Calendar

Apr
21
Sat
Natural History Demonstration @ Armand Bayou Nature Center
Apr 21 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Learn about the animals of Armand Bayou and the habitats they live in. Demonstrations vary from week to week: mammals, birds and reptiles.

Family Nature Club @ Mercer Botanic Gardens
Apr 21 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Spring is a great time to look for wild animals, both up in the trees and down in the ground, even in the dirt!  Come adventure with the Houston Zoo at Mercer Arboretum and connect with your family and Houston wildlife.  One of Mercer Arboretum’s wonderful staff will also join us on the afternoon hike through the forest! This program will start at 2:00 pm and run 1-2 hours. The maximum capacity is 25 individuals (adults & children).

Family Nature Club is an opportunity for families to get outside together and explore nature! Each program takes place at various parks and nature centers around Houston, and is a great chance to find a new hangout for your herd. Meet like minded families, and know that you’re providing your little ones meaningful opportunities for exploration and play.

Benefits of connecting your family to nature include:

  • Happier, more self-confident, and creative children
  • Stronger family ties
  • Increased sense of wonder and awe for nature close to home
  • Opportunity to follow children’s lead and let them direct the outing

For more information, visit houstonzoo.org.

Apr
22
Sun
Migration Celebration @ San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge
Apr 22 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Photo of American KestrelMigration Celebration is held annually in April in southern Brazoria County, Texas, sponsored by the Friends of the Brazoria Wildlife Refuges in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The Kickoff Dinner will be held on Apr. 13, 2018, and the 24th Annual Migration Celebration will be held on Apr. 21 and 22.

Migration Celebration activities are centered on the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge but formally starts with a fundraising dinner and featured speaker at Freeport RiverPlace located in the Freeport Municipal Park.

Migration Celebration’s events and presentations are designed for the introductory level but still keeps some focus on birds with our Birds of Prey programs and the San Bernard Oak Trail tours.

With the exception of fundraising activities, all other Migration Celebration events, tours, presentations, and other activities are free to the public. This is made possible by the generous donations of time and money by our sponsors, partner organizations, and volunteers.

Volunteers needed. To volunteer contact:
Ed Barrios, Volunteer Coordinator
979-297-1815 (h) 979-415-4998 (c)
barrios@refugefriends.org.

For more information, migrationcelebration.org.

Natural History Demonstration @ Armand Bayou Nature Center
Apr 22 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Learn about the animals of Armand Bayou and the habitats they live in. Demonstrations vary from week to week: mammals, birds and reptiles.

Apr
23
Mon
Home School Program @ Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Apr 23 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Our home school classes are offered on Mondays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. for students ages 5-12. A different three-week science unit is taught each month, with classes consisting of instructional time, hands-on activities, and outdoor activities. Extension ideas will be provided to parents so they can follow up with lessons and activities at home.
Visit our Home School Blog at www.HouArbHomeSchool.wordpress.com to see what Home Schoolers have been up to!

Schedule: Three Mondays a month from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (classes for ages 5, 6 – 7, 8 – 9, and 10 – 12)
Fees per student: $60 member** / $90 nonmember per three-week unit

**Must be a Family Tree Member or above for member rate.

Please note: Additional Parents and siblings may not attend class. Those who wish to go out on a nature hike may do so on a special basis by discussing with instructors. *Attendee(s) must be mature enough to participate in the program(s) without parental or guardian supervision. 

Registration note: Parents, when registering for multiple months, please register your child in the same age group for the entire semester.  Thank you!


As part of your registration, you will also receive email updates from our Home School Blog with information and pictures showing you what the students did in class, take home activities to continue learning at home, and updates about the Home School Program in general.


January 8, 22, 29: Body Systems I

The human body is amazing! Come learn how our body systems compare to other animal’s bodies – like a frog! We will dissect a frog in class to examine the different body parts. Register Online

February 5, 19, 26: Body Systems II

This month we continue learning more about body systems. Do mammals breathe the same way as fish? Does a sheep’s heart look like ours? Join us as we explore more about bodies! Register Online

March 5, 19, 26: Urban Farming

Chickens in your backyard? Fresh vegetables from your own garden? Urban farms are sprouting up all over the city! Learn how you can be eco-friendly, save money, and reconnect with nature by creating an urban farm of your own. Register Online

April 9, 16, 23: Geology Rocks!

Rocks, soil, and water are all a part of our physical environment here on earth. This month we will explore how rocks and soil are formed, use stream tables to study geomorphology, and even make our own crystals! Register Online

May 7, 14, 21: Curious Concoctions

Chemistry isn’t just for scientists in labs! Chemistry can be found even in your home and the natural world just outside the door. Find out where you can see chemistry in action as we conduct experiments using the scientific method. Register Online

Apr
26
Thu
Science Sprouts (ages 4-5) @ Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Apr 26 @ 10:00 am – 11:15 am

Nature experiences for preschoolers!

Science Sprouts is an exciting series for curious kids who love nature and science. Classes will include a short lesson on the topic of the day, followed by a nature walk on the trails of the Arboretum. Each class will have a fun mixture of games, live animals, biofacts, crafts, story time, or music. Parents are welcome to participate with their child or simply drop them off.


Dates and Topics

  • February 1 – Cool Critters
  • February 8 – Rock N Roll
  • February 22 – Parts of a Plant
  • March 1 – Beautiful Birds
  • March 8 – Egg’stravaganza
  • March 15 – SPRING BREAK – NO CLASS
  • March 22 – Mammal Babies & More
  • March 29 – SSSS Snakes
  • April 5 – Leapin’ Lizards
  • April 12 – NO CLASS
  • April 19 – Far Out Frogs
  • April 26 – Totally Turtles
  • May 3 – Interesting Insects
  • May 10 – Pond Pals

Cost: $225 members*/$350 non-members for the semester

*Must be a Family Tree Member or above for member rate.

Note: You must enroll for the entire semester in order to participate

Register Now!

For more information, visit houstonarboretum.org.

610 Entrance now open. Woodway Entrance closed until late Spring 2018. Map and directions available.

Apr
28
Sat
Natural History Demonstration @ Armand Bayou Nature Center
Apr 28 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Learn about the animals of Armand Bayou and the habitats they live in. Demonstrations vary from week to week: mammals, birds and reptiles.

Apr
29
Sun
Natural History Demonstration @ Armand Bayou Nature Center
Apr 29 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Learn about the animals of Armand Bayou and the habitats they live in. Demonstrations vary from week to week: mammals, birds and reptiles.

May
3
Thu
Science Sprouts (ages 4-5) @ Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
May 3 @ 10:00 am – 11:15 am

Nature experiences for preschoolers!

Science Sprouts is an exciting series for curious kids who love nature and science. Classes will include a short lesson on the topic of the day, followed by a nature walk on the trails of the Arboretum. Each class will have a fun mixture of games, live animals, biofacts, crafts, story time, or music. Parents are welcome to participate with their child or simply drop them off.


Dates and Topics

  • February 1 – Cool Critters
  • February 8 – Rock N Roll
  • February 22 – Parts of a Plant
  • March 1 – Beautiful Birds
  • March 8 – Egg’stravaganza
  • March 15 – SPRING BREAK – NO CLASS
  • March 22 – Mammal Babies & More
  • March 29 – SSSS Snakes
  • April 5 – Leapin’ Lizards
  • April 12 – NO CLASS
  • April 19 – Far Out Frogs
  • April 26 – Totally Turtles
  • May 3 – Interesting Insects
  • May 10 – Pond Pals

Cost: $225 members*/$350 non-members for the semester

*Must be a Family Tree Member or above for member rate.

Note: You must enroll for the entire semester in order to participate

Register Now!

For more information, visit houstonarboretum.org.

610 Entrance now open. Woodway Entrance closed until late Spring 2018. Map and directions available.

May
4
Fri
First Friday Friends @ Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center
May 4 @ 1:00 pm

Senior adults are welcome to this monthly gathering for natural history programs, leisurely walks, and fun environmental activities. Call for information. Ages 55+.

All Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center programs and events are free of charge unless otherwise noted and open to the public regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, physical ability, national origin, or religion. Anyone requiring special assistance to participate in these programs should contact the nature center. Programs meet at the Nature Center unless otherwise noted. Solid shoes are recommended for all walks. Call 281-446-8588 for more information.