BACKGROUND: With the assistance of local, regional and federal partners in the coastal region of Gulf-Houston, Texas, Houston Wilderness (HW) created the Riverine Targeted-Use-of-Buyouts (TUBs) Program to meet a regional need for large-scale nature-based infrastructure (NBI) on contiguous FEMA-qualified public buyout properties bordering numerous riparian corridors. Through collaboration with public landowners, HW implements targeted native large-scale tree plantings and native grass bioswale installations on these large buyout properties, with the assistance of a corporate/organizational volunteer network, and funding from private and public sources.

Additionally, the Riverine TUBs Program has created a Best Management Practices (BMPs) document for native grass bioswales that federal, state and local agencies can use to advise application of NBI techniques along other riparian corridors (see below). NBI enhancements and monitoring activities conducted through the TUBs Program help mitigate flooding, improve water and air quality and benefit surrounding communities.

Map of Targeted Riverine TUBs Locations in Harris County

The Riverine TUBs Program has created a Best Management Practices (BMPs) document for native grass bioswales and wetland restoration areas that federal, state and local agencies can use to advise application of NBI techniques along other riparian corridors. NBI enhancements and monitoring activities conducted through the TUBs Program will help mitigate flooding, improve water and air quality and benefit at-risk and EJ communities.