Lisa Kasianowitz

Outreach Manager
Houston Parks Board
lisa@houstonparksboard.org
300 North Post Oak Lane
Houston, TX 77024
P: 713-942-8500 X14
F: 713-942-7664

www.houstonparksboard.org

Help Wanted: Delivering WHCA Newsletters

The latest WHCA newsletter with all the info about the coming Home Tour is ready for distribution. The printed goods have been sorted into folders block-by-block and are now ready for pickup.

If you are able to help us deliver these goodies please use the following link to access the Sign-Up Genius project (it's free!) Once logged in you can select which blocks you'd like to commit to delivering.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040c4bafaf2ca7f85-february

After you sign-up you'll receive an email with guidance on where to collect the goods.

Only a handful of people have signed up so far. We have 2100 newsletters to deliver to 197 blocks. It's a big job and we need your help!

Update: Sunday, March 8th @ 4pm - Currently just a handful of people have signed-up to deliver to 90 of 197 blocks in Woodland heights. That’s just 46% of the neighborhood!

Seeking Volunteers for Home Tour 2020

The Home Tour Committee is seeking volunteers to work as docents the weekend of Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29. Docents guide tour-goers through their assigned home. Docent Shifts are three hours long; noon to three and 3 to 6. It’s very easy to do and it’s fun.

Volunteers will be given a ticket to the home tour so they can see the other homes.