Community

Photographers Give Back

Raising funds to help victims of war

TOMAS RAMOS AND KEN OSBORNE HAVE KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR YEARS AS PHOTOGRAPHERS AT WEDDINGS AND CORPORATE

EVENTS. Now they have stepped out to do something bigger than themselves.

“As we get older you want to leave a legacy,” said Ramos. They spent a year and a half preparing to go to Afghanistan to tell the people’s stories.

He explained that training and security were intense because on the roads of Afghanistan, kidnapping Americans is a real threat. They worked with trusted advisors to smuggle people out of villages and into government-run cities. Here, they are safe to tell their stories.

“What you see on TV is not reality,” said Ramos. “The Afghan people are great people.” They don’t like the Taliban or ISIS and they just want their country back.

The photos and videos tell their stories; stories of children growing up in war-torn Afghanistan. As a symbol of the children who have been lost, the photographers received shoes from grieving parents. “Our purpose was to create a global symbol in the form of a photograph to show the effects of war on family and children,” said Ramos.

Using the rarest precious metals on Earth: 24-karat gold, platinum and palladium, the team created the world’s largest print made of these elements. In fact, they hold the patent on this technology. A photograph of the shoes in front of the Gate of Charkent has been turned into a one-of-a-kind art piece. For more information visit milliondollarprint.com. —Laurette M. Veres

Get Back to Nature Without Leaving the City

Memorial Park’s Newly Opened Eastern Glades

THE LATEST ADDITION TO HOUSTON’S MEMORIAL PARK CONSERVANCY, THE CLAY FAMILY EASTERN GLADES RECLAIMS 100 AMAZING ACRES OF PREVIOUSLY INACCESSIBLE

PARK LAND. Its serene atmosphere showcases our city's rich biodiversity and impressive sustainability efforts, while providing a welcomed contrast to our fast-paced metropolitan vibe.

When entering the Glades, visitors are greeted by bright yellow daisies and will find more than 150 native species of lush plants. A track surrounds a large area of green grass, trees and bushes. On the opposite side of the park is Hines Lake, an elevated boardwalk and a trail connecting 40 acres of restored wetlands, savannah and pine forest habitats.

Its serene atmosphere showcases our city's rich biodiversity and impressive sustainability efforts, while providing a welcomed contrast to our fast-paced metropolitan vibe.

The development of this 35-million-dollar project included 25 ecological scientists—all focused on the best approach to restoring this previously degraded forest area. Stormwater management is one of their restoration goals. The park filters rainwater to improve the water quality that flows to Buffalo Bayou.

Along the border of the Glades are restroom facilities and structures for outside events. The buildings mirror the style of Camp Logan, the army training camp that took place on the land during World War I. Signs have been placed in front of the buildings to educate visitors on the park's history, amenities and conservation efforts.

The opening of this beautiful nature sanctuary couldn't come at a better time for Houston. With more than 100 acres of open space, including nine acres dedicated to pinicking, it's the perfect pandemic respite. During the day you can watch the water birds, frogs, toads and turtles. When evening comes, look for the bats and night birds. —Tiffany Wade