Harris Gully Natural Area

This project of the Lowrey Arboretum is a remnant of a riparian woodland on the banks of Harris Gully. Through plantings of native grasses, wildflowers, trees, and shrubs, we seek to create a replica of a natural system once widespread in the Houston area. Biology students have prepared a preliminary list of species found in the project area.

The natural area is designed not only to enhance the natural landscape of the campus, but also to provide a beautiful and appropriate transition between the urban environment of the Texas Medical Center and the scholarly, reflective atmosphere of the Rice Campus.

In March 1999, the detention pond was enlarged, and a mix of native grasses and wildflowers was sown (see list of wildflower species). Wildflower seeds were sown by students in UNIV 111 in 1999 and 2002. We hope soon to create a crushed-granite walkway through the area, with educational signage.

Photos
You can see photos from the natural area here.

Location
The natural area location on campus is shown below in blue.

Historical Map
Here is a topographic map of the Harris Gully area from 1921. The map is from the Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection at The University of Texas at Austin.