As the campus developed, there was a conscious effort to keep most of the buildings no higher than the trees. Besides its aesthetic and wildlife value, the Compaq wildscape pays bottom-line dividends. Use of native plants reduces water, fertilizer and pesticide use, and tree shade reduces cooling costs. The beautiful grounds, where jogging trails wind through dense patches of greenery, also help with employee recruitment and retention. In addition, Compaq is proud to be one of the top corporate leaders in environmental stewardship.
Urban development is one reason wildlife habitat is shrinking and fragmenting in Texas.
Wildscapes help offset this threat and have the added benefit of creating public understanding and support. Since Texas Parks and Wildlife started the program in 1994, it has attracted more than 6,000 participants. Texas Parks and Wildlife helps area schools, businesses and homeowners, in Houston and throughout the state, turn their property into Texas Wildscapes. Anyone may order a Texas Wildscapes packet by contacting Texas Parks and Wildlife.