Artist: Mark Dion
Title: Buffalo Bayou Invasive Plant Eradication Unit
Completion Date: October 12, 2011

Mark Dion’s Buffalo Bayou Invasive Eradication Unit is a traveling artwork that educates Houstonians on the need to exterminate invasive plant species along Buffalo Bayou. This uniquely-envisioned, rugged emergency response vehicle serves as a work station, laboratory, book mobile and beacon for public outreach in the battle against invasive plant species along the bayou. Equipped with tools, books and a field guide that encourage ongoing engagement with the environment, Dion’s creation provides an ethical, aesthetic and functional tool to promote ecological stewardship of one of Houston’s finest assets.

“When HAA and the BBP asked me to be involved in this project and I had the opportunity to visit Houston, it was clear to me that the problem of invasive plants and their contribution to habitat degradation is a serious issue,” said Dion. “I was immediately interested in creating more than simply an aesthetic work highlighting the problem, but rather a work that was also active in preventing and investigating these issues.”

To challenge and inspire residents to help with eradication, Dion’s work on the unit incorporates aspects of archaeology, ecology, biology and ethnography while highlighting the need for public awareness and prevention. A major asset to the City of Houston, the Buffalo Bayou is a waterway on the way to recovery thanks to the diligence and rigor of its local citizens and the Buffalo Bayou Partnership. 

Mark Dion’s Buffalo Bayou Invasive Plant Eradication Unit is sponsored by Houston Arts Alliance and Buffalo Bayou Partnership.

The Field Guide includes commentary from HAA and BBP staff, interview with Mark Dion, maps of the bayou, interesting facts, a glossary of terms and detailed descriptions and drawings of the invasive plants that are threatening the bayou. It can be purchased for $7.00 from HAA, BBP and Domy Books.