Buffalo Bayou wilderness behind Barker Dam

The area behind the flow-control gate at the Barker Reservoir is a veritable wilderness. It floods periodically over the course of the year when the Dam is called upon to perform the task for which it was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers some 70 or so years ago: retain water that accumulates after heavy rain in the flood plain, in order to protect the City of Houston downstream, particularly the low-lying areas alongside Buffalo Bayou, not to mention the Downtown area, which has been flooded repeatedly, and then release it gradually after the worst drenching has ceased. 

Accumulation of water in Barker Reservoir after rain (10/17/2012)

That's why sometimes you can see Buffalo Bayou carrying a lot of water at high levels even when the sky is blue and the sun is shining bright.

Most of time, however, the Barker (and Addicks) reservoir area is dry save for the watercourse itself, which widens a bit just before the gates. Logs and debris wash up here when it floods, and stay put when the water recedes, thus adding a reminder of the forces of nature still at work in what is a natural environment that has seen significant human intervention over the course of the past century, first for purposes of raising cattle (longhorns), then for flood control. 

The only reminder that buffaloes once roamed the prairies through which Buffalo Bayou meandered without present-day restraints is the bayou's name.    

Buffalo Bayou marker at Eldridge Parkway bridge

There are no trails on the banks of Buffalo Bayou in this segment of Barker reservoir and huge carcasses of dead trees that have either toppled over on site in a storm or hurricane, or were swept downstream  when the bayou rose over its banks, will obstruct your path if you venture forth into the wilderness.  

There is all nature of wildlife here. With some luck one can encounter white-tailed deer that emerge from the wooded area at dusk and can be seen in the meadow at the foot of Barker Dam and even higher up on the slope sometimes. 

Save for crushed-rock road on top, the earthen Dam is covered by vegetation on the side inside the reservoir as well as the East side facing the city.

Nature-lovers can also observe butterflies and dragonflies here in the open green space, along with grass-hoppers, spiders and bugs, although the latter may require a closer approach to ground level or foray into the thicket.

With less luck, one can at least see the tracks of various animals on soft soil near creeks, water holes, or puddles that remain after the bayou has returned to its normal streambed.

Nearly dry streambed with stranded driftwood