WATERSHED MOMENTS
ANNUAL REPORT
DEAR FRIENDS
Buffalo Bayou is an ever-changing waterway meandering through Houston and connecting communities to a shared sense of place. Fed by more than 200 square miles of urban land, the bayou’s watershed transcends city, county, and neighborhood boundaries. It represents a coming together not only of water, but of people gathering in the parks, trails, and unique spaces Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) creates and stewards.
From community-driven artwork and dazzling underground installations to jazz on the green and volunteer efforts to help keep our landscapes clean, healthy, and resilient, there are countless ways to engage with and sustain the places we love along Buffalo Bayou.
Just as the bayou flows, BBP’s impact continues to grow. This year, our Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan received the Urban Land Institute of Houston’s inaugural Moonshot Award, which honors innovative ideas leading to transformational change. BBP’s visionary plan for extending the bayou trail network, providing affordable housing, building new public spaces, and integrating the culture and character of the Greater East End and Fifth Ward into design was chosen as an exemplary planning effort catalyzing positive change in our city.
In addition to completing the Lockwood on Buffalo Bayou affordable housing and the transformation of Japhet Creek Park, BBP made significant progress toward realizing the Buffalo Bayou East 10-Year Plan. Construction began on multiple projects east of downtown, including a new trail link on the north bank, The Warehouse at Turkey Bend, Garver Park, and the expansion of Tony Marron Park. Design and planning work advanced on a trail and pedestrian bridge connection at Japhet Creek Park, Marron Park Way, and the hike and bike trail along the bayou’s south bank. Be it a new pathway, neighborhood park, housing, or repurposed industrial relic, each project builds upon BBP’s legacy of creating shared places for communities to grow and thrive together.
As these projects take shape in the years ahead, we invite you to celebrate with us, marking each milestone as another watershed moment in Houston’s dynamic story.
Sincerely,
Gaynell Floyd Drexler 2024 BOARD CHAIR
Anne Olson PRESIDENT
MOMENTS OF GROWTH
was a watershed year for Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s pursuit of a connected bayou for all. Key milestones continued to flow throughout the year, from the completion of important projects in the Buffalo Bayou East 10-Year Plan to groundbreakings, design benchmarks, and construction progress.
The four-acre Japhet Creek Park in the historic Fifth Ward was unveiled to the public in September. Groundwork for improvements to this City of Houston park was laid by neighbors dedicated to stewarding the hidden Buffalo Bayou tributary for many years. Now, the newly transformed green space includes a collection of accessible trails shaded by a preserved tree canopy, as well as open lawns and meadows of native grasses and wildflowers to support a healthy and resilient ecology.
Along the south bank, also east of downtown, BBP completed construction of a unique project: Lockwood on Buffalo Bayou, an 80-unit, multi-family affordable housing complex which began leasing to residents in July. Through extensive engagement with the community while developing the Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan, BBP heard concerns about housing affordability and responded to this need by dedicating land and securing substantial
resources for quality affordable housing with direct access to parks and trails. This project was realized in partnership with Brinshore Development, a national affordable housing developer.
Not only does Lockwood on Buffalo Bayou provide expansive bayou views and easy access to the hike and bike trail network, it will also be surrounded by Garver Park, a ten-acre green space named in honor of BBP Chair Emeritus Mike Garver. Construction began on the park shortly after the Lockwood on Buffalo Bayou opening and is slated for completion in fall 2025.
Community members gathered at Japhet Creek Park and Lockwood on Buffalo Bayou for celebratory ribbon cutting events in the fall. Remarks from governmental leaders, supporters, and area residents were followed by entertainment from local musicians and processionals led by nearby Milby and Wheatley High School marching bands.
BBP’s President Anne Olson and members of the organization’s Capital Projects team provided a comprehensive presentation of the status of these and other projects in Buffalo Bayou East, and
a preview of exciting changes to come at an event titled Buffalo Bayou East: A Progress Report to the Community. More than 300 attendees from the Greater East End, Fifth Ward, and around the city joined together for the presentation and lively discussion. These celebrations and gatherings sparked anticipation for many more to come as BBP’s work in the area continues to unfold. ⬛
MOMENTS OF INSPIRATION
INSPIRATION
can be found around every bend along Buffalo Bayou. Connections with nature, encounters with thought-provoking public artworks, and memorable shared experiences activate transformed infrastructure, parks, and trails for people from all walks of life throughout the year.
In the spring, BBP and Aurora Picture Show lit up the trails and waterway around Tony Marron Park in the East End with the third annual NIGHT LIGHT. Thousands filled the park for one evening of video and sound installations by local artists projected onto bridges, pavilions, and the water’s surface. The program also featured the premiere of HomeBayou, a stopmotion animated film created by visiting artist Ezra Wube and community members from the Greater East End and Fifth Ward.
The film charted a course through the history of Buffalo Bayou and Houston, paying homage to the spaces, people, and cultural heritage that make neighborhoods east of downtown unique. The film was part of a collaborative initiative with the High Line Network, a group of infrastructure reuse projects throughout North America led by The High Line in New York City.
Another example of programming within repurposed infrastructure was in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, a decommissioned former drinking water reservoir that BBP converted into a unique public space. Two site-specific artworks were shown in the Cistern, beginning with Cistern Illuminated, a winter light installation designed by artist / engineer Kelly O’Brien of Fenris, followed by the immersive and evocative Haha Real by Rachel Rossin. BBP’s fourth major public art commission for the Cistern, Haha Real led participants on a surreal journey through the use of light, sound, and AI technology. Rossin took inspiration from the classic children’s story The Velveteen Rabbit to explore themes of metamorphosis, memory, disillusionment, and “what is real” utilizing the vast architecture of the Cistern to inform the piece and shape the participant experience. An ethereal soundscape created by Houston-native musician and sound artist Frewuhn helped the artwork resonate within the infrastructural relic. Collectively, these experiences drew more than 25,000 visitors to the Cistern.
Each year, BBP selects an artist with connections to the neighborhoods along Buffalo Bayou to develop a public project and engage the community in their process. In 2024, Preston
Gaines served as BBP’s Artist-in-Residence, focusing on Japhet Creek and the history and significance of this tributary over time. Gaines researched old maps, worked with the architects and engineers assigned to this project, spoke with community members about the creek, and explored buried waterways throughout the area. These efforts will culminate in a temporary exhibition of sculptures and stories at Japhet Creek Park. ⬛
MOMENTS OF STEWARDSHIP
LIFE
on Buffalo Bayou contains a multitude of “watershed” moments. As a primary waterway and a key outdoor destination for recreation and communion with nature in Houston, the 10-miles of bayou cared for by BBP requires dedicated stewardship to remain healthy and resilient.
On land, BBP’s maintenance team was hard at work ensuring the accessibility, safety, and beauty of trails and green spaces throughout Buffalo Bayou Park, downtown Houston, and Buffalo Bayou East. With more than 4,500 new plants and trees installed, 800 cubic yards of hardwood mulch spread, and improvements completed at the Gus S. Wortham Memorial Fountain, Johnny Steele Dog Park, Lost Lake, and the Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area, these spaces are growing greener year after year.
Out on the bayou, BBP’s Waterway Maintenance team removed more than 2,000 cubic yards of trash and debris, preventing it from flowing into the Ship Channel and on to Galveston Bay. Modifications were made to the custom, patent-pending Bayou-
Vac vessel to improve efficiency with debris removal. BBP also began welcoming corporate volunteer groups to take part in our waterway clean up, thanks to seed funding from the Alliance to
End Plastic Waste, and collaborated with Keep Texas Beautiful to study the origin of trash east of downtown that resulted in the installation of a trash gate.
In the aftermath of two significant weather events, the Derecho and Hurricane Beryl, BBP’s staff responded swiftly to ensure public safety, addressing downed trees, damaged amenities, and accumulated debris and silt. Ultimately, BBP removed 190 compromised trees and 850 cubic yards of debris, restoring safe access along the waterway for visitors.
Hands-on stewardship is a way to engage community members from across the city in the natural places we share and enjoy.
BBP’s Volunteer Program welcomed more than 2,500 participants who contributed 7,500 collective hours clearing debris, installing new plants and trees, removing invasive species, and maintaining landscaping. Together with BBP’s staff, volunteers make the spaces along Buffalo Bayou healthier and more welcoming for all.
BBP’s annual Summer Species series of public programs and communications offers another way to convey the importance of
the bayou, its surrounding landscapes, and the flora and fauna that rely on them. 2024 was a-flutter for all things butterflies. Through nature walks, a bilingual field guide, and an educational email series, participants dove deep into the role of these pollinators and learned about actions they can take to preserve habitats and food sources. This year also featured a collection of larger-than-life Monarch butterfly sculptures that floated above a newly established prairie next to Jackson Hill Bridge in Buffalo Bayou Park. Designed by artist Michelle Matthews, the sculptures were paired with fun facts about the life-cycle, migratory patterns, and habitat needs of Monarchs. ⬛
MOMENTS OF COMMUNITY
URBAN
green spaces foster connections between people, nature, and culture. This year, BBP engaged with the community through music, public art, recreation, family festivals, educational offerings, and cultural celebrations.
Thousands of participants got in the groove at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park during Jazzy Sundays in the Parks. Presented by BBP, Discovery Green Conservancy, and Emancipation Park Conservancy, and made possible by the Kinder Foundation, this lively annual series of free performances features local jazz musicians working to preserve the artform.
In the fall, BBP joined with local organizations to host two observances in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The Calmecac Indigenous Organization led a sunrise prayer gathering at Tony Marron Park in the East End, where members honored the Buffalo Nation through traditional song, blessings, offerings of flowers
and herbs, and the ceremonial construction of a tipi. The next day in Buffalo Bayou Park, Xochipilli Collective presented “A Celebration of All Nations” to honor the rich histories, culture, and enduring presence of Indigenous peoples.
BBP’s annual KBR Kids Day returned to Tony Marron Park in October, bringing countless families – and creative costumes – together for a free, fun-filled festival. In addition to a diverse array of partners leading nature-inspired activities, Kids Day also included a special groundbreaking experience to mark the final event at Tony Marron Park before its closure to undergo major enhancements. Children and families were invited to “break ground” together in a larger-than-life sand box. ⬛
DONORS
GENERAL OPERATIONS
$100,000
The Powell Foundation
$11,000-60,000
Ralph B. Abendshein
Ann Blankinship
George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation
Sally and Robert E. Meadows
Neste US, Inc.
Port Houston
The Tapeats Fund
Susan Vaughan Foundation
$1,000-9,999
Susan and Jon Allen
The Gordon A. Cain Foundation
Nicole and Brian Cates
Chevron Matching Employee Funds
Susan Cooley in honor of Sis Johnson
The Crain Foundation
Rachel and Bruce Deskin
Kathryn and Leon de Sousa
Downtown Houston+
Kathryn and Gary Dudley
EarthShare of Texas
David Ellis
Marie Fay and Steve Evnochides
Harriet and Joe Foster Foundation
Goldman, Sachs & Co. Matching
Gift Program
Kay and David Hedges
Gena and Dave Helm
Janet and Fred J. Heyne III
Houck Family Foundation
Houston Arts Alliance
Lee Huber
The Inishfree Fund
Elizabeth Hedden and Gerald Isaac in memory of Edward Fallick
Zach Kaplan in memory of Jake Kosowsky
Katz Coffee
Jan-Claire Phillips and Jerry Kendall
Kathy and Randy Lake
Shelli and Steven Lindley
Robert J. Lorio
Linh Nguyen and Fred Marshall
Dr. Sarah G. Candler and Ted McKenna
Kim Nettles
Jordan and Andrew Olsan in honor of Johnny Steele
Carrie and Al Pepi
Louise and John Joseph Reynolds
Ripple Effect, a Collective Exhibition
Robertson-Finley Foundation
Buffi and Bruce Robinson
Kelly and David Rose
Carrie and Michael St. Croix
Gillian Stude Sarofim
Keith & Mattie Stevenson Foundation
Strake Foundation
Amber Abel Sturrock and George Sturrock
Anne Symonds
Tellepsen in honor of Anne Olson and Ian Rosenberg
Teresa and Michael Thomas Family
Nancy P. Thompson
Kelley and David Tobin
Williams Companies
Teresa and Jimmy Wong Family Foundation
Ellen A. Yarrell
Elizabeth and Barry Young in honor of Max Levit
$100-999
AIG
Julie and William Alford
Mike Aschenbrener
Lori Atkins
Kelsey Baird-Campos
Belinda and Christopher Beale
Joyce Beaugh
Chris Bilton
Dr. Marcia Levetown and Dr. Philip Blum
Claire and Dick Brooks
Derrick Brown
Jereann Chaney
Nell Clingman
Crestwood Garden Club
Carly Cappozzo and Rosemary Cruz
Robert Daniel
Doris A. Dempsey
Jen Morgan and Andrew Donnalley
Linda Shead and Tom Douglas in honor of Anne Olson
BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP REGATTA
On March 23, more than 450 paddlers competed in the 52nd Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta, and this year was a triumphant return to the original 15-mile route! As always, the success of this unique fundraising event was made possible by the enthusiastic paddlers, generous sponsors including Gillman Subaru, and many hardworking volunteers.
Helen and Gary Dowling
Fareed Elhaj
EOG Resources, Inc.
Karen Farber
The Finger Companies
Nelly Moyano Fraga
Deborah Wandel Francis
Cary Carl Fremaux
Rae and Richard Friedman
Joshua P. Galvan
Lucas Garibaldi
Rick Gilpin
Jan Glazner
Larry Goldberg
Claire Goodwin
Cindy Griffin
Rita and Mike Grogan
Sara Renee Hall
Maarit and W. Russell Harp
Wendy Heger
Gail and Mike Hendryx
Minette Heuer in honor of Rev. Holly Heuer
Kate and Joe Hood
Bernadette Feezor and Jeffrey Hopkins
Houston Endowment Inc.
Sarah D. Hufft
Infinity Title
Insperity
Karen and Dallas Ives
Sarah Straub Jakse
Johnson 2010 Management Trust
Carole Johnston
Pat and David Jones
Kendra Scott LLC
Flip Kesicki
COCKTAILS IN BLOOM
The third annual Cocktails in Bloom held on June 4 welcomed nearly 125 BBP supporters to the charming green space of Autry Park, directly across from Buffalo Bayou Park. Signature cocktails and light bites from Monarch Hospitality and Thai Tail were served while pianist and singer Ben Chavez took requests from the crowd for a fun pop-up “piano bar” performance.
Darryl Morrison
Noni and Erik Mrok
Murphy Oil
Elaine J. Matte Mut and Alan D. Mut
Virginia G. Hodge and Bruce F. Nichols
Alexander Ostertag
Chelsea Pacey in honor of Collin Cox
Beth and Joseph Panzarella
Marsha and Charlie Parker in honor of Collin Cox
Erin and Adrian Patterson
Bernadette Payne
Cynthia Pecina
Elena Penso
Natalia Perez
Randall Petrick
Tammira Philippe
Phillips 66
Sarah A. Pledger
Linda Powers
Christina and Tristan Propst
Amy Purvis
Gray Richard
Alona Robinson
Adrienne and Willson Ropp
Ushma Tamboli
Sagnak Tasirlar
Karen Jean Taylor
Tokio Marine
Yvonne Torres
Mary Anne Piacentini and Drexel Turner in honor of
Anne Olson and the terrific staff at BBP
Carla Tyson-Howard
Christopher Jacob Ullrich
Facundo Villarreal
Lisa Jean Vollers
Julie and Chris Wallace
Brenda Williams and William Walvoord
Susan and Terry Wheeler
Kenneth Wiesehuegel
Jo Ann Williams
Kim Rogers Wilson
IN-KIND
Autry Park
Giant Texas Distillery
Anna C. Hazel
Houston Tents & Events
Robert Ketchie
Cindee and Curtis Klement
Kroger
Dr. Julia Lamb
Molly and Duncan Lamme
Lynn Lasiter
Lisa Lee
Virginia Lew
Evan Douglas Lewis
Olivia Djibo and Olivier Lhommet
Lick Ice Cream LLC
Cecilia Ljungberg
LO Architecture
Karl Long
Tiffany Lutz
Erika Madison
Lisa Madry
Edward Main
Shana R. Vaught Mandell
Martha Turner Sotheby’s
International Realty
Mary Matl
Leigh McBurnett
Sandra McCoy
Kelsey and Colin McCulley
Jessica and Ross McFall
Tiffany McMillan in memory of
Kay Maxwell
McNeill Charitable Foundation
Anne Mendelsohn
Dawna and Tom Menges
MHH Contractors LLC
Rachelle Mian
Jacob Miley
Patricia Hunt and Joseph Milton
Mark Andrew Morris
Ginger Clarkson and Dr. Mark Ryan
Alicia A. Sanchez
Sempra LNG
Shell Oil Company Foundation
Matching Gifts Program
Bill Shirley
Dan Silvestri
Ellen C.L. Simmons
Gina Sitaraman
Janet and H.J. Springer
Nicholas Stillman
Adrienne and William Stokes
McKinsey & Company
Mendocino Farms
Monarch Hospitality
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Thai Tail
Tipsy Treats
BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP
REGATTA
MARCH 23, 2024
$20,000-25,000
Gillman Subaru
Subaru of America, Inc. Share the Love Campaign
$1,250-5,000
BKO Services
DCCM
The Fay School
Freese and Nichols
Marie Louise and David Kinder
Page
Pate Garver
PND Engineers
SWCA Environmental Consultants
$100-500
Brazos Valley Chapter NSDAR
Jonathan Denning
Kimberly and Bradley Dennison
Gaynell Floyd Drexler
Local Foods
Brian Marino
Pape-Dawson Engineers
Glorria J. Silverman
Elizabeth D. Williams
Bob Wright
IN-KIND
Bubbl’r
Harris County Flood Control District
Harris County Office of Homeland
Security & Emergency
Management AUXCOMM Group
Harris County Precinct 4
Houston Parks & Recreation Department
Katz Coffee
Mendocino Farms
Raising Cane’s
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Snooze A.M. Eatery
TEXSAR
Turtlebox
US Army Corps of Engineers
Watertight Cocktails
KBR KIDS DAY
OCTOBER 19, 2024
$15,000-50,000
H-E-B
KBR
$2,500-5,000
Conely Foundation
McDonald’s Houston
IN-KIND
365 Things to Do in Houston
Houston Family Magazine
Houston Parks & Recreation Department
BUFFALO BAYOU
PARTNERSHIP GALA
NOVEMBER 7, 2024
$10,000-25,000
Julie and Seth Barrett
Irene and Brian Binash
Mary Ellen and Will Bos
Polly and Murry Bowden
Canterbury Family Foundation
Mike Garver
H-E-B
Julie Peak and David Hightower
Hines
Sis and Hasty Johnson
Emily Keeton
Kinder Foundation
Marie Louise and David Kinder
Amy and Gentry Lee
Kim and Scott Martin
John P. McGovern Foundation
Cabrina and Steven Owsley
Susan and Renato Pereira
Monica and Bradley Radoff
Beth Robertson
Anne Whitlock and Michael Skelly
Meg and Dick Weekley
$2,500-6,500
Chinhui Juhn and Edward Allen III
Asakura Robinson
Lisa Young and Matthew Assiff
Ann and Tom Bastian
BoyarMiller
Camden
Gayl and Chuck Carlberg
The Chapman Family
Evans and Charlie Christ
Cathy and Joe Cleary
Wendy and Shawn W. Cloonan
Concept Neighborhood
Carrin Patman and Jim Derrick
Virginia Hoops and Lee Doggett
Gaynell Floyd Drexler
Anne S. Duncan
East River
Pepper and Ashley Edens
Clayton and Shel Erikson
Estrada Hinojosa
Shari and Tom Fish
The Goodman Corporation
Guy Hagstette
Ann Lents and David Heaney
Houston Landing
Shelley and Billy Iglesias
Kellie Jenks
Katherine and Stewart Jones
Cornelia C. Long
Michele and Paul Marvin
Catherine and Matt Matthews
April and Wells McGee
Moffatt & Nichol
Alisha N. Nathoo
John L. Nau III
Roxann and Tim Neumann
Traci and Drew Pelter
Port Houston
Winifred and Carleton Riser
Sharon and Carlos Ruiz
Leigh and Reggie Smith
Mary Martha and Joel Staff
Johnny Steele
Courtney and Doug Swanson
The Allen/Thompson Houston
Kelley and Harper Trammell
UTHealth Houston
Kara Kinder Vidal and Ulises Vidal
Walter P Moore
Luvi and Carlos Wheelock
Laura and William M. Wheless IV
Sallie and Bob Wright
Liz and Andrew Ziccardi
$1,000-2,499
Barbara Amelio
Arthur J. Gallagher
Veronica and John Avila
Bellows Construction
Nancy Glass and John Belmont
Ann Blankinship
Elizabeth Bowes
Kristy and Chris Bradshaw in honor of Monica and Brad Radoff
Marlo and David Bruce
Kristen and David Buck
Mallory and Kendall Carew
Harvey Clemons
Kari Dagley
Kerry and William Dampier
Kim and Joe Dang
Caroline and Mark Dannenbaum
Richard P. Dawson
Gayle and Bob Eury
Cece and Mack Fowler
Frost Bank
Jo and Jim Furr
Julianne and Jim Gable
Gillman Automotive Group
Jill Smith Graff and Wooch Graff
Stephen Hillier
Houston First Corporation
HR&A Advisors
Stacy and Scott Humphries in honor of Michele Marvin
Joe Isbell
Jenny and Mark Johnson
JPMorgan Private Bank
Allyson and Andy Kopel
Victoria and David Lanza
Danielle and Darrell Maudlin
Lainie Gordon and David Mincberg
Lauren and Jordan Mintz
Ginni and Richard Mithoff
Molly and Andrew Montgomery
Sara and Bill Morgan in honor of
Marie Louise and David Kinder
Moss Lake Partners
Katy and Sam Murray
Cullen and Robert Muse
Charlene and Chuck Nickson
Judy and Scott Nyquist
Anne and Tom Olson
Kelly Apple and Jason Orsak
Trey Peacock
Fletcher Phillips
Amy Purvis
Robert Rinaldi
Beth and Chase Robison
Edwin Rumsey
Kara and Dax Sanders in honor of Barretts and Kinders
Mary Eliza and Park Shaper
Barbara and Tom Solis
SWA Group
Jennifer and Tadd Tellepsen
Phoebe and Bobby Tudor
Sydnee Lucas and Kiko Velez
Elizabeth and Joe Walsh
Lea Weingarten
Polly and Jeff Whittle
Christine and Blake Williams
Carla Williamson
Geraldina I. and Scott W. Wise
Lorraine Wulfe
$100-999
Linda and Narin Apisarnthanarax
Leslie Garcia Ashby
Sheri and Camp Bailey
Tiffany N. Baird
Sanjay Bapat
Minnette and Peter Boesel
Claire P. Caudill
Brandon Cofield
Sheila M. Condon
Allyson and Steve Cook
CSF Consulting LP
Sharon R. Cunningham
Jerry Davis
Marsha Dodson
The Fairbanks Family
Bolivar “Bo” M. Fraga
Katharine Barthelme Frank in honor of Marie Louise and David Kinder
Patricia González
Jill and Scott Holstead
Nancy and Carrick Inabnett
Mary Hinojosa Kelly and Bill Kelly
Ann and Thomas R. Kelsey
David Brantley and Samir Khushalani
Dillon Kyle and Sam Lasseter
Tara McNeill
Steven Murray
Vladimir Naranjo - PMG
Northwest Construction Group
Jennifer Palermo
Edmund Xavier Ramirez
Buffi and Bruce Robinson
Betsy and Todd Siff in honor of
Marie Louise and David Kinder
José Solís
Hanson Yates
BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP GALA
Over 450 guests participated in our annual gala held in Buffalo Bayou Park on November 7, many wearing the suggested sneaker chic attire. Co-chaired by Julie and Seth Barrett and Marie Louise and David Kinder, pictured above with BBP President Anne Olson, the evening celebrated Belonging on the Bayou and supported our organization’s ongoing work to create and steward a dynamic green space network along the city’s signature waterway.
IN-KIND
Any Occasion Tents & Events
Bergner & Johnson Design
City of Houston
City Kitchen Catering
Giant Texas Distillery
H-E-B
Houston First Corporation
Houston Parks & Recreation Department
LD Systems
Total Wine & More
Wholesale Gardens
MEMBERSHIP
$500-2,500
Mary and Martin Beirne
Diane and Greg Bennett
Marcha Donna Thomas-Blades and Ray Anthony Blades
Vivian Ho and Richard Boylan
Margaret Culbertson
Kimberly and Bradley Dennison
C.C. and Duke Ensell
Stacey Gillman
Jennifer Granchi
Mary Ann and Mark Miller
Carol and Cliff Pearson
Kristen and Carlo Pippolo
Patti Lennon-Potter and Bruce Potter
Jennifer Smith and Peter Ragauss
Margaret Rochs
Shirley Bludau and Mike Grimes
Tami A. Grubb
BJ Gill and Robby Guthart
Laura and Steve Jones
Grant Keener
Rose Kreditor
Meredith and Landon Kruse
Kathy and Randy Lake
Stephanie and Richard Langenstein
Cheryl and Jim Lerdal
Claire and Andy Madden
Teresa J. McCanlies
Jennifer and Ben McClure
Nathalie Phlips and Hugh Spinks
Brenda Williams and William Walvoord
$75-499
Mona Sarkiss and Omar Aboudaher
Cheryl Huffman and Amer Ahmed
Brian Alcott
Deanna Alexander
Carmen Alliston
Christine Smith Andrews
Eva E. Archer-Smith and James Aylward
Jessica Correll
Michael L. Cox
Joseph Crawford
Carly Cappozzo and Rosemary Cruz
Katherine Culbert
Vianne de Young
Nasreen and Rasheed Dhuka
Arianna DiFilippo
Emily Coalson and John Dilger
Joshua Dubach
Allyn and Cliff Dukes
Marjorie Eisen
Susan and John Entwistle
Shelby Bandy de Espinoza and Enrique Espinoza
Andrea and David Faulkinberry
Kenny and Chad Flora-Mauk
Kjerstin E. Barley
Mrs. Brittney Dixon-Bello and Dr. Oyewale Bello
Mayuri Bhakta
Peter Bhatia
Brandy Botter
Bess Bright
Katherine and Christian Brock
Janet Diaz and Toby Brown
Carol and Gary Bucek
Maria and Paul Burdick
Lynn Carpenter
Leslie and Jim Casey
Peter Cayea
Bree Bridger and Richard Chantlos
Libby and Mitch Cheney
Henrietta Childers
Dana and Jeff Clary
Susan Cochran
Stephen Fox
Kimberly and Michael Gapinski
William Lee Gay
Jeanette Gilbreath
Claire Goodwin and Straton Gill
Janice Gorman
Karen Grubbs
Mary and Rick Hecksel
Mónica and Justin Hicks
David D. Guetzow and Steve Hollowell
Paul G. Homeyer
Jeffrey D. Hopkins
Seth Hopkins
Olivia and Sean Howard
Meera Jagannathan
Cathy and Joseph Jankovic
Joan and Richard Jennings
Pat and David Jones
Karina Karakus
Mary Hinojosa Kelly and Bill Kelly
Mary Choroszy and Mark Kelly
Patty Kleinknecht
MEMBERS AND PATRONS
Throughout 2024, BBP Members enjoyed special opportunities in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, sunset and birding boat tours, happy hours, and VIP treatment at Jazzy Sundays. In addition to unique perks from community partners around town, members mingled with creatives and nature lovers alike at the opening reception of Ripple Effect an art show fundraiser organized by Anna Hazel.
Roksan Okan-Vick and James Vick
Leslie Field and Morris Weiner
Erin Werner
Matthew Wilson
Jennifer R. Wittman
Justin Young
Grace Yung
Pascale Rucker and Jeff Ziga
Matthew Dernoga and Jeremy Kubicek
Mary Mikell Lampton
Lauren Lawson
Desiree Howell and Corey Lazaruk
Kayla and Jim Lehmann
Michael Lew
Amy and Alan Lindsey
Alisa Lipski
Annette Lista
Marilyn C. Long and Billie F. Long
Zena Majdalani
Carolie E. Martin
Deborah Martin
Jerson Martinez
Laura Devitt and Steve Massad
Sandra McCoy
Lenee and Jeff McDonald
Brian McGehee
Susan and Bill McMillian
Maritza Mejía
Rachelle Mian
Caitlin Monteith
Julia Morgan
Kirsten Conrad and Michael Moritz
Elizabeth Casey and Ryan Mueller
Jennifer Murray
Mindy Travillian and Ivan Musser
Mila and Chris Neal
Vivian and Kevin Nguyen
Tommy Nguyen
Kendall and Jacob Nunez
Anne and Tom Olson
Cheri Outler
Christa Clarke and Jacob Owolabi
Laura Oren and Bruce Palmer
Terri Patton
Brian Peterson
Roxanne Plasencia
Esther and Gary Polland
Jil and John Pollock
Darryl Herzik and Armin Porter
Lara and Jim Powers
Laura Ramos
Kyla and Matthew Ray
Rodney Ray
Louise and John Reynolds
Thomas Ristevski
Allison Rosen
Rebecca Rush
Susan Skipp and Ergün Sahin
Stephanie Samuels
Kathryn Sanders
Susanna Schmidt
Beth and Michael Schneider
Holly Heuer and Peter Schneider
Rebecca Estrada and Craig Schofer
Aimee Seahorn and Christal Seahorn
Heather Brown and Henry Segelke
Sara Speer Selber
David Senter
Julie Shockley
Diedre A. Stern
Mika Stepankiw
Cathy Troisi and Ric Stoll
MaryLou Swift
Emily Talbott
Ushma Tamboli
Kelly Holcomb and Zachary Taylor
Jarrod Thompson
Mary and Keith Thompson
Susan Thompson
Rita and Bill Timmons
Babs Townsley
Julia Pena and Natalie Tran
Carla Tyson-Howard
$2,770,000
Downtown Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ #3
$10,000-32,000
AIG
Bosch Community Fund
Enbridge
GID Urban Development Group
Emily Keeton
Susan Keeton
Motiva Enterprises LLC
Neste US, Inc.
The Wortham Foundation, Inc.
$1,000-5,000
Anonymous in memory of Boris Guz
EarthShare of Texas
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
The Garden Club of Houston
Glenfarne Companies/EnfraGen
Hilton Global Foundation
Sis and Hasty Johnson
Leeward Renewable Energy Development
Cheryl and Jim Lerdal
BUFFALO BAYOU PARK
Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.
Palm Valley Lutheran Church
Deborah J. Selden and Bruce Penny in honor of Jan and Fred A. Simpson
Jaime Segura in memory of Boris Guz
United by Blue
Woodside Energy
$250-999
Advanced Micro Devices
Comerica
Episcopal High School
Guy Hagstette
Heather Hinzie
Rice University
Apoorva Sharma
Shell Oil Company Foundation
Matching Gifts Program
Geri L. Wood
Yale University
IN-KIND
Apache Corporation
Catherine and Matt Matthews
$3,500-10,000
Jereann Chaney
Judy and Scott Nyquist
Vivian L. Smith Foundation
IN-KIND
!Que Onda!
HIKE AND BIKE TRAILS
$100-1,000
Anonymous in honor of
Michele Nezi Marvin
Barbara Cooney
Jacqueline and Robert Gates
Laura Lambert
Dr. Brendan and Maria Lee
Shirley and Greg Rosin
WATERWAY MAINTENANCE
$434,000
Harris County Flood Control District
$30,000-75,000
Cheniere
CITGO
Port Houston
$5,000-15,000
Alliance to End Plastic Waste
Dow Company Foundation
Orsted
Redwood Capital Management
SM Energy
TPC Group
PUBLIC ART/PROGRAMMING
$35,000-80,000
John R. Eckel, Jr. Foundation
Houston Arts Alliance
KBR
The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation
$250-2,500
Braskem America, Inc.
Chris Foyt
Lisa Lee
Audrey and Robb Moses in honor of Mike Garver
Plastics Industry Association
Tricon Energy, Inc.
Shell Oil Company Foundation
Matching Gifts Program
Nancy and John Youens
BUFFALO BAYOU EAST
$2,500,000
Garver/Black/Hilyard Family Foundation
$850,000
The Fondren Foundation
$30,000-200,000
Hobby Family Foundation
Radoff Family
Tellepsen
Trees for Houston
IN-KIND
Amandes PLLC
Kinder Foundation
By 2032, Buffalo Bayou Partnership and its partners will realize the Buffalo Bayou East 10-Year Plan, bringing parks, trails, bayou-crossing bridges, affordable housing, cultural destinations, and infrastructure improvements to the Greater East End and Fifth Ward. This visionary plan is made possible by a $100 million catalyst gift from the Kinder Foundation to Buffalo Bayou Partnership, which leveraged significant public support from Harris County and the City of Houston, including Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone funds.
Donors listed include gifts and pledges of $100 or more made during the fiscal year January 1 to December 31, 2024. Commitments are recognized in full at the time of the pledge. Every effort was made to ensure that the information published is accurate and reflects the requests of individual donors. Should you wish to report a concern regarding information listed, please email giving@buffalobayou.org.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Prepaid expenses and other receivables
Contributions receivable
Endowment investments
Property, net
Note receivable
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Construction payable
Deferred revenue
Deferred land lease
Note payable
Deferred payment loan
TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS
Without donor restrictions With donor restrictions TOTAL NET ASSETS as of December 31, 2024
$ 1,544,492 2,837,212 471,410 1,430,769 2,304,871 9,950,000 $ 18,538,754 $ 35,445,303 73,139,564 $ 108,584,867
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 127,123,621
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
REVENUE
Fees and program revenues:
Contract service fees
Park rentals and fees
Contributions:
Nonfinancial assets
Other
Special events
Cost of direct donor benefits
Investment income
Other income
EXPENSES
Buffalo Bayou development, maintenance, programming
Management and general Fundraising
TOTAL EXPENSES
OTHER CHANGES
Donation
TOTAL REVENUE
Redesignation and transfers
Net assets released from donor restrictions
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
Changes
Net
TOTAL
TOTAL $ 20,451,148 772,462 440,355 $ 21,663,965 0 (1,189,911) 0 10,227,220 98,357,647 $ 108,584,867 as of December 31, 2024
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Gaynell Floyd Drexler
VICE CHAIR
David Ott, Jr.
TREASURER
Kellie R. Jenks
SECRETARY
Andrew P. Ziccardi
Ralph Abendshein
Andrea Alexander
Matthew J. Assiff
Veronica Avila
Chris Bilton
Harvey Clemons Jr.
Brandon Cofield, Sr.
Jerry Davis
Richard P. Dawson
Zion Escobar
Bolivar M. Fraga
Louis Girard
Lisa Helfman
Emily Keeton
Mary Hinojosa Kelly
Samir Khushalani
Marie Louise Kinder
Catherine Adams Matthews
Alisha N. Nathoo
Judy Nyquist
Erin Patterson
Monica Hoz de Vila Radoff
Frem Reggie
Carlos A. Ruiz
Anne Whitlock
Geraldina Interiano Wise
CHAIRS EMERITUS
Toni Beauchamp*
Chuck Carlberg
Brady F. Carruth
Shawn W. Cloonan
Collin J. Cox
Thomas Fish
Mike Garver
Dennis Greer
Artie Lee Hinds*
Sis Johnson
Susan Keeton*
Dr. Manuel Pacheco
Bob Phillips
F. Max Schuette*
Raymond Snokhous*
Jeff Taylor
Georgia Wilson
*Deceased
EX-OFFICIO
Mayor John Whitmire
City of Houston
Judge Lina Hidalgo Harris County
Kenneth Allen
Houston Parks and Recreation Department
Loren J. Blanchard, Ph.D. University of Houston-Downtown
Commissioner Lesley Briones Harris County Precinct Four
Allen Douglas Downtown Redevelopment Authority
Commissioner Rodney Ellis Harris County Precinct One
Erik A. Eriksson Port Houston
Commissioner Adrian Garcia
Harris County Precinct Two
Roksan Okan-Vick, FAIA
Houston First
Jennifer Ostlind
City of Houston Planning and Development Department
Tina Petersen, Ph.D, P.E.
Harris County Flood Control District
Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey, P.E.
Harris County Precinct Three
STAFF
as of December 31, 2024
ADMINISTRATION
Anne Olson
President
August Bishop
Membership and Special Events Manager
Karla Camacho
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Lesley Eiermann
Landscape Project Manager
Karen Farber
Vice President of External Affairs
Caitlin Ferrell
Marketing and Communications Manager
Baldemar Gonzalez
Senior Project Manager
Rosi Gutierrez
Controller
Lydia Hall
Accounting Assistant
Rebecca Leija
Database and Office Coordinator
Michele Nezi Marvin
Vice President of Finance and Administration
Leigh McBurnett
Vice President of Development
Ian Rosenberg
Senior Vice President of Capital
Projects and Planning
Trudi Smith
Director of Programming
José Solís
Project Manager
Nat Wanissorn-Schyma
Capital Projects Associate
WATERWAY MAINTENANCE
Robby Robinson
Field Operations Manager
Brett Farley
Field Operations Mechanic
Ned McQuarn
Field Operations Technician
David Rivers
Field Operations Foreman
Roberto Ruiz
Field Operations Technician
BUFFALO BAYOU PARK
Joe Rodriguez Park Director
Jose Armas Weekend Operations Supervisor
Toni Estrada Office Manager
Donna Irwin Horticulturalist
Steve Parker Volunteer Coordinator
Jeff Parkinson
Zone Supervisor
Alvaro Rangel
Zone Supervisor
Florensio Tijerina
Zone Supervisor
CONSERVATION
Iris Chavez
Conservation Technician
Jessica Henson
Conservation Technician
VENUE & VISITOR SERVICES
Alison Duran
Venue and Visitor Services Supervisor
Luis Flores Alejandre Cistern Attendant
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
Daniel Campa
Charles Chatman
Matthew Guerrero
Isaias Guerrero-Ramirez
Juan Hernandez
Silvestre Lopez
Martin Manzo
David Mayberry
Mustaq Mohammed
Frank Moreno
Alberto Sanchez Abraham Villa
Lucy Briand Venue Coordinator
Misael Calderon Cistern Attendant
Rosemarie Croll Cistern Coordinator
Adriana Marquez Morales Cistern Attendant
Joaquin Reyes Cistern Attendant
Marcela Strane Cistern Attendant
Austin Warren
Visitor Services Coordinator
Irmi Willcockson
Visitor Services Coordinator
MISSION VISION
Buffalo Bayou Partnership creates and stewards welcoming parks, trails, and unique spaces, connecting Houstonians with our city’s most significant natural waterway.
We envision Buffalo Bayou as a unifying and transformative force for Houston.
IMAGE CREDITS
Aurora Picture Show
Trish Badger
Dean Digamon
Nicki Evans
Lawrence Elizabeth Knox
Meridith Kohut
1019 Commerce Street
Suite 200
Houston, Texas 77002
Daniel Ortiz
Anthony Rathbun
Melissa Taylor
Ezra Wube
Zainob+Mathew Create
713.752.0314
buffalobayou.org
@buffalobayou
GROWTH INSPIRATION STEWARDSHIP COMMUNITY
buffalobayou.org