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BLC’s Decade: Growth, Greenway, Conservation

**Bayou Land Conservancy Marks Decade of Growth Under Executive Director Jill Boullion, Unveils Ambitious Future**

**HOUSTON, TX – March 11, 2026** – Ten years after stepping into the role, Jill Boullion, Executive Director of the Bayou Land Conservancy (BLC), is reflecting on a period of unprecedented expansion and impact for the Houston-area land trust. Since taking the helm in 2016, Boullion has steered the organization through a transformative decade, significantly bolstering its capacity to protect vital natural lands within the Lake Houston watershed.

Founded in 1995, the BLC’s mission is to preserve natural lands, safeguard water quality, provide crucial wildlife habitat, and create accessible recreational spaces. Under Boullion’s leadership, the conservancy has not only adhered to this mission but dramatically amplified its reach. The BLC staff has grown from a lean two employees to a robust team of seven, supported by a substantial increase in the organization’s budget, allowing for more ambitious projects and broader community engagement.

“Looking back over the past decade, the growth of the Bayou Land Conservancy is a testament to the power of community, dedicated staff, and visionary partnerships,” Boullion stated, as she marked her anniversary. “We’ve faced down the challenges of rapid urban development and rising environmental concerns by doubling down on our commitment to the natural landscapes that define our region.”

A crowning achievement during Boullion’s tenure was the completion of the Spring Creek Greenway in 2021. This monumental project, a collaborative effort with local county and state partners, now spans an impressive 14,000 acres and offers 40 miles of protected multi-use trails. Stretching across Montgomery County and into Harris County, the Greenway has become a vital resource for outdoor recreation, ecological study, and flood mitigation. The initial phase, the Spring Creek Nature Trail, opened to the public in 2018, laying the groundwork for the broader greenway effort that now connects residents with pristine bayous, forests, and wetlands.

“The Spring Creek Greenway is more than just a trail; it’s a living testament to what’s possible when conservation is prioritized,” Boullion added. “It protects our water, provides critical habitat for diverse species, and offers an invaluable escape for countless families seeking nature right in their backyard.”

Beyond the Greenway, the BLC has significantly expanded its overall land preservation efforts, protecting over 16,000 acres since its inception. The conservancy has strategically advanced the use of conservation easements, a legal tool first employed by the BLC in 2014, which allows landowners to permanently restrict development on their property while retaining ownership. The organization has also explored innovative approaches such as mitigation banking, which it began investigating in 2016, providing a mechanism to restore, establish, enhance, or preserve wetlands, streams, or other habitats to offset unavoidable environmental impacts elsewhere.

These varied strategies are crucial in a rapidly developing metropolitan area like Houston, where natural spaces are increasingly threatened. The BLC’s efforts contribute directly to regional flood resilience, improved air and water quality, and the preservation of biodiversity.

Looking ahead, Boullion highlighted that 2026 will see the release of the BLC’s revised strategic plan. This comprehensive document will outline future conservation goals and initiatives, focusing on continued land acquisition, expanded public access, climate change resilience, and enhanced educational programming across the region.

“Our next chapter is about building on our successes and confronting the evolving challenges facing our environment,” Boullion affirmed. “The new strategic plan will guide our efforts to protect more land, engage more communities, and ensure the Lake Houston watershed remains a vibrant, healthy ecosystem for generations to come. We invite everyone to join us in this critical work.”

For more information about the Bayou Land Conservancy and its ongoing projects, please visit www.bayoulandconservancy.org.

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