The After School Nature Explorers Club is designed for school-age children, 6-12 years old, who are interested in investigating the great outdoors. During each session, they will explore the natural world, focusing on native habitats and wildlife. They will go on nature hikes, dip-net in the ponds, meet live animals, and practice outdoor skills such as tracking, foraging, building shelters, telling stories, playing games, and much more. Adventures will be crafted from the curiosities of the children, allowing them to develop a sense of place while exploring the landscape through play.

Pricing: Once Monthly spring series ($70 first child/ $60 second child) OR Drop-in Rate ($20 per class per child)

NOTE: Classes are only held with minimum enrollment of 8 students. Refunds are given in the case that this is not met.

Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s young professionals group, The Currents, to celebrate springtime and raise funds for BBP at this festive event featuring music, light bites, libations and more at Buffalo Bayou Park. Enjoy stunning downtown views and bid on fantastic silent auction packages for culinary, cultural and recreational experiences–all while supporting BBP’s mission to restore and revitalize Buffalo Bayou.

Hit the Hill with Nature Heritage Society for a fun and exhilarating hike. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. It’s a family affair. The Trail is approximately 2.5 miles; shorter routes are available. Registration will begin at 8:45 a.m., and the hike will follow shortly after at 9.

Volunteers meet the second and fourth Thursday of every month to propagate plants from locally collected native seed. A typical workday may include seeding pots, bumping up trays into 1-gallon containers, separating seedlings, and weeding pots. They will also have special seed collecting trips, invasive species removal workdays, and planting events in restored prairies.

If you’re interested in volunteering for the Natural Resource Management Program, email kelli.ondracek@houstontx.gov or visit houstontx.gov/parks/naturalresources.html.

As birds, butterflies and bees become increasingly imperiled, more homeowners are creating gardens to nurture and sustain pollinators. These dynamic gardens not only support wildlife but also provide an attractive and healthy environment for people.

Master gardener and naturalist Glenn Olsen explains which wildflowers, flowering shrubs, fruit trees and even vegetables offer food and shelter for pollinators. Learn to create an outdoor oasis for yourself and for pollinating creatures. The class includes a field trip to the Rice University Betty and Jacob Friedman Holistic Garden, the Urban Pocket Prairie and the Lynn Lowery Arboretum. To register and for more details, visit glasscockcatalog.rice.edu.

Join Houston Audubon at the Edith Moore Nature Sanctuary for a morning of gardening and sanctuary maintenance. Houston Audubon’s team works 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., once a month on the 4th Saturday from September through May (3rd Saturday in November and December).  Activities include trail maintenance, filling bird feeders and baths, litter pick-up, native gardening, and invasive species removal. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and meet like-minded friends.

Bring water, sunscreen, bug repellent & gloves/clippers if you have them. Wear closed-toe shoes & long pants. Bring sack lunch if desired. Children of any change are welcome with their parent/chaperone. (Minimum age without a parent/chaperone is 12 years.)

All volunteers must pre-register by the Wednesday before workday with Bethany Foshée (713-932-1639).

This is an introductory class to growing vegetables organically in Houston. In this class, you will learn how to select the site, build the beds, plant, care, and maintain a vegetable garden. Potting activity included.

Environment for the Americas coordinates World Migratory Bird Day in North and South America to increase awareness and promote the conservation of migratory birds that we share across borders. Armand Bayou Nature Center will host a full day celebration dedicated to WMBD, featuring 3 Events for you to choose from.

1. Fun-filled Family Event (12-4 p.m.)
   • Lectures, games, and demos
   • Advance tickets available, no reservation required
2. Guided Morning Birding Hike (7-9 a.m.)
   • 1.5-mile hike
   • Reservations required (limited)
3. Behind The Scenes at the Rookery (9:30-11:30 a.m.)
   • Watch herons, egrets, ibis, spoonbills, and anhingas
   • Reservations required (limited)

Habitat Restoration

Our volunteer group meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon at the HPARD Greenhouse.

We propagate plants from locally collected native seed. A typical workday may include seeding pots, bumping up trays into 1-gallon containers, separating seedlings, and weeding pots. We will also have special seed collecting trips, invasive species removal workdays, and planting events in our restored prairies!

We are also beginning to conduct semi-annual vegetation transects and monthly bird surveys at our current and future restoration sites. If you’re good at identifying plants or birds or if you would like to learn more about them, come join us!

If you’re interested in volunteering for the NRMP, email kelli.ondracek@houstontx.gov.