June 2018
Greetings!

If any of us began to succumb to the temptation of relaxing during this hurricane season, this week's rainstorms reminded us of the need to stay vigilant.

As your county commissioner, I work to ensure we improve our community’s resilience to flooding and never lose sight of our area’s heightened flood risk.

The worst flood event in North American history showed us our current flood-control system must be more resilient. Drainage projects without a master plan are no longer enough to keep our community safe. We need an integrated approach that addresses projects in all of Harris County’s watersheds and funding to implement this plan. With voter approval, we hope to accomplish this goal using bond funds.

In response to the upcoming bond election on Aug. 25, the county shall host a series of informational meetings on proposed flood control projects to gather input on how these projects affect residents. I encourage you to read more about these meetings and learn how they may affect your area. You can find an informative article explaining the county’s watershed system in this edition of E-Corner.  

In the meantime, enjoy the programs we have planned for you this summer. Read about Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve’s family camp out in June, and click through the grand opening photos of Mercer’s new Children’s Garden. 

As a reminder, you can access past issues of Commissioner's E-Corner  on the  Precinct 4 website.   Visit Precinct 4 online to learn more about our road projects and upcoming events available through our community centers, parks department, and Senior Adult Program.
Harris Co. Precinct 4 logo - R. Jack Cagle, Commissioner
 
Featured Articles
Children's Garden Now Open at Mercer Botanic Gardens

Children now have their own space to explore at Mercer Botanic Gardens!

Think you’ve spotted a giant rosemary turtle? Or, maybe a fish leaping from the sand? You’re not seeing things. Mercer’s new Children’s Garden is bursting with imagination. 

Look for familiar animal shapes among the plant zoo, and experience the softness of the aptly named lamb’s ear plant in the sensory garden. Do the plants look a little dry in the summer heat? Head to the water feature and fill up a bucket to water the plants.

This long-awaited addition is not only a fun, colorful place for children to explore, but it also plays an essential role in Mercer’s educational programming. Visit the garden anytime during Mercer’s regular operating hours. Make sure to check out Mercer’s program schedule for children’s programming in the garden. Before you visit, check out photos of the new garden here .
Flood Control District Receives Federal Funding for Home Buyouts

Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) recently announced it will receive $25.6 million in federal funding to begin buyouts of homes identified to have a significant flood risk.

With the current funding and an $8.6 million required local match, the Flood Control District estimates it will be able to purchase approximately 169 homes.

Why Your Watershed Matters

When it comes to knowing your flood risk, your watershed may matter more than you think. All the rain that falls in your watershed heads to a common waterway through a system of bayous, tributaries, and streams. 

Problems occur when any waterway, basin, or reservoir in the system becomes overwhelmed. During Harvey, record-breaking rain overwhelmed drainage systems throughout the region, causing widespread flooding.

Jr. Ranger Camp Open for Registration

Children ages 10 to 13 are invited to become a park ranger this summer during Jr. Ranger Camp Monday, July 16 through Friday, July 20 at Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve.

Learn all about area wildlife, the ecosystem, and local conservation efforts in this one-week day camp led by Precinct 4 Parks Department staff. 

Capital Improvement Projects

Looking for road updates in your neighborhood?

Harris County Precinct 4’s Capital Improvement Projects division has you covered.

This month, we’re spotlighting a few of the major projects in the Klein/Champions area.

Click here to learn more.
New Fire Marshal Announced

There's a new fire marshal in town! Harris County Commissioners Court recently appointed Chief Deputy Laurie L. Christensen as the county's new fire marshal.

Christensen is a retired member of the Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department with more than 25 years of experience in emergency response, including 18 years as a chief officer. Prior to working at Harris County, Christensen was fire marshal in La Porte.  

Kingwood Library Now Open

Kingwood Library is now open with a full line-up of popular children’s programming.

Children and teens can participate in the library’s Summer Reading Program every week through Aug. 4!

Visit the library for Toddler Time every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m. Lapsit Storytime begins Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m.  Don’t miss Preschool Storytime Wednesdays at 11 a.m. or Family Storytime Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

Upcoming Events
Big Stone Lodge's New Chair Yoga Class
Join Big Stone Lodge for a new Chair Yoga class every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. Participants can improve balance, strength, mobility, and overall well-being while sitting in a chair or standing with a chair for support. No yoga mats, equipment, or extreme positions are required. Call Big Stone Lodge at 281-350-1029 to register.
Family Campout at Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve
Join us for a fun evening of outdoor camping S aturday, June 23 through Sunday, June 24 and Saturday, Sept. 15 through Sunday, Sept. 16. Learn how to set up your campsite, cook over coals using a Dutch oven, play camp games, discuss fishing basics, and enjoy Park After Dark activities. Click here to register.
Precinct 4 Opry in Humble
Harris County Precinct 4’s Senior Adult Program invites the community to enjoy three hours of live music during the 17th annual Precinct 4 Opry Friday, July 27 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Humble Civic Center, located at 8233 Will Clayton Parkway in Humble.  Click here to register.