Restoration of the Wilderness Area by Mac Woodward

Mac Woodward, SHMM Museum Director
November 2012



The drought of last year took its toll on the Museum grounds. Especially hard hit was the area between the Steamboat House and the Walker Education Center. This “wilderness” area is important to the park’s beauty and diversity. Over the years the paths have been lost to time and undergrowth and invasive species including bamboo and ligustrum have taken over much of the area. The loss of pines, oaks and cypresses presents a great opportunity to restore this area.

As much as we are focused on the care and preservation of historic buildings and collections, we are very much aware that our grounds too are historic. As a small piece of the original Houston Homestead, their use has evolved over the years. Today this special oasis serves as a place for many opportunities, weddings, reunions, and picnics, a quiet study place for students, tours, and last but certainly not least Lake Oolooteka, the “Duck Pond.” The ducks and chickens on our staff love each and every visitor and event. It is very clear that we restore and preserve our wooded space.

Under the supervision of our able bodied Factotum, Peter Grivich, a plan is being developed. David Zellar, from the City of Huntsville, and our neighbor, George Russell, are assisting with formulating the how-to of cleaning and restoring the wooded area. At this time the first step will be to remove all the dead trees and brush. Once this is done our team will have a better idea of the extent of the invasive species that will be removed and what and where to replant. The goal is to introduce native trees such as pine, cypress, oaks and native grasses as would have been around during Sam Houston’s time.

We are also excited about uncovering and restoring the stone bridge and paths through this area. These date back over seventy years to the time of the construction of the wall along 19th Street. We still will retain the terrain, but, allow for better drainage from Russellville. Once all the cleaning is done the “Wilderness Trail” to and from the Walker Education Center will be rehabilitated.

It is also just as important to decide the where to plant, as what trees and plants are selected. This will be the time for our consultants to step forward and give good advice. Just like the area around the Woodland Home and Steamboat House, we want the wilderness area to be just as attractive and enjoyable in its own way.
Do not expect this to happen overnight. This will be in phases, tackling different areas one at a time in a grid like configuration. This process will extend over a period of time to accommodate the museum’s visitors and needs and to minimize the threat of erosion.

Look for our progress along 19th Street after the first of the year. The Sam Houston Memorial Museum appreciates the assistance and advice of David and George. And, as always, the Museum thanks the community for their support for the past 100 years.

The remainder of the grounds will continue to be maintained and available, so we invite everyone to come and enjoy, dawn to dusk, free of charge. It belongs to you. After all, we at the Museum know we honor the most important figure in Texas History, so why not be the best we can be.