Greetings!
Happy April, y'all.
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BIG NEWS!
Our next Civic Club meeting, taking place on Tuesday, April 18th will be held in Idylwood at the home of Monique & Bill Studak, 6720 Sylvan Rd. The meeting will begin 30 minutes early at 7pm. We hope by changing the venue more Idylwood residents will be encouraged to participate. Get outdoors, enjoy a stroll and meet your neighbors.
The guest speaker will be our very own Council Member Robert Gallegos, District I with pertinent updates about ongoing improvements here in the East End. Speaking of neighborhood improvements, the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) has committed to planting 170 trees in the tracts of land it owns along N. MacGregor Dr. (the FEMA lots), and the City Of Houston has repaired the sinkhole in Spurlock Park. Small steps, big strides.
I welcome any ideas you might have for speakers at future meetings in the new year. What interests you about our neighborhood and the East End? Send me a note at president@idylwood.org.
Regards,
Diane Schenke
President
Idylwood Civic Club
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Idylwood Beautification Event |
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When:
- Saturday, April 15th
- 9:00 - 11:00am
- Meet in Spurlock Park
We will divide into two teams. One team will clean debris out of the storm drains in the neighborhood. The other will focus on the green space at 6740 Sylvan & N. MacGregor to collect trash from this vacant lot. Trash bags will be provided suitable for both purposes.
What to Bring:
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Your own gloves - the heavier the better
- Good attitude & friendly smile
Thank you for your help in making Idylwood look better.
Amy Dinn
Chair, Community Improvement Committee
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Did you know? A 50-gallon rain barrel at a single-family home in Houston saves about 2,880 gallons per year when used regularly. Order your discounted rain barrel and/or compost bins by clicking the button below. Then pick up your items on May 20, at the Houston Permitting Center (1002 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77002).
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The greening of Idylwood continues this year with multiple tree plantings this spring. We want to thank Trees for Houston and the property owners who participated in this year's tree planting on February 18th that found homes for 73 trees and shrubs, including 18 that were planted in nearby Dawson Lunnon Cemetery off Polk Street.
This week the number of new trees in Idylwood will grow exponentially with the planting of 180 trees by the Harris County Flood Control District on their vacant FEMA lots along North MacGregor and Sylvan. HCFCD has already staked out yellow flags for the new trees in multiple lots, including the green space on Sylvan. A large variety of native trees will be planted in the next few days to add to our Idylwood canopy and help manage stormwater on these lots, which have historically flooded.
With over 250 trees added to the neighborhood this year, it will be the largest forestation of Idylwood in the past 10 years. Prior tree planting efforts by the Idylwood Civic Club, again partnering with Trees for Houston, included 48 trees in 2014 and 45 trees in 2016. The neighborhood won an Urban Arborist award from Trees for Houston in 2016 for these planting efforts, adding almost 100 trees to the neighborhood with the intention to replace trees lost during the 2011 drought. Many of those street trees are now developing grandly and shading walkers in the neighborhood. Trees provide a variety of benefits to our community as shown on the graphic below. We appreciate everyone's collective efforts to keep Idylwood GREEN.
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Precinct 6 Constables want to remind Idylwood residents that individuals can register online for a Vacation Watch on their home. This is a free service provided by our Constables and is perfect for when you expect to be out of town for a long period of time. Sign up using the link provided below:
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Also - Join the Constables for their first Community Chili Cook-off!
They will showcase the best chili in Precinct 6, admission is FREE, and everyone is invited! Bring the family and enjoy FREE Chili Samples, FREE Hotdogs, Music, Refreshments, a Cash Bar (benefiting the American Legion), the best Vendors in Houston, and Much, Much More!
Event Details:
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When: Sunday, April 16
- Where: 7599 Avenue C, Houston 77012
- Time: Noon - 4pm
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County Commissioner Internships |
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2023 Lifeguarding Summer Jobs |
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If you or someone you know has swimming skills and the desire to work for HPARD, please contact the Aquatics Office to schedule a swim evaluation: 832-395-7129
The following positions are available:
- Lifeguard - $16/hr
- Headguard - $18/hr
- Aquatic Center Supervisor - $20/hr
Incentive Details:
- $250 on first full two-weeks of work after being hire
- $250 after completing last two-weeks of work for the season
Requirements:
- Must be at least 16 years of age on or before 5/31/2023
- Must pass standard Lifeguard Swim Evaluation
- Must pass American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
- Must pass physical examination, drug test and criminal background check
- Must have reliable transportation
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DEED RESTRICTIONS - REMINDER |
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As a reminder, Section 3.1 of the Deed Restrictions describes Locations Of Buildings. The front building setback will be a minimum of 25 ft from and parallel with the front property line. Provided, however, an open porch in front of any building may extend to within 17 ft of the front property line.
For more details, download a copy of the deed restrictions here
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Idylwood Community Exchange is now
Idylwood Neighborhood Exchange
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The former Idylwood Community Exchange is now being hosted on Google Groups as the Idylwood Neighborhood Exchange. To request an invitation for this group, please send a request to: Barc.Lee2020@gmail.com
Please note that like its predecessor, this group is privately maintained by a resident, and not managed by the ICC Board.
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Idylwood Pets of the Month |
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Our best friends now get their turn in the spotlight! They bring us so much love, joy, exercise, friendship, and truthfully, higher grocery bills!! So, here we go..... |
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Look who visited the bluebonnet patch!!
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Spring 2023 brought a welcomed sight to the neighborhood - a thick patch of the most intense bluebonnets! I think our freezing weather must have sparked the seeds into hyperdrive and they have really put on a show! And, they have been so fragrant!!
The corner of N. MacGregor Way at Wildwood Way has been a favorite stop for fun photos of our furry friends. Some visitors to the patch have been: Juno - sporting some great butterfly wings (flitting about with Candace and Tony Hurtado); Emmylou Harris (escorted by Amy Dinn); and Tiger with Woody (both lounging while on a stroll with Patricia Hattenbach).
We would love to see your pets enjoying our great neighborhood and
bayou trails. Share your special moments with us!!
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Neighbors: Submit your pet(s) to be featured in upcoming newsletters by sending 1-3 photos with a short story about your best friend(s) with the subject line "Pet(s) of the Month" to: idylwoodgardenclub@gmail.com
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Friendly Reminder From The Pets
For the health and safety of all neighborhood pets and people,
please scoop our poop!
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Please watch for email updates for the meetings from
Idylwood.neighbors.group@gmail.com.
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Garden Club Upcoming Meeting Dates
First Saturdays from 10 am-noon
New members are welcome to join us!!
April 1, 2023: 11 am- 1 pm at Spurlock Park: Garden Club members will participate in the Idylwood Annual Easter Egg Hunt and festivities!
* Nomination of Officers
May 6, 2023: Field Trip to the Eastern Glades at Memorial Park; Lunch at Beck's Prime in the park.
June, July, August: Summer break!!
(Sept. 9, 2023: First meeting of 2023-2024: not the first Saturday due to the Labor Day Weekend)
For more information, contact the Garden Club President:
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Tree Planting Guide For Houston
As our Idylwood trees age, succumb to disease and storm damage, and grow too close to our homes and power lines, we sadly see these marvelous companions disappear. Now is a good time to start researching the best trees for your yard to properly fit your needs, desires, and space.
The Houston Area Urban Forestry Council has a fabulous planting guide for trees in the Houston area. This guide is packed with all the basic info you need when considering planting new trees.
Some of the topics include:
why plant - what to plant -
where to plant - selecting your tree -
extensive charts for types of small and large trees for the Houston area -
pruning - energy conservation -
wildlife habitat - improved air quality - and more!
Click on the link below for this very helpful guide:
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Houston Botanic Gardens -- April Events
Botanical Paper Embroidery
Exploring Nature's Networks: Houston's Bayou System
Saturday, April 8, 2023 11:00 am — 2:00 pm $45
Inspired by Steve Tobin’s Intertwined: Exploring Nature’s Networks, the Garden is hosting a series of workshops with other artists who use their creative talents to highlight key features of and topics surrounding the natural world. To draw attention to the beauty and importance of Houston’s bayou system, Leslie Espino, an environmental scientist at NASA who also creates sustainable, storybook-style landscapes using new and repurposed fiber and paper, will show participants how to embroider, assemble, and frame your own 3-D paper botanical display.
The Secret Garden - Discover countless wonders
Saturday, April 8, 2023 5:30 — 8:00 pm $75
Come discover the Houston Botanic Garden’s many natural wonders – frogs, flowers, and more – and some fun surprises – bars, games, and special tastings – after-hours at The Secret Garden, a garden chic social fête open to all and hosted by the Bloomers, the Garden’s young professionals group.
$75 ticket includes after-hours admission to the Garden, and all of the amenities listed above. Garden members receive a $15 discount.
Special thanks to sponsors Bacardi Spirits, Perrier, and The Feel Good Group.
Understory Natives - Forest Gardening Series
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 - 6:00 - 7:00 pm $ 40
In the first installment of a three-part series on forest gardening – a low-maintenance, sustainable food production and agroforestry system based on woodland ecosystems – Mickey Kleinhenz, a practiced permaculture enthusiast and beekeeper with degrees in horticulture and landscape architecture, will share about his personal projects in developing forest gardens specific to the Gulf Coast climate. He will highlight his selection of best varieties of fruit and nut trees, shrubs, herbs, vines, and perennial vegetables for the many layers of a forest, from upper canopy to mid-story to ground covers.
Nia in the Garden - Music, Movement & Mindfulness
Saturday, April 15, 2023 2:00 — 4:00 pm $47
The Houston Nia Collective returns to the Houston Botanic Garden – just as the grounds burst into the abundance of spring – to lead an immersive community dance routine called “Bloom,” inspired by the lifecycle of a flower. The music and movement of Bloom invite you to use your imagination and the imagery of the Garden around you to enhance your physical experience. Just as a flower grows from seed, to sprout, to bud, and finally, to bloom, the routine will bring awareness to the sensations of positive tension and dynamic ease.
Plant of the Month - Discover, Cultivate, Create with Citrus
Saturday, April 15, 2023 3:00 - 5:00 pm $25
In our Plant of the Month series, experts at the Garden will teach you how to care for and cultivate at home a different plant each month. Each session will also explore simple and practical recipes, crafts, or other creations you can make at home with that month’s featured plant. You will leave the class with a new appreciation for the plant, and a plant of your very own to take home!
For the third class in the series, our Garden experts will be focusing on citrus.
Save the Earth with Citizen Science - There Are Apps For That
Saturday, April 22, 2023 2:00 - 4:00 pm $15
Citizen science, or community science, allows anyone to contribute crucial information to the scientific community with a few simple swipes and clicks on their phone. Erin Mills, education manager, will discuss smartphone apps you can use at home, on vacation, or wherever you may be to help save the planet.
Non-member fee of $15 for workshop includes general admission to the Garden. Members can attend for free (with advanced registration, please).
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Visit these areas throughout the Botanic Garden:
The Island
Natural Ecosystems
South Gardens ~~ Community Garden
Ticket Window: 713.715.9675 ext. 100
Call to verify details for each event.
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Vegetable Garden Planting Dates Chart
Do you want to know exactly when to plant vegetables and herbs in your garden? Click here for Texas A&M University's yearly planting calendar for Harris County. You may want to print this out for future reference.
Happy gardening!
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Remember: COH Tree Trash Gets Turned Into Mulch
When Picked Up on The First Tuesdays of Odd # Months
Keep in mind that trimmings from trees, shrubs and bushes can be placed on your curb for the city's Tree Trash pick-up on the first Tuesday of odd months.
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Thanks for your membership and love of nature!
Let's keep Idylwood beautiful and safe!
Kind regards,
Patricia Hattenbach
phattenbach@gmail.com
713-724-9608
2022-2023 Officers:
President: Patricia Hattenbach
Vice President: Hugo Banda
Secretary: Richard Vela
Treasurer: Nicole Wood
Thanks again to Jim McCallum for providing the Yard of the Month write-ups and photos. It's wonderful to learn more about our great neighbors!
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Yard of the Month
April 2023
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Reforestation in Idylwood
The Idylwood Garden Club’s "Yards of the Month" for April 2023 go to the FEMA lots!!
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The Harris County Flood Control District presented Idylwood with the opportunity of having our FEMA lots become part of their reforestation program. Forester Nic Griffin has been graciously working with members our Civic Club (Diane Schenke, Amy Dinn, and Patricia Hattenbach) to help select trees and bushes from their list of available species.
The areas that are being reforested are the FEMA lots bound by Park Lane/N MacGregor Way/Park Lane, the three lots on N MacGregor Way at Sylvan, and along the hill south of Sylvan heading towards the apartments.
Nic's team also took into consideration the suggestion from Larry Dybala to keep in mind the flyway for the Purple Martins along Wildwood Way and the nesting patterns of a variety of birds and other wildlife throughout the area. His crew marked the location for each tree with yellow flags on March 29, a team with an auger dug the holes on March 30, and the trees were planted on March 31. Their program will also include watering the trees for two years with the hope of a good survival rate.
Here is the list of trees and shrubs that will be planted.
Name and Quantity
loblolly pine- 30
bald cypress- 15
water oak- 15
overcup oak- 15
Shumard oak - 10
southern magnolia var. little gem- 15
white oak - 15
American elm - 14
sycamore- 10
red maple - 15
river birch - 10
yaupon - 8
wax myrtle- 8
Total = 180
Just think how great the trees will look in time for our 100th anniversary in 2028!!!
Thanks 180 times HCFCD!!
(Photos by Patricia Hattenbach)
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click link above for access to their website
April Gardening Tips
Orchids
Move orchids outside and place them in shady spots. Repot if necessary.
Birds
Fill birdbaths and keep water fresh.
Water
Maintain watering on newly planted seeds and transplants. Deep root watering on trees, lawns, and shrubs is best. It encourages roots to move down into the soil where they will be less susceptible to moisture changes. Avoid frequent short periods of watering.
Pests
Keep an eye out for pests as well as beneficial insects in your vegetable garden. Pick off pests by hand. Check for snails and slugs early in the morning, when they are active.
Clean Up
Live oaks should be finished dropping their catkins and leaves. Rake and add them to compost, or apply mulch over them.
Pruning
Prune spring-blooming shrubs after flowers fade such as azaleas, wisteria, forsythia and quince. Pinch tips of coleus to avoid flowering and encourage bushier and compact growth. Remove spent blooms on spring annuals to promote new blooms.
Fertilizing & Mulching
Fertilize azaleas, hibiscus, and containers.
Mulch beds to discourage weeds, keep roots cool, and conserve moisture
Planting
Plant new shrubs early before the heat arrives. Plant summer-blooming perennials and annuals
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Keep eyes out for your neighbors!
If going out of town, tell your neighbors but do not post on social media. Please keep an eye out for unusual activity and report to HPD (911) and (713) 884-3131 and the Constable's office (713) 274-3400. Please keep your home and cars locked at all times. Report any incidents to ALL authorities;
more reports = more patrols.
HPD is moving to a National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS). To view crimes reported to HPD from Jan-Mar 2022, please go to HPD's website and download the excel file here and sort by zip code or beat. Our beat is 11H10, which includes several zip codes.
A screenshot of last month's crime map is below. To interact with this map, including date ranges and area, go to Community Crime Map.
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Jake Goldstein and Steve Palmer co-chair our patrol group and report the group’s collective 30 patrol hours per month to HPD. Please contact Jake if you are interested in volunteering with our citizens patrol group.
Having a patrol presence in the neighborhood is a crime deterrent and a great way to give back to our community.
Please join us! More information on HPD's Volunteer Citizen Patrol is available here.
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Upcoming Dates to Remember |
- 04/01/2023: Idylwood Annual Easter Egg Hunt
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04/03/2023: Recycling
- 04/04/2023: Heavy Trash
- 04/18/2023: Tax Day Deadline
- 04/18/2023: Idylwood Civic Club Meeting: 7:00pm @ the home of Monique & Bill Studak, 6720 Sylvan Rd.
- 04/17/2023: Recycling
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05/01/2023: Recycling
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05/02/2023: Tree Limbs & Yard Waste
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Stay Informed!
Check out info about the neighborhood, including downloading a copy of the deed restrictions here.
Report a pothole, get your trash bin repaired or replaced, report a problem with a traffic signal, missed trash pickup, and more.
GRAFFITI ABATEMENT
Call the East End District at 713.928.9916 during business hours with the tagged address, intersection, and colors.
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Stay Connected!
NEXTDOOR.COM
Great way to connect with East End residents. It’s a great place to report or look for a missing pet, announce a garage sales, put out a crime alert, etc. This site is endorsed and its use encouraged by HPD. Sign up here
FACEBOOK
Google Email Group - Idylwood Neighborhood Exchange
If you are not currently a member and would like to join, please send an invitation request to Barc.Lee2020@gmail.com.
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If you have something you would like to see published in the Newsletter, drop us a line. Comments or concerns?
Let us know how we're doing.
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Idylwood Officers and Directors 2022-2023
PRESIDENT: Diane Schenke (Fairfield)
VICE PRESIDENT: Keith McCarthy (Merry)
TREASURER: Nicole Wood (Idylwood)
SECRETARY: Monique Studak (Sylvan)
Directors: Class A (two-year terms ending in August 2023):
Keith Hamm (Meadowlawn); Patricia Hattenbach (North MacGregor Way);
Irma Niño (Meadowlawn); Charlie Storer (Fairfield); Richard Vela (Lindy)
Directors: Class B (two-year terms ending in August 2024):
Beth Barrette (Meadowlawn); Amy Dinn (Sylvan); Joshua Espinedo (Meadowlawn);
Jeff Klemm (Merry); Paul Leggett (Merry); Laura Manion (Meadowlawn)
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Post Office Box 9225
Houston, TX 77261-9225
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