HELP US PROTECT OUR LAND AND FUTURE - Stop the Scarborough Development!
Cypress Trails Ranch
At Cypress Trails Ranch, we have always believed that the land tells the story. Our horses carry riders across miles of beautiful, natural trails of the Harris County Greenway, and they also carry us through areas that remind us just how powerful water can be.
We have seen firsthand what flooding does to this region. Since 1974 (52 years), our ranch has survived 12 high-water episodes documented since 1984. That year, my horse and I were washed into flood waters trying to rescue our precious dog. I was a good swimmer, but was shocked by the ferocity and strength of floodwaters. Since then, I have stupidly found myself stranded and fought my way through flood waters to safety twice more. A third time, I was rescued by boat after clinging to a fence line for 5 hours. I know flood waters personally.
The area surrounding Cypress Creek, Spring Creek, and the San Jacinto River is not just scenic; it is one of the most flood-prone regions in the entire Houston area. Experts and flood planners have spent years studying this watershed, working to reduce flooding risks given its growing vulnerability. It's no secret that flood events are primarily influenced by the continuous tree cutting and development that has taken place in the Greater Houston area.
Now, one of the last great natural land masses, a proposed 5,300+ acre development, right in this floodplain, upstream of Lake Houston, threatens to undo that progress.
Hydrologists warn that developing this land could dramatically increase downstream flooding, described as “aiming a fire hose” directly at communities like Humble and Kingwood.
When natural floodplains are replaced with roads, rooftops, and concrete, the land loses its ability to absorb water. That water has to go somewhere, and it goes downstream, faster and stronger, putting people, homes, families, animals, and businesses at greater risk. This land is on the North Bank of Spring Creek, right at Jessie Jones Park. An amazing park of horse, bike, and hiking trails that already suffers from annual high water storms, but will be substantially more threatened with the loss of 5,300+ acres on the same waterway.
For us at Cypress Trails Ranch, this is personal.
This is a critical moment for our entire North Houston community.
