Cross Creek Ranch Receives Sustainability Stars

When it comes to creating a more sustainable, ecologically friendly community, we are always reaching for the stars — and sometimes they reach back. This time they are coming from the West Houston Association (WHA) who recently awarded us the 2018 Sustainability Stars Award for our Polishing Pond.

The WHA Sustainability Stars Program recognizes communities for creating innovative, sustainable projects in Greater West Houston. The non-profit organization advocates for better sustainable public policies, planning and investments within the Greater West Houston area.

A community can receive stars in multiple categories and we did, taking home stars for investigation, investment, integration and innovation at a ceremony held Dec. 4. All categories recognized the sustainability elements included in the design and execution of the Polishing Pond.

Spanning approximately 50 acres, our beautiful Polishing Pond is a wetland treatment basin where water is filtered for reuse throughout the development for irrigation. More than 95 percent of the water used to irrigate Cross Creek Ranch is recycled.

While carefully crafted for engineering purposes, the ecological framework has become an oasis for residents and wildlife. Native naturalized plantings have been extended beyond the aquatic shelves to create varied habitat zones and recreational opportunities.

The Polishing Pond has become a permanent home for fish and turtles as well as a migratory stop for countless birds and wildlife. Residents can view them via a boardwalk and nature overlook.

We’d like to thank the West Houston Association for recognizing our efforts to create a sustainable community that can be enjoyed for years to come.