Located within Rice University’s campus, Harris Gully Natural Area is a restored watershed that consists of several microhabitats — from open prairie to open woodland to dense shrubland. The results of gully recovery efforts assert the value of preserving sustainable ecosystems even in an urban setting.
Students and faculty have recorded more than 250 species of birds on campus, many of which were found at Harris Gully only after habitat was allowed to return. We have also documented 300+ species of plants, 700+ species of insects, five species of amphibians and five species of reptiles. Over the years, Harris Gully has become a living laboratory where Rice students learn the value of urban biodiversity and conservation, both informally and through experiential learning courses offered in the Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences and Biosciences Departments.
As exciting and promising as Harris Gully is, it has not reached its full potential. Rice is the most biodiverse university in the country because of the Harris Gully. Few are aware of this hidden gem, and even fewer are aware of its importance for education, outreach and the local environment. Our priority is the health and continued enhancement of this incredible resource. Much remains to be done to assure that the gully is fully restored and kept undeveloped. Our current funding efforts seek to provide accessibility, lighting and educational signage to the area surrounding the Johnson Owl Deck, a newly installed mass-timber observation pavilion, as the next step in making this natural treasure available to the Rice and Houston Communities well into the future. We are grateful for your consideration and support.
Your official tax receipt will automatically be sent to the email address you provide. If you have any questions, please contact the School of Natural Sciences Director of Development Jackie Macha at 713-348-4268 or jackie.macha@rice.edu.