Houston
Arboretum & Nature Center Calendar of Events, August
2010
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, a lush
155-acre nature preserve, is one of the city’s greatest natural
treasures. Located in Memorial Park, at 4501 Woodway Drive, the
Arboretum is home to more than 75 varieties of native trees, 160 species
of birds, 16 species of turtles, 10 species of frogs and 33 kinds of
butterflies. Visitors can explore and enjoy five miles of walking trails
to experience nature at its most dramatic and in exquisite detail. The
Arboretum grounds are open to the public daily, except major holidays,
from dawn to dusk.
The Nature Center building is open daily from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. The Discovery Room is open every day except Mondays, from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. and provides fun, hands-on activities and exhibits to
explore nature up close. Admission is free, but donations to support
this nonprofit organization are appreciated.
A bustling schedule of year round activities and
courses are available for adults, children and families to create a
sense of wonder and appreciation for nature. For more information,
call 713-681-8433 or visit www.houstonarboretum.org.
Arboretum is looking for nature lovers to get involved
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is looking
for nature lovers to help carry out the organization’s dual mission of
education and conservation. On Sat., Sept. 11, the Arboretum starts fall
volunteer training with a general orientation session from 9 a.m. to 12
p.m. The session will include a brief history and overview of the
Arboretum’s programs, a guided tour and opportunities to learn more
about specific volunteer jobs and sign up for training sessions
scheduled later in Sept.
As a non-profit organization, the Arboretum
depends on volunteers to help share the wonders of nature with
schoolchildren on field trips, assist visitors of all ages with
interactive exhibits in the Discovery Room, or to work with conservation
staff to improve the Arboretum’s trails and grounds. Opportunities are
available both weekdays and weekends with a minimum commitment of three
hours per month. The minimum age to volunteer is 16 years. Applications
are now being accepted. For more information, call 713-681-8433 or visit www.houstonarboretum.org.
Pre-registration is required for the
activities/events listed below.
Call 713-366-0421 or visit www.houstonarboretum.org
for more information.
9
a.m. – 3 p.m.
Nature Trekkers Summer Camp: Hooked on Fish
Ages
5 – 12
Students will become experts on the ways of
fish in this week of camp as they explore these aquatic creatures and even
get to try a little fishing. Cost is $230 for members, $270 for
non-members. Morning only (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) camp option is also available.
Cost is $120 for members, $150 for non-members.
Monday
- Friday, Aug. 2-6
3
– 5 p.m.
Summer
Art Camp: Furry Creatures Large & Small
Ages
5 - 12
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
in partnership with City ArtWorks is offering Summer Art Camp classes for
ages 5 to 12. Teachers from City ArtWorks will lead this animal-themed art
class, where wild (and not so wild) animals will be the focus of the week’s
art projects. Cost is $100 for members; $110 for non-members.
Wednesdays,
Aug. 4, 11, 18 & 25
5:45
– 6:45 p.m.
Introductory
Tai Chi
The Arboretum provides a serene, natural
backdrop for this graceful and meditative form of exercise. Class will be
held outside in the nature sanctuary except when weather conditions are
prohibitive. $15 per session or $45 per month.
Thursdays,
Aug. 5, 12, 19 & 26
5:45
- 6:45 p.m.
Yoga on the way Home
Why fight the traffic? Slow down and relax
in the peaceful beauty of the Arboretum during a one-hour yoga session in
the Arboretum's classroom overlooking the forest.
Cost is $15 per session or $10 per session
when registering for a month.
Monday
– Friday, Aug. 9 – 13
9
a.m. – 3 p.m.
Nature
Trekkers Summer Camp: Goosebumps & Mysteries
Ages
5 – 12
Nature’s mysteries will be revealed as
campers explore creatures of the night, creepy crawlies and the folklore
that surrounds them. Children will learn about bats, spiders, horned
lizards and other eerie, but interesting creatures in the animal kingdom.
Cost is $230 for members, $270 for non-members. Morning only (9 a.m.-12
p.m.) camp option is also available. Cost is $120 for members, $150 for
non-members.
Monday
– Friday, Aug. 9 – 13
3
– 5 p.m.
Creative
Movement Camp
Ages
5 - 12
Instructors will guide children through
non-competitive activities including yoga and movement exercises that will
stimulate mind and body. Cost is $100 for members; $110 for non-members.
Pre-registration required.
Saturday,
Aug. 21
9
– 11:30 a.m.
Photographing
Butterflies
Join professional photographer Kathy Adams
Clark as she teaches how shutter speed and aperture work, as well as how
to get the proper exposure with the light meter for the art of
photographing butterflies. Spend an hour of class time learning from
Clark, and then get outside with her as she helps students practice their
newly learned techniques.
Cost
is $45 for members; $65 for non-members.
Sunday,
Aug. 22
1
– 5 p.m.
Build
Your Own Rain Barrel Workshop
Rain barrels are not only great for
collecting and storing for future use in the garden, but they can also
help you reduce your water bill. In this hands-on, make and take workshop
taught by Arboretum conservation director Joe Blanton, learn how a
one-time investment of less than $100 will allow you to harvest 50 gallons
of water from your roof every time it rains. Cost, which includes
materials for 1 rain barrel, is $75 for members; $95 for non-members.
