Harris County Precinct 4 Parks Recognized as a Regional Model for Innovative Educational Experiences
Harris County Precinct 4 Parks Department has been honored with top recognition in the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s (H-GAC) 2025 Parks and Natural Areas Awards. This prestigious accolade highlights the precinct’s dedication to transforming green spaces into immersive educational environments, reinforcing its role as a leader in community-based environmental education and conservation.
A Commitment to Transformative Learning in Nature
Precinct 4 earned this distinction for its dynamic and interactive programming at Kleb Woods Nature Preserve, John Paul Landing Environmental Education Center, Mary Jo Peckham Park, and Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza Park North. Each of these locations offers unique, hands-on learning experiences designed to engage people of all ages in sustainability, history, conservation, and ecology.
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“Our parks and trails are more than green spaces—they're community classrooms,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones, who represents Harris County on the H-GAC General Assembly and Board of Directors. “Through hands-on education and sustainability initiatives, Precinct 4 is setting a new standard for connecting people to nature, wellness, and a better quality of life. I am incredibly grateful to H-GAC for this recognition of our hard-working parks team members who execute with excellence every day.”
Award-Winning Educational Programming
Since 2006, the H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas Awards have recognized outstanding park projects in four categories: Projects Over $500,000, Projects Under $500,000, Planning Process/Policy Tools, and Programming. The H-GAC is a regional planning organization that serves 13 counties in the Houston-Galveston area of Texas. It is a voluntary association of local governments that works on regional planning, economic development, transportation, public safety, environmental resources, and disaster preparedness.
Harris County Precinct 4 received recognition at the H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas Awards Ceremony The programs at Precinct 4’s parks aim to inspire curiosity, promote sustainability, and foster a deeper connection with the natural world.
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John Paul Landing Environmental Education Center: Hosts interactive science programs for students, ecosystem exhibits, and birding workshops, emphasizing the park’s role in flood mitigation and wildlife conservation.
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Kleb Woods Nature Preserve: Provides historical and environmental education, including guided nature hikes, birdwatching sessions, and history tours exploring Elmer Kleb’s legacy and regional ecological shifts.
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Mary Jo Peckham Park: Offers youth fishing clinics, adaptive recreation activities, and environmental awareness programs, making outdoor engagement accessible for all ages and abilities.
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Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza Park North: Features educational events on urban ecology and migratory bird habitats, raising community awareness of local environmental challenges.
Inspiring Future Generations Through Environmental Engagement
Precinct 4’s innovative approach is driven by passionate park naturalists and dedicated volunteers, ensuring that visitors gain practical knowledge and appreciation for environmental stewardship.
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“This award underscores the importance of providing constituents with a diverse array of educational programs focused on nature and history throughout Precinct 4. We are honored by this recognition,” said Ashley DeLeon, Programs Assistant Superintendent of Parks, Harris County Precinct 4. “We hope our work inspires others to implement similar programs in their communities. Thank you to all the volunteers, partner organizations, and program participants who have joined us along this journey.”
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
