Houston Students Explore Nature, Flood Protection at Kluge Stormwater Detention Basin

(HOUSTON) - The Harris County Flood Control District turned a stormwater detention basin into an outdoor classroom for second graders from YES Prep Public Schools' North Rankin Elementary.

YES Prep's students took a field trip to the Kluge Stormwater Detention Basin in the Cypress area of northeast Houston.

The visit, hosted by the Flood Control District, offered students a unique blend of environmental science and hands-on nature exploration.

Led by local birding expert and Longwood community resident John Cocanower, the students participated in a guided nature walk around the basin, through trees and wildflowers, past butterflies, hawks and great blue herons.

The Kluge Stormwater Detention Basin is also a favorite spot for birdwatchers, with more than 200 species documented at the site. Each spring, millions of birds fly through Harris County along the Central Flyway, which is one of North America’s busiest migration routes.

The young learners discussed the journey rain on goes after it falls, and they discovered how stormwater detention basins not only help reduce flood risk but also support thriving ecosystems for both wildlife and the community.

To learn more about the Flood Control District’s nature-based solutions, visit hcfcd.org.