Past Updates

• 6/1/2022: Exploration Green Phases 1, 2, 3A, and 4 have been completed and are open to the public. Tree planting will occur from November-February. To give newly planted native grass the best chance to grow, please stay on the trails and off the grass areas.
  
  Phase 3B is construction now and officially closed to the public while under construction. This section is located in the Oakbrook West subdivision and borders between Diana, Torry Pines, and Penn Hills. Please be extra cautious when in the area. For more information please visit the Exploration Green Detention Facility page using the tab on the left.
  
  Phase 5 the Notice to Proceed was issued on 04/04/22. The contractor has mobilized and plans are proceeding.
  
  3/1/2022: Phases 1, 2, 3A, and 4 are complete. Phase 3A and 4 will have trees planted during the cooler months from November through February for a few seasons. Please stay off the grass in Phases 3A and 4. Native grasses take time to grow and staying off it until it is well established will give it a better chance to thrive.
  
  Phase 3B is under construction now and estimated to be finished in Fall of 2022, pending weather delays. We are asking for the public's cooperation to not enter the construction zone at any time. This area is located in the Oakbrook West subdivision and is bordered by Diana, Torry Pines, and Penn Hills. Please be extra cautious of pedestrians and trucks hauling dirt if traveling in the area.
  
  The former tree nursery on Phase 5 has been relocated to the Bay Area and Seakale area in anticipation of Phase 5 starting construction soon. The Phase 5 contract has been awarded, but due to material and supply chain issues it, construction is expected to be delayed until April 2022.
• 10/21/21: Phase 4 should be finished Fall 2021. Phase 3B utilities are being marked, and construction will begin in late October 2021. Phase 5 has been approved for construction permits. 5/12/2021: Exploration Green Phase 4 construction is about 70% complete. Trails are being installed, the spillway structure near Neptune is in progress. The hauling off dirt is almost complete. Please do not access this construction zone area at any time.
• 8/21/2020: Exploration Green Phase 4 construction is underway and the original truck hauling traffic plan needs an adjustment. Starting today trucks will be following the new plan. It might take a few days to get all of the drivers notified, but the contractor is working on it. Please see the Phase 4 Traffic Plan link above for a further explanation and maps.
  
  8/10/2020: Phase 3A is nearing completion and will be open to the public soon. The contractor has some minor site grading work left and then native grass planting. The Exploration Green Conservancy will start planting trees this fall when the weather cools off. To give newly planted native grass the best chance to grow, please stay on the trails and off the grass areas. We are anticipating this section to open to the public in September 2020.
  
  Phase 4 is beginning construction as of 7/27/2020 and officially closed to the public while under construction. This section borders Fairwind, Neptune, Ramada, and Reseda. There will be some daily street closures on Neptune and 1-2 uniformed peace officers directing traffic and for pedestrian safety. Please be extra cautious when in the area.
  
  Phases 3B and 5 will be last and both expected to start construction in 2021. (4/19/2020): Short Term Closure of Exploration Green Phase 2
  Phase 2 (bordering the El Dorado, Diana, Reseda, Torry Pines block) will be temporarily closed to the public for construction modifications starting Wednesday, April 22, 2020 and anticipated to be re-opened in Summer 2020. Heavy construction equipment and personnel will be working to replace an unexpected sandy layer of dirt causing bank erosion and stability concerns. We understand the timing isn't ideal for the large numbers of the public currently enjoying the area, but these repairs must be done before hurricane season starts so the maximum storm water detention storage capacity is available if needed. Your patience and support are appreciated.
  
  Phase 3A is well underway with construction. Most of the heavy dirt hauling should be complete by the end of the summer or early fall. Please standby for the official temporary closure date announcement.
• 11/10/2019: Phase 1 has been completed. Phase 2 is wrapping up construction and expected to be ready for tree planting by December 2019. Phase 3A is starting construction on Monday, November 11, 2019. Please be aware of sidewalk and road lane closures in the area on El Dorado between Torry Pines and Diana. Phase 4 is in the permitting process and projected to start construction around the first of the year 2020. Phases 5 and 3B will be last, and the order has not been finalized.
• Cities along Clear Creek look at new rainfall intensity data
• Despite hiccups, Exploration Green on track for late 2021 completion
• Stories to follow in 2019: Bay Area continues fight against flooding
• (2/13/19) Phase 1 construction is complete and Phase 2 is well under way. Phase 3 is scheduled to start construction in the late spring. We will post more updates soon, but for now we are happy to announce the Exploration Green won an award from the Urban Land Institute. A Facebook video of the nomination is available here.
• (3/7/2017) Phase 1A and 1B are now complete. 1A currently has mix of Texas native grasses growing. Phase 1B has a wildflower mix planted for erosion control that is just starting to grow. The Texas native grass seed mix will be planted at 1B later this year when the temperature warms up. The Exploration Green Conservancy will have planted over 200 trees and plants by the end of March in 1A and 1B. Various species of birds have returned to the area.
  
  (3/7/2017) 1C is the final phase of development in this area and will be starting construction soon. Depending on rain delays, we are projecting 1C to be finished by Fall 2017. To view the phase 1 construction layout please see map . To view the entire plan please see the CLCWA Master Plan (PDF file).
• CLCWA’s amended discharge permit from the TCEQ was officially approved in September 2016. The amended permit document can be viewed here.