Community leaders are prioritizing increasing green space across the Houston region to improve quality of life and build a more sustainable future. In honor of Earth Day, we’re highlighting a few projects that showcase the region’s commitment.  Over 12,000 trees are located within Hermann Park, and a $52 million project will add more to that number. The highlight of the renovation project is The Commons, a 26-acre play garden designed to inspire and engage young minds with a space-themed area that includes a play layout resembling a splashdown capsule, parachute and rocket launch with slides and climbing structures.  “We want there to be a sense of discovery, with a real diversity of types of play and levels of challenge. Spaces for different kids’ abilities and moods so they can choose their own adventure,” Jack Ohly, Associate Principal at Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates and Lead Landscape Architect on the Hermann Commons Project, told the Houston Chronicle.  In addition to the new playground, the renovation project also features expanded family picnic areas, a dog park, and more shaded areas with the incorporation of 1,200 new trees and 45,000 new plants.  The massive project was made possible by the support of hundreds of Houstonians, with the largest contribution coming from longtime zoo and park supporter Kathrine G. McGovern. The newly renovated park is expected to open in early 2024.   Hermann Park’s renovation project isn’t the only project underway that aims to increase the region’s green footprint. Montgomery County has recently announced plans for a nearly 400-acre park near its Woodforest community. Though design is still in its early stages, Fish Creek Regional Park plans to offer a host of amenities, including a community center, hiking and equestrian trails, a nature and outdoor education center, and various sports fields.  According to a statement from Burditt Consultants LLC, the company that won the contract for the park’s amenities, the goal of the project is to preserve and sustain the area’s natural resources, including wildlife and watersheds, while still creating a park that will be a benefit to everyone in the region.  These recent park developments and their focus on conservation and sustainability align closely with the city’s own goals of improving Houston’s green space. In tandem with its Climate Action Plan, the city of Houston has launched an initiative in partnership with NRG to plant 100,000 trees as part of a larger goal: planting 4.6 million trees by 2030. This initiative will improve air quality, reduce heat, and bring improvements to different communities across the region.  This is in addition to other reforestation efforts happening at Halls Bayou, which saw almost 600 trees planted earlier this year, and Memorial Park, where acres of native prairie grass and trees were planted on its new land bridge. In Harris County’s Precinct 2, roughly 500 trees were planted as part of the Bay Area Boulevard Reforestation Project’s goal to plant a total of 1,000 trees.   Learn more about Houston’s green spaces. 

Houston comes alive in the spring with an array of exciting festivals that showcase the best of performing and visual arts, music, food, and more. From traditional celebrations to contemporary events, we've curated a list of must-attend spring festivals happening in the Houston area, so you can make the most of the season and immerse yourself in the region's unique cultural offerings.  The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival Click to expand Experience a colorful outdoor art gallery April 14-16 featuring national and international artists with a variety of mediums including painting, clay, metal, and more. Enjoy live music, entertainment, local food, beer and wine, and children's art activities for a fun family experience.   The Houston Art Car Parade Click to expand Roll around on April 15 for the Houston Art Car Parade, which attracts over 250 cars and an audience of 300,000 spectators eager to see the weird and wild roadway creations.    Puranava Indian Art & Culture Fest  Click to expand Celebrate Indian culture on April 15 featuring stage performances of Indian classical and folk dances, music, visual art & cultural exhibits and more.    Houston Latin Fest Click to expand Celebrate Latin heritage with a family-oriented music festival that provides communities Houston a gathering place to connect with others. Immerse yourself in the Latin experience on April 23 with Latin music, cuisine, art and more.    Frida Festival Click to expand With over 30,000 attendees, the Frida Festival offers a range of festivities with fashion shows, art exhibits and performances honoring the iconic Frida Kahlo. Save the date for April 19 and 29!    Japan Festival Houston Click to expand After a four-year hiatus, the Japanese Festival returns to Houston on May 6-7. Enjoy the celebration of Houston’s rich Japanese culture and the 30th anniversary of the Japanese Garden with contemporary performances, food, tea ceremonies and much more.    Houston Art Bike Festival Click to expand No car? No problem! The Houston Art Bike Parade & Festival showcases modified art bikes. Whether small changes or big transformations, you can participate on May 13.   Pasadena Strawberry Festival Click to expand Looking for country music, an epic mud volleyball tournament, an authentic Texan BBQ cook off, and the world’s largest strawberry shortcake? Book your calendars for a Texas-sized fun festival from May 18-21.  Learn more about what it’s like to live in Houston.