Calendar

May
5
Sat
Tomball Farmers Market
May 5 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Tomball Farmers Market is a registered nonprofit and works as a cooperative effort of local families dedicated to providing the highest quality food and handmade products to our community. This market was created by farmers and is operated by farmers.

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For information regarding parking or “what to bring,” visit Plan-Your-Visit.

Are you interested in volunteering for the market, take a look at Volunteer At the Market.

For other information, visit tomballfarmersmarket.org.

Blackwood’s Mornings in the Country @ Blackwood Educational Land Institute
May 5 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Blackwood Land

Join us for a Morning in the Country!

Take a self-guided tour of the farm, enjoy a delicious lunch with ingredients from our gardens, take a class with our Farm Director, and much more.

Register Today!

Cost (includes lunch)

  • FREE for ages 4 years and under
  • $25 for ages 5 – 13 years
  • $45 for ages 14+

February 10, 2018 – Seasonal Nutrition Garden Exploration with Rebecca Verm

Explore the importance of seasonal eating as it relates to health and nutrition. We will discuss what produce is currently available at local farms and farmers markets as well as how to prepare simple, delicious meals. The class will take a tasting tour of the Blackwood Kitchen Garden in order to better experience all the flavors the current season has to offer.

March 3, 2018 – Basics of Successful Vegetable Gardening with Rebecca Verm

Introduction to the basics of growing vegetables in the Gulf Coast region. Some of the topics covered include growing seasons,  climate, best growing methods & mediums, and specific crop recommendations. We will explore each of these principles, and how they are implemented, in Blackwood’s Kitchen Garden. Students will leave empowered to begin their own backyard garden successfully.

April 14, 2018 – Speaker coming soon!

May 5, 2018 – “Kernza: Loving Gluten” Presentation and Lunch by Karen Man

Bolivar Flats Beach Rambles @ Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary
May 5 @ 10:00 am

1ST SATURDAY BOLIVAR FLATS BEACH RAMBLES

Walking on Bolivar Flats

Come explore Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary and see what the forces of nature have left for us on the beach and in the wrack lines with Sanctuaries Manager Pete Deichmann. You’ll walk along the beach and out onto the flats discovering the diversity of life along the gulf coast. It’s a perfect opportunity for a family day trip. Ride the Galveston ferry, see dolphins, birds, shellfish and learn about coastal ecosystems.

This program is FREE, suitable for all ages and runs on the first Saturday of each month. No preregistration required. We meet at 10:00 AM at the vehicular barrier. Take TX-87 to Rettilon Rd. Turn right at the beach and travel 3/4 mile. Hope to see you there!

Parking: Parking stickers are REQUIRED for all vehicles to park on Bolivar beaches. They can be purchased locally for $10. A list of vendors can be found here.

Plant It Forward Farm Stand @ University of St. Thomas - Farm
May 5 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

IMG_20160312_110246 smPlant It Forward farms are selling fresh produces directly on-the-farm at their neighborhood Farm Stands. You can stop by during Farm Stand hours to buy freshly harvested produce from your friendly neighborhood farmer.

If you’d like to stop by and see one of their farms, Plant It Forward recommends that you visit during Farm Stand hours and meet one of their farmers.


PLANT IT FORWARD FARMS

@ University of St Thomas
1318 Sul Ross St, Houston TX 77006
Saturdays 10:00am-2:00pm 


For more information, visit plant-it-forward.org.

Tadpole Troopers (ages 3-5) @ Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
May 5 @ 10:30 am – 11:45 am

Tadpole Troopers is a nature class and outdoor adventure for parents and children to share together. We offer opportunities for natural science investigations, crafts, and a guided walk with a naturalist. All classes begin with an engaging introductory lesson inside a classroom followed by a walk outside. Parents are required to stay for the duration of class with their child. Siblings are not permitted unless they are also registered for the class.

This spring, explore the wild world of reptiles. We will learn what makes these creatures special, what some of their amazing adaptations are, and will meet a reptile in each class. From snakes to turtles, we will use fun activities and songs to get to know our reptile friends even better.

Schedule: One Saturday a month from 9:00 – 10:15 am or 10:30 – 11:45 am
Fees per student: $16 member* / $32 nonmember per class

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

 

Spring 2018 – Outrageous Reptiles


January 6: Reptile Super Power

What is a Reptile? Tadpole Troopers will discuss what makes reptiles different from other animals. We will also learn what an adaptation is, and discuss some of the amazing adaptations that reptiles have. Students will even meet one of the most interesting reptiles up close – the Chameleon. Register Online

February 3: Turtles Forever

Turtles, one of the oldest reptiles, will be coming to visit the Tadpole Troopers in this class. We will discover the variety of turtles living at the Arboretum and observe them up close. We will go out on a turtle search and try to track down these shelled reptiles. Register Online

March 3: Snakes, Snakes & More Snakes

Snakes are waking up from their winter nap and can be found everywhere at the Arboretum, but don’t let that scare you away from this class. We will meet some of our resident snakes and then go on a hike to see if we can spot any in the wild. Register Online

April 7: Leapin’ Lizards

Lizards come in all shapes and sizes. We will meet several lizards this class and talk about how and why they are different. From sticky toe pads to detachable tails, lizards are truly amazing reptiles. Register Online

May 5: See You Later Alligator

Our last reptile is the biggest of the bunch; the alligator. We will dive into the world of these giant reptiles and learn what makes them so special. We will take a walk to some of the spots they’ve been sighted and learn why they have such a huge reputation. Register Online

May
6
Sun
Jones Park Bicycling @ Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center
May 6 @ 8:00 am

The Jones-Bender, Judy Overby Bell and Spring Creek Greenway trails are open for bicycling. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

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. Call 281-446-8588 for more information.

GBCO Spring Fling @ Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary
May 6 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory’s Spring Fling is an opportunity to see and celebrate the return of migratory songbirds as they arrive at stopover habitat along the Teas Gulf Coast. This is great time to enjoy the wide variety of species that migrate through Texas dressed in their spring finery. This year, Spring Fling will take place at the Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary from April 7 to May 6 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. For more information, visit gcbo.org.

East End Farmers Market @ Navigation Esplanade
May 6 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Brought to you by the Greater East End Management District, the East End Street Market is open every Sunday from 10am – 2pm on the Navigation Esplanade (2800 Navigation Blvd.) in front of the historic original Ninfa’s Restaurant.

Unique among Houston’s farmers markets, the East End Street Market blends sights and sounds, cuisine and culture to create an experience that is rooted in one of Houston’s most historic communities.

Visit the East End Street Market to sample fresh garden fruits and vegetables, locally produced farm and dairy products, prepared foods, and unique handcrafted wares.

Interested in becoming a vendor? Contact Market Manager Chef Roy Rodriguez.

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For more information, visit eastendhouston.com/market.

Chimney Rock Market @ Chimney Rock Plaza
May 6 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Chimney Rock Market is an outdoor market that features local artists and farmers. Beginning on Feb. 18, 2018, are open the first Sunday of each month.

Image may contain: 1 person, plant and foodTheir vendors sell mouth-watering eats and artisan gifts the whole family can enjoy. As always, four-legged friends are welcome. There will be plenty of treats for them too!

When you’re done shopping, stop in Sean Anthony Salons to browse the beautiful art gallery brought to you by Creative Energy. Art Reception is from 2pm-4pm. Meet the Artisits! Refreshments will be served.

Also, enter for your chance to win a cut and color or Brazillian blowout treatment worth over $300 donated by Sean Anthony Salons.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please email chimneyrockmarket@yahoo.com.

Visit the Chimney Rock Market’s Facebook page.

May
7
Mon
Home School Program @ Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
May 7 @ 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