smooth sailing

Texas Parks clears Houston bayou for exploring by kayaks and canoes

Greens Bayou added to paddling trail registry.

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Kayakers get ready! A 7.7 mile stretch of water on Greens Bayou in the heart of Houston has just been anointed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) as an official paddling trail — just in time for a pleasant fall afternoon on the water.

“We’re thrilled to add the Greens Bayou trail to the Texas Paddling Trails Program, especially since about a quarter of all Texans live within driving distance of this new trail,” said Shelly Plante, TPWD nature tourism manager. “Adding almost eight more miles of trail in the Houston area is huge in helping people connect to nature.”

Greens Bayou meanders from northwest Houston down toward the Houston Ship Channel. In 2018, improvements along the bayou were completed by the Houston Parks Board that made launching kayaks easier. The waterway was already a spot for avid paddlers thanks to the Greens Bayou Regatta, which first took place in 2016. This announcement makes the Greens Bayou trail the 90th paddling trail on the TPWD registry, a handy guide for anyone wanting to make a day of boating. Over 700 miles of navigable water are now mapped by the Texas Paddling Trails Program.

Completion of the trail was accomplished by a partnership between TPWD, Houston Parks Board, Greens Bayou Coalition, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, National Park Service, Bayou Preservation Association, North Belt Utility District, Parkway Utility District, and North Houston District.

The bayou is a slow-moving and fairly easy trail that takes kayakers through the wilder parts of the urban environment. There are many coves and tributaries to explore, and people will likely see a variety of fish, birds, and reptiles that live on the water. Fishing is permitted with a license, but please contact the Department of State Health Services for more information before eating fish caught on the bayou.

Official launching points can be found at Brock Adventure Park, Strickland Park, and Thomas Bell Foster Park. The bayou has steep banks and dense vegetation outside of these areas that make it hard to disembark except at the official docks, so kayakers and canoers are encouraged stick to official launching points. Boating equipment can be rented from Kayaking Texas and Pinky's Kayak Rental. The TPWD says that individual parts of the trail can usually be navigated between 60-90 minutes.

a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

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