The watersheds of the Houston Gulf Coast form a vast network of hundreds of rivers, bayous, streams, and creeks that flow through the region – and sometimes into our buildings. Tropical Storm Allison was a “watershed event” that has made us squarely face the nature of flooding in the region. Are these waterways and their accompanying wetlands, hardwood forests, and bird-rich prairie marshes merely challenges to be tamed, or are they regional assets that provide important natural services, including flood protection, recreation, and beauty?
To reduce catastrophic damage and disruption such as we’ve experienced in the past will require exploring alternatives to the way we currently do business. Working together to include the use of our bayous and natural landscapes in the region's planning, including urban and suburban development, is key to our future. Understanding how our watersheds work is fundamental to making rational decisions.
Abundant wetlands and floodplains will be damaged soon if current development patterns prevail. Can we afford to lose the services (flood detention, water quality enhancement, wildlife habitat, quality of life) of this “green infrastructure?”
Developers and planners around the country are building profitable towns and neighborhoods that maximize livability and preservation of green space and natural services. This day-long conference will explore the realities of our watersheds, the past and future methods of protecting property, and innovative ways to live and grow in a rich natural environment.