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.

PROGRESS: Since the end of the spring 2026 planting season for native trees and native grass bioswales, the Riverine TUBs Program has: 1) installed 31 native grass bioswales, 2) planted 30,000 native trees, 3) restored over 3800 floodplain acres and 120 acres of restored wetlands, 4) provided 13 new tools for implementing nature-based infrastruture, and 5) involved over 1600 corporate and other individual volunteers. All of these efforts benefit the waterways where water flows through and out of these nature-based infrastructure features.

RESOURCES: the Riverine TUBs Program has created: 1) 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 and here). NBI enhancements and monitoring activities conducted through the TUBs Program help mitigate flooding, improve water and air quality and benefit surrounding communities; 2) an Educational Video on Maintenance & Care of Newly-planted Native Trees and Grasses (see video link below and here); and 3) a book chapter that provides details on the Riverine Targeted use of Buyout (RTUBs) Program for Post-Buyout Properties in the Greater Houston Area (see below)

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.