Welcome to the University of Houston Coastal Center (UHcc)
The University Coastal Center is an integral part of the UH Institute for Ecological Resilience. UHCC is a dynamic, nature-rich hub for classes, research, training, and seed harvesting for urban resiliency projects.
Support the UH Coastal Center
Support our work with a gift today. Your donation fuels field visits, restoration, research, and training at the University of Houston Coastal Center.
Donate TodayTo donate, go to the online giving page, search “Inst For Ecological Resilience" then click “Next” to complete the required information and make your donation.
UH Coastal Center is a Place of Activity
- Management of high-quality coastal prairie that acts as a gold standard for biodiversity
- Restoration of degraded coastal prairie and enhancement of wetlands
- Research benefiting from access to field sites and equipment
- Student education in multiple disciplines
- Volunteers and advisors assisting in habitat restoration and management
- Community outreach to understand the history of the site and develop opportunities for the future
- Refuge for wildlife and a living laboratory of native plant species
Explore our website and learn about one of Houston's best-kept secrets: the University of Houston Coastal Center
Featured Videos
UH Coastal Center: Aerial Spraying to Manage Invasive Species
The UH Coastal Center conducted aerial spraying of the invasive tallow species in fall 2022. The spraying, conducted by helicopter, targeted 100 acres of tallow as the coastal center works to restore the landscape to its native prairie landscape. The tallow, native to China, is considered a fast-growing species that can quickly spread.
UH Coastal Center: Prescribed Burn
UH Coastal Center staff, firefighters and volunteers burned about 100 acres of coastal prairie land in a controlled burn on February 27, 2020 at the University of Houston Coastal Center in La Marque, Texas. The fire promotes biodiversity on the prairie and it also provided firefighters a unique training opportunity.
UH Coastal Center: Seasonal Plant Succession
Following a prescribed burn in February 2020, the UH Coastal Center saw a grand showing of native plants like liatris, coneflowers, and rattlesnake master. UH Coastal Center Program Director Evelyn Merz and Director Steve Pennings describe why the burn produced such a vibrant seasonal plant succession.
UH Coastal Center: Listen to the BEAT of a Prescribed Burn
Ever see a prescribed burn set to a beat? Listen and see the 2023 prescribed burn of the UH Coastal Center’s Aumann Prairie from a drone’s eye view in the thermal colors of the rainbow. Drone footage courtesy of Marc Mokrech, Environmental Institute of Houston.