Technorati Post

Technorati Profile

One Square Inch of Silence

Gordon Hempton is an acoustic ecologist. His mission is to protect nature from man-made sound. All of us have had the experience of a noisy park: airplanes, traffic, boomboxes, construction and people noise. But how many of us have experienced a place devoid of this kind of noise in nature? One where you could actually hear a leaf drop or a frog jump into a small pond?

Hempton has placed a small rock at a remote spot in the Hoh Rain Forest in Washington (in the USA). He calls it "one square inch of silence". He believes quiet is going extinct and that if we can find a quiet place, we should hold on to it.

According to the story from the Associated Press where I learned about Gordon Hempton's efforts, the national parks have recently released a draft general management plan that includes goals and strategies for protecting natural quiet and soundscapes. Hempton believes the plan does not go far enough. Because the national parks are under a very tight budget squeeze, he believes acoustic engineering for the parks will never be a high priority. He has an hourlong recording of soundscapes from the park available on iTunes and on his website to raise money for a nonprofit organization to help pay for monitoring of the site(s).

The three noisiest parks in the US are the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and the Hawaii volcanoes, mostly because of aerial tourism.

For more information or to make a donation, visit his website at http://www.onesquareinch.org/

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center - Go Now!

Left: A typical trail in this glorious urban park
Right: One of the ponds teeming with wildlife

Introduction:The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a 155 acre non-profit urban nature sanctuary very close to the center of Houston. The robust visitor's center includes a research library, a gift shop, reception area with information about the center, and The Discovery Room for educating children about nature with interactive exhibits, touch screens, and lots more.

There are over 5 miles of nature trails, including forest, ponds, wetland and meadow habitats. The Arboretum and Nature Center is managed carefully to insure a balance of natural habitats and wildlife in the park. Much of the acreage is left natural and you get a real sense of being in a forest or out in the country. Fallen trees are left to decompose providing habitat for wildlife and nutrients for the soil. You may see trees destroyed by woodpeckers or lightning, ponds bubbling from decomposition and with floating tannin slicks, turtles and snakes, armadillo digging trails, and more. There are regular tours given by a naturalist on staff which are well worth your time. Naturalist, Melissa Geis, led a tour I attended and was easy-going, friendly and very knowledgeable about the park's flora and fauna. I was amazed at the things she pointed out that I would have missed seeing or hearing. Event calendars are available at the visitor center or by calling 713.681.8433.

Trees and shrubs in the park include loblolly pines, river birch, American beautyberry, dogwood, ash, holly, privet, sweetgum, magnolia, sycamore, laurel cherry, many species of oaks, and more than 100 species of trees and shrubs. Some trees have markers indicating the type. Check out the tree map available in the visitor center.

I was at the Arboretum a couple of years ago, got lost (hey! it can happen) and never went back. The center has dramatically improved their maps and signage so that my experience there recently was wonderful. And I'm kicking myself for missing two years of walking there. So if you haven't been there recently, go, go, go.

Location:The Arboretum and Nature Center is located at 4501 Woodway Drive, adjacent to Memorial Park. Maps are located at: http://www.houstonarboretum.org/hours.asp and http://www.houstonarboretum.org/propertymap.asp Excellent trail maps are available for a minimal cost in the visitor center. Parking is at the Visitor's Center along the central driveway as you enter the park. There are two additional maps available: the "Checklist of Trees and Shrubs" which includes a map of trees (with names) along the driveway into the park; and the "Bird List" which has a list of the 167 species of birds having been seen in the park.

Hours: Open 7 days a week. Grounds and trails 8:30 to 6 pm. For all other closures and times, see http://www.houstonnaturecenter.org/hours.asp

Scoring: Walking = 5 Nature = 5
Walking: Most of the trails are boardwalks with some mulched trails. Good signage. Lots of shade. Level trails with enough room for passing. Jogging and cycling are not allowed on the trails which makes it easier for walkers. Only negative (at least for some) is that it is not open early morning and at night.

Nature: Really beautiful and wild nature sites. Good variety with ponds, a meadow, wetlands, and lots of different types of plants and wildlife. It's hard to believe you're just a few miles from downtown. The only drawback is road noise on the north and west sides of the park. Most of the trail system is restfully quiet.

Background: The Arboretum and Nature Center are part of Memorial Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. From 1917 to 1923 it was the site of Camp Logan, a World War I Army training camp. After the war, the land was deeded to the City of Houston to be set aside as park dedicated to the memory of the WWI fallen soldiers. It was not until the 1950s, that Robert A. Vines, a local ecologist and educator, advocated carving out a piece of Memorial Park to serve as a nature sanctuary. Through the work of thousands of volunteers and the major contributions of philanthropists, the Arboretum became the showcase it is today.

Coolest Thing About Park: It's a true nature experience close to the city center and the people at the visitor center are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. They make it really easy to get information. The park's history is also fascinating, having been a part of Camp Logan during WWI. The armadillos occasionally dig up WWI artifacts in their nightly wanderings.

Trails: There are more than five miles of trails available. There is an Outer Loop trail and an Inner Loop Trail. All other trails are named (Alice Brown, Willow Oak, Palmetto, etc.) and go between these two loops. There is a good trail map available in the visitor center for a nominal charge. Signage is good throughout the trails.

• Outer Loop = 1.9 miles
• Inner Loop = .5 miles
• Alice Brown Trail = .5 miles (most accessible)
• Arrowwood Trail = .18 miles
• Couch Birding Trail= .33 miles
• Muscadine Trail = .22 miles
• Palmetto Trail = .26 miles
• R. A. Vines Trail = .47 miles
• Willow Oak = .16 miles

Most of the trails are raised boardwalks, with some of the trail being mulched, packed dirt areas. Easy to walk with good drainage. Trails are wide enough for folks to pass or to walk with several abreast. There are plenty of signs so you won't feel lost. Restrooms and water are available at the visitor center. The North and West side are closer to roads and thus are noisier, however, not as noisy as the three mile jogging loop around Memorial Park, most of which is on the road. The rest of the Arboretum trails are relatively quiet. Since the trails are closed at night, lighting is not an issue.


Other things you'll want to know:

1. There is no admission charge, although donations are appreciated. (You are never asked for money, there are just discreet donation boxes in the visitor center.)

2. No picnicing or eating in the park to protect the wildlife.

3. No jogging, biking or horseback riding on the trails.

4. No feeding or bothering the wildlife. Snakes and spiders live in the park (as they do in all parks). I was told that copperheads and coral snakes have been seen (and are allowed to stay). Water moccasins are rather territorial and aggressive and are moved out of the area to the bayou when found. That being said, I've never seen a snake on the trails.

A big THANK YOU to volunteers, Jim Ohmart and Eileen Hatcher, and Arboretum Naturalist Melissa Geis for showing me around this beautiful park.

All blog content is copyrighted, 2006 Mary Anne Fields and Life Unfolds.

Feel free to add any comments you think would be useful to others about

Park People's Greenway Trails Map

Finally, a park and trails map for Houston! No more having to search on the Internet or ask everyone you know about parks and trails.

The Park People group in Houston has produced a trails map for Greater Houston - Harris County. It includes over 500 miles of trails. You can pick yours up at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center or any HEB or Academy Store.

http://www.parkpeople.org/parkpeople/Greenway_Trails_Map.asp?SnID=1425839782

Paul Carr Jogging Trail

Introduction: In the Heights, inside the 610 loop, in Houston, Texas is a neat neighborhood jogging/walking path called the Paul Carr Jogging Trail. It is 1.5 miles long and meanders down the center of Heights Boulevard esplanade.

Location: The trail is located in the esplanade of Heights Boulevard starting just North of the Katy Freeway (I-10) and ending at 20th. It is located in the historical Heights neighborhood which is just northwest of downtown Houston.

Scoring: Walking = 3.5, Nature = 3
Walking: the trail loses points lack of water or bathrooms and sufficient lighting at night. The biggest drawback is having to cross the intersections along the way although the streets are not that busy.
Nature: It is after all on a noisy, busy city street, has beautiful large trees and landscaping, but is still a city street.

Background: The trail was named in honor of Paul Carr, long time resident of the Houston Heights and and also the coordinator of the trail project.

Coolest Thing About Park: There is a WWII Memorial at 14th adjacent to the trail and lots of benches. Cool old houses line both sides of the trail.

Trails: The trail has gentle curves and nestles among large trees and pleasant landscaping. It is level and of crushed cinder, wide enough for foot traffic both ways. Most of the trail is in shade. The biggest drawback is that you must cross streets if you want to walk the entire 1.5 miles.

Other things you'll want to know:

1. There are street lights along the way, but they are on the residence side, not on the esplanade. There are two lampposts actually on the trail, but not really sufficient for safe night walking (in my opinion).
2. No water fountains or bathrooms along the way, so go prepared.
3. Take your cell phone and ID always when you walk.
4. There is no parking lot for this walk. Park on any of the intersection side streets, but watch for no parking signs.

All blog content is copyrighted, all rights reserved, Mary Anne Fields and Life Unfolds, 2006

Feel free to add any comments you think would be useful to others about the Paul Carr jogging trail.

Lake Houston City Park (NEW)

In progress!
Right: Peach Creek from the Walking Bridge

Lake Houston Park

Left: This is a typical picture of the trails in the park. This one is the Peach Creek Trail. We hiked it today only a week after the torrential rainfall the Houston area experienced. The trails were mostly dry, but occasionally muddy. They were still easily passable. Peach Creek was up and very muddy. I was there a couple of weeks ago and it was less than a foot or so deep by the foot-bridge and crystal clear. It was deep enough for a canoe to pass us today as we sat and enjoyed the beautiful weather.


Introduction: Lake Houston is a 4,919+ acre park in New Caney, just 30 miles north of downtown Houston. It was recently moved from being a Texas State Park to being managed by the City of Houston and the County. The park has beautiful woods which include oaks, beauty berries, palmettos, river birches, magnolia, sycamores and loblolly pines. The park also has many bayous, ponds, Peach Creek, Caney Creek and a portion of the San Jacinto River. It is not located on nor does it have access to Lake Houston.

Location: Take Hwy 59 North to the New Caney exit to FM 1485. Turn right and follow the signs. You will travel east on FM 1485 for about 2 miles and turn right on the Baptist Encampment Road. Travel for 1.5 miles to the park entrance. The sign is fairly small, so watch carefully.

Hours: 7 days a week, 8 am to 10 pm except for overnight campers.

Scoring: Walking = 4 Nature = 5
Walking: There are restrooms in the park, but not on the trails. Trails are wide and open. (I'm still walking all the trails, so more to come.) Parking is not at the trailheads (in most cases). You must walk into the park. Trail maps are difficult to read, somewhat incomplete or wrong and do not include all trail distances.

Nature: Feels as if you are way out in the country. Heard no road noise. Has beautiful trees, creeks and a river and birdsong.

Background:The park was originally two parcels of land, one a lumber camp and the other a Girl Scout Camp. Both were acquired and became a State Park. It has recently transfered to the City of Houston for management.

Coolest Thing About Park: It is a pocket of deep woods so close to Houston. And not too populated.

Trails:

More to come.

Other things you'll want to know:

1. The trail maps are not the easiest to follow as the signs do not all match the map and the road that runs through the park is not marked on the map.
2. Hours are: 7 days a week, 8 am to 10 pm except for overnight campers.
3. At this writing, the park is still taking Texas Parks and Wildlife annual passes, but they expect that to change. There is an entrance fee of $3 per person for day use.
4. There are several lodges, camping areas, picnic pavilions for use with reservation.
5. Wildlife includes snakes (30 species), bats, birds, deer, turtles, fish, squirrels, and more.
6. Most trails are packed dirt, very well defined and wide-open. The road through the park is asphault in poor repair but great for a walking trail.
7. Vehicle traffic is restricted to the parking lot at the front of the park. Only vehicles allowed to drive into the park are handicapped and lodge inhabitants.
8. This park is NOT ON and has no access to Lake Houston. So leave your boat at home.

Feel free to add any comments you think would be useful to others about

Photography by Mary Anne Fields.
All blog content is copyrighted, all rights reserved, Mary Anne Fields and Life Unfolds, 2006

Hermann Park, an Inner City Jewel

Introduction: If you've not been to the 445 acre Hermann Park near the Medical Center in Houston lately, you're missing out. In the past few years, the Hermann Park Conservancy, in conjunction with the City of Houston, have made world-class improvements that make this park a true jewel.

Location: Maps are at http://www.hermannpark.org/directions.html
There is an error on this directions page, but if you scroll down, at the bottom of the page above, there is a map of the location, written directions and also a PDF map of the park at http://www.hermannpark.org/documents/Hermann_Park_Map_with_Greenway.pdf The park is south of downtown, north of the medical center off Main St. at Montrose/Hermann Drive. The entrance is at Mecom Fountain and the Sam Houston statue. There also is a Metro rail stop at the park on Main St.

Scoring: Walking = 4.5 Nature = 4
Walking: the park loses points for not having signage that tells you where to walk and how long the trail is, as well as occasionally muddy path sections.
Nature: the park loses points for not having much in the way of natural woods. It's mostly groomed although moderately to heavily wooded.
(graded on scale of 1(bad) to 5(excellent), but based on what is available on Houston. For example, a 5 in Houston (the best) is not = to a 5 nation-wide, think Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountains, etc.)

Background: The park includes, not only the Houston Museum of Natural Science (including IMAX and the Butterfly space), but the Houston Zoo.
Also in the park are the Molly Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Reflection Pool,
the Molly Ann Smith and Sara H. and John H. Lindsey Plazas,
and the recently enlarged McGovern Lake which include three new islands as well as bird and wetland habitat area.
Japanese Gardens
80 additional acres have been added to park along Brays Bayou
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Hermann Park Golf Course
Hermann Park Miniature Train track

What that means for Houstonians and visitors is a beautiful, well-lit park with art, walkways, water features, trees and landscaping and more.

Coolest Thing About Park: Three fountains at reflection pond and occasionally very cool "urban experiences" in this park. Have come across Russian group singing, Tai Chi group practicing, guitar music, an old man fishing with old fashioned gear from China and playing on a Chinese stringed instrument, and, of course, rehearsals at the Miller Outdoor Theater (dance, opera, plays, concerts, etc.)

Trails: If you enter Hermann Park through the main entrance near the Mecom Fountain on Main St. you'll see the newly rebuilt reflection pond on your right with parking adjacent to it. There is a one mile (more or less depending on route) walk around the lake, starting at the reflection pond, turn right to go over the bridge, left around by the children's playgrounds, turn left to go by the zoo, and left again to continue along the lake and by Miller Outdoor Theater and back to the reflection pond. You can extend this walk by taking all the curves and by going through the Japanese Garden which is adjacent to the reflection pond. Miller Outdoor Theater has a "hill" that is perfect for getting a boost out of your walk or jog. Try running or walking up and down and around it a few times. If instead you cross the street at the Miller Outdoor theater, you can take a two mile level track around the golf course. Or walk through the rose and herb gardens at the Houston Garden Center. You may also cross Main Street where there is the three mile track around Rice University. So depending on route, you can easily do one, two, three or six miles by combining these. More than half the walks are under large trees and in the shade. Most walkways are asphault, concrete or crushed granite walkways. There is some puddling and mud on the walkways after rain, but easily walked around.

There is also a walk along Brays Bayou which connects to the walk near the rose garden and golf course. I'm not comfortable walking this somewhat isolated trail alone (being a female), but it's a great walk with someone. Not much shade though. It connects with other bayou walks, so you can walk a lot farther.

Other things you'll want to know:

1. Water fountains all around the lake, but none on the two mile trail or the one around Rice University.
2. Shadiest walk is the two miles around golf course.
3. Noisy along side streets for part of two mile trail and all around the Rice University trail.
4. Would not walk any of these after dark.
5. Wildlife includes birds, ducks, geese, turtles, frogs, squirrels, snakes, fish.
6. There are three fountains around the reflection pond which make great places to cool off while walking in summer. Additionally, the children's playgrounds have water sprinklers shaped like trees and tunnels where you can cool off as well. There is a big button on a pole that you push for the water to start.
7. Watch for flying golf balls when going around the golf course track.
8. Restrooms are at Miller Outdoor Theater, children's playground, Japanese Garden, and rose garden. There are no restrooms on the two mile track around the golf course.
9. For safety, take your cell phone and ID. Walkways are fairly even, but cyclists and joggers use same trail, so you'll need to pay attention. Usually enough people are around during daylight hours for you to feel comfortable walking alone. There are usually security people around Miller Outdoor Theater and almost always some park maintenance folks around.
11. Signage in park could be much improved, but you really can't get lost. Maps are available online at http://www.hermannpark.org/directions.html
12. Parking can be a problem when major events are planned in park or on brilliant summer weekend days.

All blog content is copyrighted, all rights reserved, Mary Anne Fields and Life Unfolds, 2006

Feel free to add any comments you think would be useful to others about Hermann Park.