Fulshear-Katy Community Guide & Directory 2022-23

W I L D F L OW E R S

photo by Sunset Photography

BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT FOR THE FULSHEAR COMMUNIT Y

by Dana Sitton

T he environment surrounding the Fulshear area has seen marked growth in recent years, as families have become enamored with its small town charm and rural residential feel. The roads that have begun to diverge and expand with the FM 1093 ex tension and the median that divides them serve as a doorway to the Fulshear community. As more expansion occurs, it is imperative that the city continues to preserve its idyllic feel , while cultivating commercial and residential development that ref lects the values and beauty of the community. CJ McDaniel moved to the area in 2012, and ever since has helped to enhance the beauty of this community. McDaniel began volunteering in various capacities, offering his experience and honing his interests along the way. In an effor t to give back , McDaniel served on the Parks and Recreation Commission and became a member of the Texas Master Naturalists. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Depar tment and the Texas A&M AgriLife Ex tension Service are sponsors of the Texas Master Naturalist program, which informs and equips

to gain approval and to discuss plans and funding, and formulated a plan for the seeding. Once he had done some research, the Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce offered to be the permit holder for this project , as required by the state. The ex tension of the roadway has two planned phases. McDaniel calculated the dimensions of Phase 1 and then worked with city staff to coordinate the purchase of the seed and a planting plan, and aided in the actual planting, alongside the Wildlife Habitat Federation. In October 2019, 750 pounds of native wildf lowers and an additional 50 pounds of bluebonnets were planted at the intersection of FM 1093 and Cross Creek Ranch Blvd. There are plans to ex tend this beautif ication project all the way into downtown Fulshear. The promise of abundant blooms guiding the way into the hear t of Fulshear captures the allure of this community. When appreciation for nature and initiative are planted together, the rewards reaped will be f illed with beauty.

volunteers to suppor t their communities by leading conservation effor ts and creating a bridge for natural resource education. Upon the completion of the Westpark ex tension of FM 1093 underway, Fulshear Police Chief Kenny Seymour shared with McDaniel an interest in beautif ying the median area leading into Fulshear. Their conversation soon sparked enthusiasm to enhance the median by seeding it with native wildf lowers. The highways of Texas have long been lined with wildf lowers and native grasses. According to the TxDOT website, the Texas Depar tment of Transpor tation plays host to a wildf lower program that encourages the growth of wildf lowers and native grasses in order to enhance the natural aesthetics, while conserving water, controlling erosion, reducing the cost of highway maintenance, and providing a habitat for wildlife. McDaniel was instrumental in this effor t as he went to work evaluating construction plans. He contacted local off icials and the Economic Development board

“The environment, after all, is where we all meet, where we all have mutual interest. It is the one thing that all of us share. It is not only a mirror of ourselves, but a focusing lens on what we can become.”

- Lady Bird Johns

22 FULSHEAR-KATY COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 2022-23 ISSUE