New Boardwalk and Mural Unveiled at Kleb Woods Nature Preserve Following Public-Private Collaboration
A fresh path forward is taking root at Kleb Woods Nature Preserve. Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones joined residents and community leaders to celebrate the unveiling of a newly rebuilt boardwalk and a vibrant, community-centered mural at the beloved 133.5-acre preserve located in northwest Harris County. The project comes on the heels of recent storm damage, made possible by a fast-acting partnership between local nonprofit Precinct4Forward and solar energy company X-ELIO.
The revitalized boardwalk was more than just a necessary repair—it became an opportunity to build back stronger, smarter, and more sustainably. Thanks to a generous donation from X-ELIO, the project was able to utilize upgraded, flood-resistant lumber and implement critical design improvements.
“The boardwalk here allows visitors to access a very immersive part of the park,” said Kendra Kocab, manager of Kleb Woods Nature Preserve. “The previous boardwalk was originally built through a series of Eagle Scout projects and had aged over time. It was also too low, which meant during heavy rain events, water would often flow right over it. We raised it by six inches, widened it by two feet, and removed a sharp curve to allow easier access for our maintenance vehicles.”
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Surrounded by loblolly pines, live oak, green ash, and pond-dwelling cypress trees, the boardwalk meanders through one of the preserve’s most picturesque and peaceful areas. “It’s far enough from the center that you really feel one with the woods—you might even spot a pileated woodpecker or a great horned owl while you're out here,” Kocab added.
As a companion to the new trail, local artist Elizabeth Umanzor was commissioned to design and paint a new outdoor mural near the Nature Center. The artwork, funded through a $7,110 contract with Harris County Precinct 4, is part of a broader effort to revitalize the community and promote civic pride through beautification and creative engagement. The mural aims to enhance the visitor experience while aligning with Harris County’s strategic goals around green space improvement and economic development.
The mural is more than just decoration—it’s a symbol of how public-private partnerships can enhance community infrastructure while uplifting local artists. Harris County officials emphasized that projects like this foster civic engagement and promote economic revitalization through both environmental stewardship and cultural investment.
The project was part of X-ELIO’s larger “Community & Nature Plan Program,” an initiative launched alongside its new Liberty Energy Project—a combined solar and battery storage facility in Dayton, Texas. That facility, now operational, will help power BASF’s Freeport operations with 100% renewable energy. In addition to the Kleb Woods boardwalk, X-ELIO has also supported other community initiatives like Liberty’s Dwelling Garden and infrastructure upgrades at the Liberty Food Bank.
“This boardwalk is a shining example of how collaboration delivers real results for Harris County families and protects our green spaces,” said Commissioner Briones. “We’re grateful to X-ELIO and Precinct4Forward for their investment in the community.”
The Kleb Woods Nature Preserve continues to serve as a vital environmental and educational resource for the community. In addition to its nearly 4 miles of trails, the preserve offers wetlands, picnic areas, Scout camping, and educational programs including birding trips, farm tours, and history classes. It also hosts signature events such as the Hummingbird Festival each September and “Diggin’ Old Stuff” in November.
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Thanks to the quick action and teamwork behind the scenes, families, birders, students, and nature-lovers can once again enjoy the full breadth of experiences Kleb Woods has to offer—now with a safer, stronger boardwalk beneath their feet and an inspiring mural to greet them at the trailhead.
For information on visiting Kleb Woods Nature Preserve or volunteering, residents can visit the Precinct 4 Parks website. The Nature Center and farmhouses are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trail maps and educational program schedules are available onsite.
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.
