Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is an outdoor paradise located in the heart of Houston. Established in 1967, this 155-acre regional resource serves as an important sanctuary for native plants, animals, and habitats. Its mission is to protect the natural environment of the region and to provide an educational setting for people of all ages. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers many fun programs for kids, adults, and groups. These include nature walks, special events, and seasonal plant sales. Children can also participate in camps for the summer and winter, while adults can enjoy the gift shop and educational toys.
This urban nature sanctuary is located in Memorial Park, one of the largest parks in the United States. Visitors can walk five miles of trails that wind through native plant communities. A range of habitats is represented, including woodland, wetland, and prairie. One of the most scenic spots on the grounds is the Ravine Trail. Another popular spot is the Wildlife Garden, which features many migratory birds. Also, the Discovery Room contains hands-on activities and exhibits.
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Centre is open daily. There are two entrances to the site. Parking is available at the Woodway entrance. Guests can pay for parking with a credit card or use the ParkHouston app to pay. Dogs are welcome at the Arboretum but leashed. You can purchase a souvenir or a book from the gift shop.
In addition to hiking, visitors can take classes at the Arboretum. Classes are offered throughout the year, and participants can learn about a variety of topics. For instance, past classes have included painting in nature, soy candle making, and songwriting. Additionally, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center hosts regular blood drives. All proceeds from the gift shop help support the education program at the site.
If you're interested in volunteering at the Arboretum, you can do so. Volunteers must fill out an application, submit a background release form, and attend an orientation. They also need to be 16 years old and must commit to one week of service. Before starting, you'll need to complete a parent/guardian consent form.
The Arboretum is a popular destination for school trips. Thousands of children visit each year to learn about nature. Designed to be an outdoor classroom, the Arboretum has a Discovery Room with interactive exhibits, live animals, and hands-on activities. During the summer, visitors can sign up for weekly classes that explore nature.
The Arboretum also has a number of special events. For example, it hosts a series of Nature Revealed presentations that deal with different nature-related topics. Several of the presentations include a trip through the arboretum's Wildlife Garden. Those who want to explore the Arboretum at night can do so with Arboretum At Night. Other programs for families and children include Naturally Wild Families and Tyke Hikes.
Since 1995, the Arboretum has hosted a capital campaign to fund the construction of a new visitor center. This new structure, designed by Reed Hilderbrand and Design Workshop, enables the Nature Center to expand its programming.
