Update Spring / Summer 2017 issue

B u i l d i n g F o r O u r F u t u r e
R. Jack Cagle, Harris County Commissioner
Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve
Precinct 4 to Open New Park
Precinct 4 is bringing another
community closer to nature
with the opening of the
Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve.
People of all ages can canoe the
waters of a serene lake, stroll underneath
a canopy of trees, or take a rest while
observing countless wildlife. In the
peaceful setting of this new greenspace,
residents can relax, unwind, and
appreciate the sights and sounds of nature.
The park spans 80 acres and features the
40-acre Marshall Lake with a 1.7-mile
paved trail that circles the water.
S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 1 7
Precinct 4 celebrates the grand opening
of its newest park with the public on
Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
During the event, visitors can explore
the lake by canoe or from Precinct 4’s
pontoon boat, fish from the banks, and
take in nature presentations.
Natural Floodplain Buffer
Situated along Hwy. 249, the property
is an important anchor park for the
Cypress Creek Greenway. The 40-mile
linear trail will stretch from west of
Hwy. 290 eastward to the Spring Creek
Greenway at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature
Center.
As with other parts of the Cypress
Creek Greenway, Kickerillo-Mischer
Preserve serves as a natural floodplain
buffer. “During storm events, parks
like Kickerillo-Mischer serve as natural
detention facilities. They act like giant
sponges, slowing floodwaters, capturing
sediment, and absorbing run-off,” says
Dennis Johnston, Precinct 4 parks
administrator.
Though Kickerillo Companies and
Mischer Investments first donated
See Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve, page 7

HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4
A Word from
Commissioner R. Jack Cagle
As new people discover the
amenities and quality of
life found in Precinct 4,
our population continues
to grow. To keep pace
with this growth, Precinct 4 works
persistently to improve and expand
our roadways to relieve congestion and
increase traffic flow. A new segment of
Kuykendahl, opening in mid-2017, will
provide new lanes for those commuting
between Harris and Montgomery
counties. Other significant projects
include adding new traffic signals,
creating additional roadways, and
ensuring our existing roads remain in
good working condition.
But a thriving community is more
than its infrastructure. Our Senior Adult
Spring Creek Park
Heritage Festival
Saturday, May 20
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Visit recreated confederate and
union camps to learn about Civil
War-era lifestyles. Take guided
tours to discover the history of
the recently discovered Spring
Creek Park Cemetery.
Program serves
more residents than
ever before through
15 community
partner sites across
Precinct 4. Today,
we enrich the lives
of thousands of
senior adults with
activities and events that keep their minds
and bodies active.
To help residents learn more about
Precinct 4 and Harris County services
and amenities, we created a Speakers
Bureau. Precinct 4 experts stand ready and
available to talk with community groups
about everything from park services and
senior adult activities to transportation
and local government.
Another new and valuable asset to the
community, and one we are especially
proud of, is the opening of Kickerillo-
Mischer Preserve. Located along Hwy.
249, this 80-acre park allows us to bring
our expansive park programming to
residents living near Champions, The
Vintage, and Tomball. We continue to
see tremendous growth along the 249
corridor, and know area residents will
be thrilled to access this gorgeous nature
preserve featuring a 40-acre lake.
Celebrate the opening of Kickerillo-
Mischer Preserve with us on Saturday,
April 1. We invite everyone to come out
to the park for nature talks, canoeing
around the lake, and the opportunity to
explore our natural world. I hope to see
you there!
Commissioner R. Jack Cagle
Sign Up Online!
Update newsletter is a publication of
Harris County Precinct 4, available to
residents free of charge. To receive our
monthly e-newsletter, Commissioner’s
E-Corner, visit us online at www.hcp4.
net. Signing up is easy and takes
just minutes. We can also be reached
at 281-893-3726, or send your
name, address, and e-mail address
to the Precinct 4 Communications
Department at 1731 Hugh Road,
Houston, Texas 77067.
Editors: Mark Seegers and Kaci
Woodrome, Precinct 4
Writing and Design: Susan Diemont-
Conwell, Torma Communications
VISIT OUR
PARKS!
With over 3,800 acres of green
space, Precinct 4 parks offer
everything from sports fields to
botanic gardens to hike-andbike
trails. Enjoy the outdoors
today by finding a park near
you at www.hcp4.net/parks.
ON THE COVER:
The Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve spans 80
acres and includes a 40-acre lake.
Photo by Crystal Simmons
Printed on recycled paper
What’s Inside
3
Dive into
Outdoor
Learning
Upcoming
Water
Programs
4
Nature
at Your
Fingertips
NatureFest
at Jones
Park
5
Mercer’s
‘Dinosaur
Tree’
March Mart
6
Survey Flora
and Fauna
Mercer’s
New
Volunteer
Coordinator
7
Kickerillo-
Mischer
Preserve
Continued
Road and
Bridge
Update
8
Speakers
Bureau
SAP’s New
Reservations
System
SAP Calendar
9
Parks,
Community
Centers
Calendar of
Events
2

HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4
Dive into Outdoor Learning
Aquatics Lab Opens at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center
PARKS
Our rivers, lakes, ponds,
estuaries, oceans, and seas
support a wide array of
wildlife and vegetation.
These rich ecosystems
flourish when they have clean water. But
when water quality suffers, wildlife and
vegetation suffer too.
The Turtle Pond Aquatics
Lab has seating for 18 to 25
adults and children, as well as
a wheelchair ramp to make
hands-on learning accessible
to all.
In Texas, there are more than 11,200
inland waterways and almost 400 miles
of coastline from Louisiana to Mexico.
Proper monitoring and management of
these water bodies are essential to their
preservation, according to Jason Naivar,
education programmer at Jesse H. Jones
Park & Nature Center. “Monitoring water
quality gives us an indicator for the health
of an ecosystem.”
Jones Park’s new Turtle Pond Aquatics
Lab is helping to educate
visitors on the importance
of water quality and
nurturing a new generation
of nature enthusiasts
through hands-on learning.
The lab serves as a focal
point for all water-based
field programs at the park.
Participants of all ages are
learning how to gather and
analyze water samples.
“We have equipment to
gauge the turbidity (water
clarity) of a water sample,
and we can accurately
measure dissolved oxygen
levels in the Turtle Pond,”
Naivar says. “Since fish and
other aquatic organisms
need oxygen for survival, monitoring
dissolved oxygen levels provides an
important indicator of water health.” The
outdoor lab, which connects to the dock
at the Turtle Pond, is also equipped with
compound microscopes and seine nets.
“We have ultra-fine seine nets for catching
microscopic critters and larger nets for
water spiders and tadpoles,” he says.
Jones Park’s new Turtle Pond Aquatics Lab is helping to
nurture a whole new generation of nature enthusiasts through
hands-on learning.
While the covered lab sits within
the floodplain of the park, its design
accommodates the flow of flood waters
through the pavilion-like structure,
minimizing damage from debris and logs.
With seating for 18 to 25 adults and
children, the lab hosts full-size classes
and includes a wheelchair ramp, making
hands-on learning accessible to all.
Photo by Crystal Simmons
Upcoming Water Programs at Jones Park
»»
Junior Anglers. Thursday, March 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (part of Spring Breakout)
Kids receive an introduction to the equipment, strategies, and skills of modern fisherman,
with an emphasis on fish identification and lawful practices. Ages 8+. Reservations required
beginning Wednesday, March 1.
»»
Water Ecology Workshop. Saturday, May 27 at 10 a.m. Learn about the history of
freshwater environments, collect aquatic critters for identification, and test water quality for
overall health of the ecosystem. The citizen-recorded data will be kept for use in future park
programs. Wear suitable clothing. Ages 10+. Reservations required beginning Wednesday,
May 17.
»»
Fish of Spring Creek. Saturday, July 15 at 10 a.m. Join a naturalist to learn about
common local freshwater fish species. Then watch the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
reveal what lives in Spring Creek. Ages 8+. Reservations required beginning Wednesday, July
5.
»»
Freshwater Aquarium Friends. Saturday, July 22 at 10 a.m. Learn how to create an
ecosystem in the comfort of your own home, and find out which animals and plants to avoid
to prevent invasive species from unintentionally being released into area waterways. Beginners
learn the basics of maintaining an aquarium, while advanced hobbyists receive new tips.
Monitoring dissolved oxygen
levels provides an important
indicator of water health.
A rainwater-collection system reduces
water needed for cleaning lab equipment,
and secure, onsite storage allows for faster
setup and breakdown for park programs.
When not in use, the lab serves as a
rest stop, with scenic views of the park’s
popular Turtle Pond located along Cypress
Overlook Trail.
“The Turtle Pond Aquatics Lab gives
people of all ages hands-on learning
of water management practices and an
understanding of what we can all do to
protect and preserve our water resources,”
Naivar concludes.
More information
www.hcp4.net/jones
3

HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4
Nature at Your Fingertips
iNaturalist App Helps Identify, Monitor Flora and Fauna
PARKS
Need to identify a plant,
animal, or fungus?
There’s an app for that!
Download the iNaturalist
app and take a walk
through Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature
Center. Is there a hopping critter along
the path? Or maybe a flower you’ve never
seen before? Snap a photo and share
your observation with the iNaturalist
community. The app includes a search
function to help you identify your
observation and the option to share details
and additional photos.
“Users can actually see what others
have recorded in Jones Park,” says Matt
Abernathy, naturalist at Jones Park. And
there’s no need to provide location details
on your observation. When you snap a
photo, the app automatically records the
date, time, and location.
Jones Park started using iNaturalist
to monitor wildlife populations and
document plant and wildlife species
throughout the park. “With thousands
of visitors to the park each year, there
are limitless observations possible.
And making these discoveries is truly
effortless,” he says.
Abernathy explains that three graduate
students from the University of California
at Berkley developed the app as part of a
master’s project. The California Academy
of Sciences acquired the app in 2014, and
it quickly became a global phenomenon.
“The app gives every person the ability
to be a citizen scientist,” Abernathy notes.
Data from findings can be viewed and
used for research and population studies.
Students from Quest Early College High
School are helping to regularly survey
areas of Jones Park, and the park is
hosting a one-day biological survey April
22 using iNaturalist to report sightings of
plants and wildlife (see page 6).
“iNaturalist is a fantastic program that
will greatly enhance our ability to track
and monitor plant and wildlife activities
Users of the app can snap a photo of
wildlife, like this juvenile buttermilk racer,
to share with the iNaturalist community.
at Jones Park and ultimately help in park
management activities,” Abernathy says.
He adds that additional park programs
will eventually incorporate the app.
“iNaturalist is a very powerful educational
tool and so easy to use. I encourage you
to download the app, get out into nature,
and begin making observations!”
More info
www.hcp4.net/jones
Photo by Matt Abernathy
NatureFest at Jones Park
Saturday, March 4
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Learn about local birds, native plants, wildlife,
nature photography, and more at this free, family event!
»»
Guided trail tours
»»
Catch-and-release fishing
»»
Onsite nature experts
»»
Outdoor recreation
»»
Volunteer opportunities
»»
Crafts and interactive exhibits
4

HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4
The Bunya Bunya
‘Dinosaur Tree’ at Mercer Botanic Gardens
PARKS
What grows to the
height of a dinosaur,
is native to Australia,
and can produce
fruit as large as a
bowling ball? The bunya bunya tree!
Reaching a height of over 150 feet,
this large, evergreen conifer is not just
a dinosaur in size. The bunya bunya, or
bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii), was
actually around during the time of the
dinosaurs, with fossils dating back more
than a million years.
“Mercer has a well-deserved reputation
for its collection of thousands of rare and
fascinating plants. The bunya bunya tree is
perhaps the most iconic specimen found
at Mercer,” says Darrin Duling, director of
Mercer Botanic Gardens.
The tree is native to the northern
subtropical/tropical coastal areas of
Australia and found primarily in
Queensland. It produces thick, spiny
needles, which may have served to deter
herbivores like the brontosaurus from
snacking on its fruit. The large heavy
cones resemble spiny, green pineapples
and produce seeds that are said to have a
nutty, warm flavor. The tree typically only
yields fruit in abundant quantities every
three years because so much energy goes
into producing the cones.
The bunya bunya was at one time
immensely significant to the life and food
security of some of Australia’s aboriginal
peoples. When the fruiting cycle hit every
three years, people feasted on the seeds
and held special gatherings and festivals.
Mercer planted its largest bunya bunya
tree as a small specimen in 1993. Nearly
a quarter century later, the tree stands at
over 80 feet tall in the Prehistoric Garden.
True to its nature, it forms massive cones
Photo by Mercer staff
The bunya bunya was at one time immensely significant to Australia’s aboriginal peoples.
that drop in early summer approximately
every three years. The heavy cones fall
straight down within the shelter of the
tree’s canopy. “To protect visitors from
harm, we barricade the paths around the
tree until all the cones have dropped,”
Duling says.
The bunya bunya tree is
perhaps the most iconic
specimen found at Mercer.
A bunya bunya cone is on display in
Mercer’s Visitor Center, but Duling notes
that the cones at Mercer have never fully
matured before dropping. “No tasty or
fertile seeds have produced so far, most
likely due to our capricious Gulf Coast
climate,” he says. Mercer also has two
smaller specimens, found in the Tropical
Shop the Gulf Coast
region’s largest
plant sale!
Garden and Creekside Ramble, grown
from tree seeds produced in California
gardens.
“The bunya bunya makes a handsome,
commanding specimen that flourishes
in our climate, even seeming to relish
occasional flooding around its base,”
Duling says. He cautions that because of
its size, it’s certainly not a tree for the faint
of heart or those with small gardens.
Mercer is currently experimenting with
a vast array of conifers from subtropical
and tropical climates to determine which
species grow in the area. “While there may
not be a bunya bunya in your future, we
hope that in the coming years we can offer
other outstanding evergreen selections
that will be perfectly suited for the average
home landscape in our region,” he says.
More info
www.hcp4.net/mercer
March Mart
Friday, March 17
• TMS members: 8 a.m.-10 a.m.
• Open to the public: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday, March 18
• Open to the public: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Photo by Mercer staff
5

HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4
Survey Flora and Fauna
BioBlitz at Jones Park
In celebration of Earth Day,
take part in BioBlitz at Jesse H.
Jones Park & Nature Center on
Saturday, April 22 at 8 a.m.
Teams of Jones Park staff and
volunteers will survey the park for plants,
birds, reptiles, fungi, and other critters.
Observations not only help determine the
types of flora and fauna found at Jones
Park, but also aid in the formation of park
management strategies. Participants will
record findings in the iNaturalist app. The
event is open to everyone at least 10 years
of age, and requires advanced reservations
beginning Wednesday, April 5.
More info
www.hcp4.net/jones
Mercer’s New Volunteer Coordinator
Jamie Hartwell, volunteer
coordinator at Mercer Botanic
Gardens, loves working alongside
high school students. “They bring
so much energy to a project, plus
they’re eager and open to helping
out wherever they’re needed in the
gardens. They’re ideal volunteers, really.”
While some high school volunteers
come to Mercer during school trips,
others accrue community service hours
after school, during holiday breaks, and
over the summer. “Once students are 16
years old, they can volunteer at Mercer
without parental supervision,” she says.
“They can learn to sow and propagate
seeds, groom garden plants, assist in our
Gift Shoppe, work on plant inventories,
or help remove invasive species. There are
even more
opportunities
when we have
plant sales
and special
events.”
Hartwell first
developed a
passion for
gardening
while
Photo by Crystal Simmons
working at her family’s nursery. She hopes
to introduce young people to the joys of
gardening and inspire a similar passion.
“There are so many benefits of
gardening. Whether you’ve had a tough
day at school or at the office, there’s
something calming and relaxing about
digging in the dirt and listening to the
sounds of nature.”
In her new position, Hartwell manages
hundreds of volunteers in Mercer’s
gardens and greenhouses. “We’re currently
seeking new volunteers who want to help
The Mercer Society organize and plan
special activities slated for this year,” she
says.
“It’s never been easier to volunteer
and we have so many different ways
to contribute. You can learn more and
submit an application online at www.
hcp4.net/mercer,” Hartwell notes.
Volunteer opportunities and
descriptions are also listed on the
Volunteer Houston and Volunteer Match
websites. “The great thing is there are
volunteers who have been here 25 years
or more, and they’re eager to share their
knowledge with others who may be new
to gardening.”
More info
www.hcp4.net/mercer
6
Photo by Crystal Simmons
Trails As Parks
Event Snapshot
Archery. Learn the
basics of archery. Ages
6+.
• Carter Park.
Tuesdays, March 7,
April 4, and May 2; Sat., July 8,
6 p.m.
• Spring Creek Park. Tuesdays,
March 21, April 18, and May 16;
Sat., July 22, 6 p.m.
Creek Cleanup Canoe Trip. Sat.,
April 29, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Carter Park.
Camping. Fri., March 17-Sat.,
March 18, 5 p.m. Fishing, archery,
and canoeing. Dennis Johnston Park.
Stargazing. Sat., March 25,
6 p.m. Learn about planets and
stars. Bring a telescope or binoculars.
Pundt Park.
After-School
Bike Rides.
Tuesdays, March
28, April 25, and
May 23, 6 p.m. Pundt Park.
Pontoon Boat Tours. Saturdays,
April 8 and May 6, 8 a.m., 10 a.m.,
1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Ages 12+. Jones
Park.
Bicycle Nature Tour. Sat., May
13, 9 a.m. Pundt Park.
Evening Canoe Trip. Saturdays,
May 13, June 17, and July 15,
5-8 p.m.. Ages 16+. Jones Park.
Summer Science Camp.
• Spring Creek Park. Sat., June 24.
• Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve. Sat.,
July 22.
Friday Walkers. Fridays, 8 a.m.
Dennis Johnston Park.
Reservations
www.hcp4.net/tap

HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4
Cont’d. from Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve, cover page
the land to Precinct 4 back in 2009,
construction of staff offices deep in the
floodplain proved cost prohibitive. When
Prestonwood Forest Utility District
(PFUD) agreed to lease its former fire
station building, located directly adjacent
to the property, Commissioner R. Jack
Cagle recognized an opportunity for
a staff building and a greenlight to
construction of the park. “That agreement
with PFUD saved taxpayers about $2
million,” Johnston says.
Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve has
restrooms and showers, making the newly
developed land an ideal camping site
for scouts and other community groups
in the future. The park will be staffed
with a director and onsite caretakers
who will provide a variety of Precinct 4
park programming, as well as additional
educational offerings in collaboration
with Bayou Land Conservancy. Other
park features, such as fishing piers, a
picnic pavilion, outdoor classroom, and
an amphitheater, are being considered as
future amenities.
Grassroots Effort
The two-phase, $3.4 million project
included road improvements, hike-andbike
trails, construction of parking lots,
utility infrastructure, a restroom facility,
trail connections to the parking lot,
renovation of the old firehouse, fencing,
and a bridge across Cypress Creek. PFUD
also donated 25 percent of the cost of the
new bridge, which totaled $212,832. The
preserve was first deemed parkland in the
early 2000s, in part thanks to the Friends
of Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve. The
grassroots organization urged then-owner,
Hewlett-Packard, to preserve the land for
hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. Hewlett-
Packard stipulated that the wooded
preserve be set aside for use as a passive
recreational park when the company sold
462 acres to developer Vincent Kickerillo
in 2005. Harris County Commissioners
Court accepted conveyance of the 80-acre
property in 2009 from Vincent Kickerillo
Road and Bridge Update
New Segment of Kuykendahl Opens
Precinct 4 is helping to alleviate
congestion for commuters
traveling between Harris and
Montgomery counties. The
precinct recently completed
a roadway-expansion project along
Kuykendahl Road between Indian
Hill Road and Timarron Drive. The
$1.2 million project, funded through
the METRO General Mobility
program and bond funds, included
widening this section of Kuykendahl
Road from two to four lanes.“Voters
overwhelmingly supported this project,”
says Commissioner R. Jack Cagle. “This
is a key corridor between Harris and
Montgomery counties. Opening new
lanes will greatly improve the flow of
traffic and help both counties thrive as
residents commute back and forth.”
The project also paves the way for
an additional two-lane bridge along
Kuykendahl over Spring Creek from Pine
Plains Drive to Flintridge Drive. The
project began in 2016 and is slated for
completion in mid-2017.
Because the bridge spans both Harris
and Montgomery counties, both counties
and Walt Mischer’s V&W Partners. V&W
brought together representatives from
Precinct 4, the Friends of the Kickerillo-
Mischer Preserve, and local landscape
architect, Clark Condon Associates, to
create a master plan for the park. The
resulting strategy won a Best of the Best
Award from the Houston-Galveston Area
Council. “With the opening of Kickerillo-
Mischer Preserve, we are able to serve
an entirely new population of residents
with outdoor recreational opportunities
and engaging educational programming,”
Commissioner Cagle says.
Park location
More info
20215 Chasewood Park Drive
Houston, Texas 77070
funded more than $6 million of the
$7.056 million project. The Woodlands
Road Utility District No. 1 funded the
design phase services and is managing the
project during construction.
The Capital Improvement Projects
division administers and manages Precinct
4’s capital improvements program, from
road-expansion projects, traffic signals,
and intersection improvements to traffic
management systems designed to improve
mobility and air quality.
www.hcp4.net/community/
roadsbridges
Photo by Crystal Simmons
PARKS INFRASTRUCTURE
7

Community Experts
Precinct 4 Speakers Share Information
on County Services, Amenities
Are you looking for a
community expert for
your next event? Precinct
4’s Speakers Bureau has
you covered, whether
your group is interested in learning
about local government, parks, or
transportation.
The Speakers Bureau, a new division
of Precinct 4’s Community Assistance
Department (CAD), offers in-depth
discussions on county services and
amenities, including transportation,
parks, senior adult activities, and local
government. Residents interested in a
general overview of Precinct 4 offerings
are also welcome to contact CAD.
“Not everyone is familiar with
the responsibilities of their county
commissioner,” says Ella Edmiston,
director of CAD. “We’re here to
share information about how county
government works and the amenities and
services Precinct 4 provides.”
The Speakers Bureau talks with all
types of community groups, including
chambers of commerce, young
professionals groups, homeowners
associations, Boy Scout troops, rotary
Registering for Senior Adult
Program (SAP) activities and
events is even easier now thanks
to a new online system. Details on day
trips, luncheons, dances, and a variety
of other events are now easily accessible
on Precinct 4’s website. “There is always
something going on for senior adults.
Now residents can search online for
activities and events near them and reserve
a spot any time of the day or night,”
says Jan Sexton, director of Precinct 4’s
community centers and SAP.
The user-friendly system displays
information in chronological order,
so residents can easily see which
exciting activities are coming up next.
Additionally, a handy search function
located on the left side of the webpage
HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4
Precinct 4’s Speakers Bureau shares information
on county services and amenities.
clubs, lions clubs, veterans groups,
neighborhood meetings, and school
classes.
In addition to providing speakers
for community events, CAD regularly
researches and responds to thousands
of calls, letters, and e-mails each year
concerning road and bridge maintenance
and various issues throughout Harris
County and Precinct 4. Additionally, the
department maintains current records
and information on many Harris County
services and agencies.
To schedule
Reservations
281-353-8424
www.hcp4.net/assistance/cad
New Online System for Senior Adult Program
allows users to narrow their search by the
type of activity, date, and neighborhood.
To make a reservation, users first
create a username and password. For
senior adults who need guidance
on making online reservations, staff
members are available Monday through
Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling
281-893-3726.
“We’re happy to provide step-bystep
guidance over the phone,” Sexton
says. “We think senior adults will really
appreciate this new reservations system,
but don’t hesitate to contact us if you
prefer making reservations by phone or
if you have any questions about the new
system. We’re here to help!”
www.hcp4.net/sap/events
8
Photo by Crystal Simmons
Senior Adult
Program
Calendar
Luncheons: Cypress Creek
Christian Community Center.
Fridays, 11:30 a.m. Lunch and
entertainment.*
• March 3. Frog Croakin’ Rain Soakin’:
$10
• June 2. A Pocketful of Sunshine: $12
• Sept. 1. We’re “Leaf”ing Summer
Behind: $10
Crawfish Festival. Wed., March 8,
11:30 a.m. Cajun fun with a Zydeco
Band and crawfish boil. Suggested
donation: $20. Spring Creek Park.*
Luncheons: St. Stephen’s United
Methodist Church. Mondays,
11:30 a.m. Lunch and entertainment.*
• March 27. Spud-tacular Event: $10
• May 22. A Very Berry Good Luncheon:
$10
• July 24. Hot Tamale: $10
• Sept. 25. A Hoot of a Good Time: $12
Bridge Tournaments. Tue., April
4 and Wed., Sept. 13, 9:30 a.m.
Recreational bridge players register
in teams ($24/team). Humble Civic
Center.*
Luncheons: Jersey Village Baptist
Church. Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. Lunch
and entertainment.*
• April 11. Doo-Wop Barber Shop: $10
• June 20. Every Day Is a Picnic: $10
• Aug. 22. Taco ‘bout Fun: $10
Luncheons: Copperfield Church.
Fridays, 11:30 a.m. Lunch and
entertainment.*
• April 21. Here’s the Scoop: $10
• June 16. We’re Just Beachy: $10
• Aug. 18. Sizzling Summer: $12
Luncheons: Lone Star - University
Park. Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. Lunch and
entertainment.*
May 4. It’s a Lady Bug’s Life: $10
Aug. 3. It’s Dog-Gone Hot: $10
Precinct 4’s Opry. Fri., Aug. 11, 7-10
p.m. Features Michael and Ginny Hix,
the Hometown Opry Band, and others.
Tickets: $15 (adults) and $10 (ages 12
and under). Humble Civic Center.*
*Reservations required; call 281-893-3726.
COMMUNITY

Calendar of Events
HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4
Jesse H. Jones Park
& Nature Center
MARCH
NatureFest. Sat., March 4, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. See page 4 for
details.
Second Saturday Settlers: Hide Tanning. Sat., March 11,
1-3 p.m.
Stargazing. Sat., March 11, 7 p.m. The North Houston
Astronomy Club assists with viewing the planets, stars, and other
celestial bodies. Bring a telescope or binoculars. Reservations
required beginning Wed., March 1.*
Spring Breakout. Mon.-Fri., March 13-17. *Reservations
required beginning Wed., March 1.
Mon.: Signs of Spring Walk. 10 a.m.
Tue.: Bird Feeders. 10 a.m.
Wed.: Texas Bound. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Ages 7-12.*
Thu. Jr. Angler. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Ages 8+. *
Fri.: Jr. Canoe Training. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Ages 10-15.*
Canoe Spring Creek. Sat., March 18, 9 a.m. or Sun., March
19, 1 p.m. On Saturday, leisurely paddle downstream to Jones
Park. On Sunday, tour Spring Creek on a shorter trip. Ages 16+.
Reservations required beginning Wed., March 8.*
Wildlife Babies. Sat., March 25, 10 a.m. Join a licensed
wildlife rehabilitator to learn about baby wildlife.
Twilight Walk. Sat., March 25, 7:30 p.m.
Discover frogs, owls, and other nocturnal
forest creatures. Bring a flashlight and
wear closed-toe walking shoes. Ages 10+.
Reservations required beginning Wed., March 15.*
APRIL
Pontoon Boat Tours. Sat., April 1. Tours throughout the day.
Take a leisurely tour along Spring Creek. Ages 8+. Reservations
required beginning Wed., March 22.*
Easter Games. Sat., April 8, 10 a.m.-noon. Bring a picnic
lunch and take part in traditional Easter games. Ages 12 and
under. Reservations required beginning Wed., March 29.*
Second Saturday Settlers: Basket Weaving. Sat., April 8,
1-3 p.m.
Nature Hunt. Sat., April 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Stop by the
Nature Center for clues and hunt for the answers by exploring the
park’s trails. Ages 5-15.
BioBlitz. Sat., April 22, 8 a.m. See page 6 for details.
* Reservations required.
Please call 281-446-8588.
All ages unless
otherwise noted.
Garden Tools. Sat., April 29, 10 a.m. Learn how to properly
use, care for, and sharpen common gardening tools.
M A Y
Summer Nature Camp Registration. Beginning Sat., May
6, 8 a.m. Children ages 5 to 12 take part in “Wild in the City,” a
four-day educational summer program. Parent or legal guardian
must register in person with identification and child’s birth
certificate. Harris County residents receive priority. For camp
dates and times, visit www.hcp4.net/Community/Parks/Jones/
Programs/Kids/SNC.
Nature Photo Contest Ribbon Presentation. Sat., May
6, 1 p.m. Check out this year’s best photos during
the ribbon presentation of Jones Park’s 2017 photo
contest. Call for rules and information to enter,
or visit www.hcp4.net/Community/Parks/Jones/
Contest.
Second Saturday Settlers: Spinning and Weaving. Sat.,
May 13, 1-3 p.m.
Bites, Stings, and Itches. Sat., May 20, 10 a.m. Learn about
summer outdoor hazards such as poison ivy, venomous snakes,
and dangerous arthropods.
Snakes of Harris County. Sat., May 20, 1 p.m. Join a
naturalist to learn about the benefits of common native snakes.
Water Ecology Workshop. Sat., May 27, 10 a.m. See page 3
for details.*
JUNE
National Trails Day: Creek Bash. Sat., June 3, 9 a.m.
Help keep Spring Creek clean. Wear suitable clothing. All ages
welcome; ages 16+ only for canoe clean-up. Reservations required
beginning Wed., May 24.*
Texas Invasives Citizen Scientist Training. Sat., June 3,
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Join Dr. Hans Landel of the LBJ Wildflower
Center to learn about invasive species. A camera and GPS are
helpful, but not required. Ages 16+. Reservations required at:
www.texasinvasives.org/invaders/workshop_results.php.
Second Saturday Settlers: Primitive Weapons. Sat., June
10, 1-3 p.m.
Fantastic Flags of Texas. Sat., June 17, 10 a.m. Discover the
origin of the Texas flag.
Dragonfly Workshop. Sat., June 24, 9 a.m.-noon. Join a
Citizen Science project to help monitor migratory dragonflies.
JULY
Soldiers of the American Revolution. Sat., July 1, 10 a.m.
Historian John Keahey demonstrates the clothing and gear of
period soldiers. Reservations required beginning Wed., June 21.*
See Calendar, page 10
9

HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4
Continued from Calendar, page 9
Texas Bound! Thu., July 6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Using props and
hands-on activities, day campers take a journey to early Texas.
Ages 7-12. Reservations required beginning Wed., June 28.*
Junior Canoe Training. Fri., July 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids
can hit the water to earn a Jones Park Paddler’s card. The card
allows participation in future park-sponsored canoe trips with
an accompanying adult. Ages 10-15 only. Reservations required
beginning Wed., June 28.*
Second Saturday Settlers: Woodworking. Sat., July 8,
1-3 p.m.
Fish of Spring Creek. Sat., July 15, 10 a.m. See page 3 for
details.*
Evening Canoe Trip. Sat., July 15, 5 p.m. Take a leisurely
paddle down Spring Creek. Ages 16+. Reservations required
beginning Wed., July 5.*
Freshwater Aquarium Friends. Sat., July 22, 10 a.m. See
page 3 for details.
Bloomers and Britches. Sat., July 29, 10 a.m. Learn about
the Texas pioneer family and how their life struggles influenced
their clothing choices.
UPCOMING
Reptile Open House. Sat. and Sun., Aug. 19 and 20,
1-4 p.m. From the largest pythons to the smallest frogs, the
Nature Center is packed with live reptiles and amphibians.
ONGOING
Tadpoles Club. Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 22, and 29; May 3,
10, 17, and 24; and Sept. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 10:30 a.m. or
1 p.m. Children learn about nature. Ages 3 and 4 only. Parent
must accompany child. No younger or older siblings. Reservations
required for respective months beginning Wednesdays, Feb. 1,
April 5, and Aug. 2.*
Second Sunday Pickers. Sundays, March 12, April 9, May
14, June 11, July 9, and Aug. 13, 2-4 p.m. Enjoy an informal
folk concert or bring your instrument to join in the music!
Invasives Beware. Sundays, March 5, April 2, May 7, June
4, July 2, and Aug. 6, 9-11 a.m. Help to remove invasive species.
Ages 16+ or with an adult.
Jesse Jones Park Volunteers. Mondays, March 27, April
24, May 22, June 26, and Aug. 28, 7 p.m. The JJPV invites
everyone to its monthly program and meeting. Ages 16+.
Mercer Botanic
Gardens
MARCH
March Mart Volunteer Training. Wed., March 8, 10:30-
11:30 a.m. and Sat., March 11, 9-10 a.m. New and experienced
volunteers learn about March Mart.
March Mart Preview. Wed., March 8, noon-2 p.m. and Sat.,
March 11, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Whet your gardening appetite for
the biggest and best plant sale in the Gulf Coast region.
March Mart. Fri., March 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sat., March
18, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Special shopping hours: Fri., March 17,
8-10 a.m. (TMS members).
APRIL
Landscape for Life. Mondays, April 3-May 1,
9 a.m.-noon. Texas Master Naturalist and Landscape
for Life certified trainer Debbie Banfield shares how
to create an environmentally friendly garden. TMS
members: $125; non-members: $150.*
Lunch Bunch: Gardening in Small Spaces. Wed., April 12,
noon-2 p.m. Speaker: Harris County Extension Horticulturist
Robert Richter. Ages 12+.*
M A Y
Lunch Bunch: Energetic Excavators. Wed., May 10,
noon-2 p.m. Charlene Perry of DigIt Organics shares how to raise
earthworms for garden compost. Ages 12+.*
Blooming Bonnets. Fri., May 12, New time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Don your favorite bonnet with blooms and enjoy a morning of
tea, hors d’oeuvres, and flowers. Ages 10 and up. TMS members:
$20; non-members: $25; children ages 10-16: $12.50.*
JUNE
Lunch Bunch: Carnivorous Plants. Wed., June 14, noon-
2 p.m. Speaker: Mike Howlett of Pet Flytrap. Ages 12+.*
Summer Camp Pep Rally. Thu., June 15, 9 a.m.-noon.
Required training for summer camp volunteers.*
Summer Garden Club. Saturdays, June 17, July 22, Aug. 26,
and Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-noon. Monthly topics include unique fern
plantings, ginger exploration, floral design, and basket weaving.*
Garden Explorers: Traveling Through Time. Tuesdays-
Fridays, June 20-23 and June 27-30, 9 a.m.-noon. Kids explore
plants through the ages during this four-day summer camp.
Suggested donation: $30. Session A: June 20-23. Ages 6-8.
Session B: June 27-30. Ages 9-12.*
JULY
Texas Rose Rustlers Annual Meeting. Sat., July 15,
9 a.m.-4 p.m. The event features guest speakers, a pot luck lunch,
and door prizes. Visit www.texasroserustlers.com for details.
UPCOMING
Student Research and Education Symposium. Wed.,
Aug. 2, 5:30 p.m. (networking); 6-8 p.m. (presentations). The
night highlights the work of high school and university students
who conduct botanical research at Mercer. Students and interns
will present their research findings.
See Calendar, page 11
* Reservations required.
Please call 713-274-4160.
All ages unless
otherwise noted.
10

HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4
Continued from Calendar, page 10
Lunch Bunch: Student Research and Education
Symposium. Wed., Aug. 9, noon-2 p.m. An encore of the Aug.
2 symposium. Ages 12+.*
Clean Up Cypress Creek. Sat., Sept. 9, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Clean up and green up Cypress Creek. The Bayou Preservation
Association will provide boats and other gear, a free shuttle, and
lunch. Volunteers may bring their own paddleboat. Registration
and details at www.bayoupreservation.org/News-Events/Events.*
Cypress Creek Regatta. Sat., Sept. 16. Canoeists and
kayakers take in the natural landscape and wildlife as they
paddle along Cypress Creek. Registration and details at http://
cypresscreekregatta.org.*
ONGOING
Gardening. Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-noon. Seek out what’s blooming
and learn about plant grooming, pruning, and weeding in the
Perennial Garden and Conservation Garden. Wear closed-toe
shoes, gloves, and hat, and bring sunscreen and water.
Gardening. Thursdays, 9 a.m.-noon. Take part in plant
grooming, pruning, weeding, and mulching in the Prehistoric and
Shade gardens. Wear closed-toe shoes, gloves, and hat, and bring
sunscreen and water.
Friend-Raising and Fund-Raising Volunteer Groups.
Days and times vary. Help plan special events for Mercer.
Story Time in the Gardens. Third Monday
of the month, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mercer
volunteers share their favorite nature books with
children and parents.
Stroller Strolls. First Thursday of the month, 9-10 a.m. Get
active in a family-friendly outdoor setting.
Chrysanthemum Society. Fourth Friday of most months, 11
a.m.-1 p.m. Learn about chrysanthemums and floral arranging.
Cypress Creek Daylily Society. Sundays, March 26 and
April 23, 2-4 p.m. Learn about gardening with daylilies. Flower
show: May 6, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Community Centers
BIG STONE LODGE AT
DENNIS JOHNSTON PARK
*For more information or to sign up, call 281-350-1029.
Bridge Tournaments. Fri., March 3 and July 7, 9:30 a.m.-
3:30 p.m. Recreational bridge players register in teams ($24/
team).
AARP Tax-Aide. Fridays, March 10, 9 a.m.-noon. AARP
Tax-Aide volunteers provide free income tax assistance for lowand
middle-income taxpayers. Visit www.aarp.org/money/taxes/
aarp_taxaide.
Luncheons. Fridays, 11:30 a.m. Includes lunch and entertainment.*
• March 17 Spring Creek Jamboree (tickets: $12;
purchase by March 15)
• April 21 Awesome Blossom (tickets: $8;
purchase by April 19)
• May 19 Star Spangled Salute (tickets: $8;
purchase by May 17)
• June 16 Rockin’ Sock Hop (tickets: $8;
purchase by June 14)
• July 21 That’s Amore (tickets: $8; purchase by July 19)
• Aug. 18 Holy Guacamole (tickets: $8;
purchase by Aug. 16)
• Sept. 15 Cruising the Caribbean (tickets: $12;
purchase by Sept. 13)
The Old 300: Austin’s First Colony. Wed., March 22,
1 p.m.
Happy Trails Breakfast. Wed., March 29, 9 a.m. Suggested
donation: $6; purchase tickets by Mon., March 27.*
Popcorn and a Movie. Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Invite friends and
family for a free movie and popcorn.
• April 5 The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
• June 7 West Side Story
• Aug. 2 Sleepless in Seattle
Third Annual Arts and Crafts Exhibit. Fri., Sept. 29,
2 p.m. View work by Big Stone Lodge’s talented artists.
MANGUM-HOWELL
AT DOSS PARK
CENTER
*For more information or to sign up, call 281-591-7830.
AARP Tax-Aide. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, March 1-April 12
(except Wed., April 5). Tuesdays: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wednesdays:
noon-4 p.m. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers provide free income tax
assistance for low- and middle-income taxpayers. Visit www.aarp.
org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide.
Luncheons. Tuesdays, noon. Includes lunch and entertainment.*
• March 14 Mardi Gras (tickets: $8; purchase by March 10)
• April 11 Burgers & Bingo (tickets: $8; purchase by April 7)
• May 9 Fiesta! (tickets: $8; purchase by May 5)
• June 13
Back to the Beach Catfish and Shrimp Buffet
(tickets: $13; purchase by June 9)
• July 11 Luau with Elvis! (tickets: $10; purchase by July 7)
• Aug. 8 Lazy Days of Summer (tickets: $8;
purchase by Aug. 4)
• Sept. 12 Back to School (tickets: $8; purchase by Sept. 8)
Bunny Hop “Eggs”travaganza. Wed., April 5, 10 a.m.-
1 p.m. Visit with the Easter Bunny and enjoy light refreshments,
games, and a hayride. Suggested donation: $2 per person. Bring a
camera! Ages 4 and under.
Bridge Tournaments. Thursdays, May 4 and Aug. 3, 10 a.m.
Recreational bridge players register in teams ($24/team).*
“Fun4Kids” Summer Program. Thursdays, June 8-July
27. Times vary. Suggested donation: $2 per person. Register
beginning May 1.*
11

Harris County Precinct 4
R. Jack Cagle, Commissioner
1731 Hugh Road
Houston, Texas 77067
PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
N. HOUSTON TX
PERMIT NO 257
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