The Houston Chronicle

A project is underway to convert most of Sylvan Rodriguez Park in Clear Lake to coastal prairie and forest ecosystems, which Houston District E authorities say will have multiple benefits for the area such as preventing erosion, filtering water and fostering wildlife.

Areas restored through the four-phase project will include a boardwalk and trails. Interpretive signs will allow visitors to learn about natural habitats that once existed in the region and how native prairies and wetlands are important to wildlife and people, according to information from District E City Council member Dave Martin’s office.

Houston Parks and Recreation Department will convert 72 acres of the 113-acre park, which is at 1201 Clear Lake City Blvd. into natural areas in phases planned through 2021. The estimated $639,984.cost for three of the phases will be funded though grant money secured by the Texas General Land Office. Funding is pending for the third phase.

The first phase includes the removal of nonnative trees such as the Chinese tallow from 14 acres of the park, with completion scheduled for August, according to Martin’s office. That will be followed by a series of community events in the fall to seed and plant native trees and wildflowers.

Subsequent phases will repeat the process over other tracts and will include boardwalk design and construction, signage design and installation and surveys of vegetation and birds, the office reported.

“The restoration of coastal wetland prairie and forested riparian ecosystems at Sylvan Rodriguez Park will promote ecosystem regulating functions through soil retention, reduced sedimentation, and water purification,” according to a statement from Martin’s office. “The restored prairie habitat will provide increased erosion control through the deep prairie grass roots and will provide bank stabilization in the riparian areas.”

The restoration will also help to slow floodwaters and absorb them during heavy rain and create a system in which wildlife species such as native insect pollinators and migratory birds can thrive.

The city purchased the property for $1.3 million in 1991. The park, which currently includes a pavilion, several sports fields and walking trails, was dedicated in 2001 and named after Sylvan Rodriguez, the late journalist who lived in the Clear Lake area.