Jones Park Hosts Trail Clean Up Event

From Harris County Precinct 4: Jones Park is hosting a trail cleanup event April 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to help restore trails damaged during last year’s floods.“Volunteers will help us finish this project a little faster,” said Jones Park Director Darlene Conley. “Restoring these trails requires a lot of man-hours digging sand from the trails and removing debris. Even after a year, we haven’t had a chance to clear some of our back trails.” Some of the trails are covered in up to 5 feet of sand. Conley said volunteers will need to be willing to shovel and haul sand. Because of its location along Cypress Creek, the park is prone to flooding. In the past, the damage has been so extensive that park staff needed to create new trails around the damaged area.

“In some cases, we’re having to make more primitive trails on top of the sand and redirect some of our trails,” she said. “About five years ago, a previous flood carved away a piece of trail by the creek, leaving a gap that couldn’t be crossed. In that case, we had to make a path around the gap.” Jones Park Naturalist Katrina Yordy, who is leading the effort, hopes the cleanup will be one of many weekend events that will help renew the trails. “Flooding, new growth, and sand are keeping our trails from their full beauty and potential,” she said. “With a little help from volunteers, we can refurbish many areas by trimming, diverting water flow, and clearing clogged up drainage.”

Anyone 16 and older who would like to volunteer should wear close-toed shoes and long pants. If possible, volunteers should bring tools, such as shovels, loppers, and gloves. Register by calling the park at 281-446-8588.

Image Courtesy Of Precinct 4