“In the quiet corners of nature, flowers bloom not just as color, but as stories. They stand as gentle reminders of growth, resilience, and the healing we can find when we stop to listen. Along the Keegans Bayou Trail, flowers are not simply a sight to behold—they are messages to our ancestors, whispers of forgotten histories, and seeds for a future rooted in connection.”
At the heart of the event is a collaboration between the Witness Series, a nature-centered program led by Kristi Rangel, and Sharon Young’s decades-long commitment to nature education. The theme for this year’s Witness Series, “Floral and Fauna,” will guide participants through a series of activities designed to encourage positive connections with nature. Through these activities, attendees will create wildflower bundles inscribed with messages to their ancestors, which will be tied to the fencing around Riceville Cemetery, a site of profound historical significance.
Riceville Cemetery, recognized as a Historic Texas Cemetery on March 14, 2025, is a focal point of the event. Located near the Keegans Bayou Trail, the Riceville Community is part of the Texas Freedom Colony Project, which highlights the stories of African American communities post-emancipation. Founded in the 1850s by Jack Rice, Riceville was originally a thriving farming community that served as a safe haven for freed African Americans. Over time, however, it was surrounded by urban development, and its history was largely erased from the public consciousness.
As Sharon Young explains, the event aims to bring attention to this lost history: “We want people to understand the history of Riceville and how it was a place where African Americans found safety, community, and freedom. The cemetery stands as a testament to their resilience, and our goal is to honor that legacy.”
In addition to honoring the history of Riceville, the event is a space for healing. For many communities of color, nature has been a site of trauma—whether through forced labor on farms or the loss of land and community through systemic policies. Kristi Rangel notes that the “floral and fauna” theme is meant to create a bridge between nature and healing: “For communities of color, nature often carries the weight of trauma. We’re using flowers, something that feels neutral and comforting, to invite people into a space of joy, remembrance, and connection.”
This year’s event will feature the “Birds & Blooms” walk, led by the Houston Audubon Society, which will explore the natural beauty of the trail and highlight the diversity of local bird species. For many attendees, this walk will offer the chance to connect with nature in a way they never have before. As Sharon Young puts it: “This is not just about birdwatching; it’s about making nature accessible to everyone. It’s about teaching people to slow down, appreciate the world around them”
In addition to the walk, participants will also engage in a collaborative effort to plant wildflowers along the trail, a tradition Sharon has been nurturing for years. These wildflowers, planted with care by community members, are symbolic of the resilience of both the land and the people who have fought to protect it. As Sharon explains: “When we plant these flowers, we’re not just adding beauty to the land. We’re planting hope. We’re planting the possibility of a future where nature, history, and community can coexist in harmony.”
A new highlight of this year’s event is the StepHealthy dance class, sponsored by Memorial Hermann Southwest. This activity, led by the hospital’s Exercise is Medicine team, invites participants to engage in a fun, health-focused movement session. “In addition to underwriting a portion of Birds, Blooms, Beats and Bikes for the second year, Memorial Hermann Southwest looks forward to engaging with the community through a StepHealthy dance class,” said Gillian Alexander, RN, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of Memorial Hermann Southwest and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land hospitals. “We know that exercise is a crucial contributor to physical and mental well-being,” Alexander continued. “Research has shown that exercise can be as effective as prescription medication in the management of several chronic diseases.”
This initiative is perfectly aligned with the goals of the Friends of Keegans Bayou, who have worked tirelessly to improve access to green spaces and make the trail a community-friendly destination. “The most important way to celebrate trails is that they become a part of daily life,” says Amy Camp, author of Deciding on Trails. “When trails become the backyard for families, they help create a safer neighborhood and encourage people to meet and engage with one another.”
The event’s programming also includes a Roll Out with bikes, led by Neighborhoods to Trails Southwest (NTTSW), which offers attendees the chance to enjoy the nature-lined 4.2-mile Keegans Bayou Trail with no street intersections for half of it. The event aims to introduce more local residents to the joys of outdoor activity, creating a culture of safety, health, and community engagement along the trail.
The Keegans Bayou Trail event is a reminder of the power of community building, nature, and history. By connecting these elements through art, education, and exercise, this event fosters “radical joy,” allowing people to heal, reflect, and grow together. Whether you’re walking the trail, creating wildflower bundles, or dancing with friends, this is an event that celebrates life, resilience, and the beauty of our shared heritage.
