Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Calendar of Events January 2012

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 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

Beginning Tai Chi - Wednesday, Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. & Saturdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, 1– 2 p.m. Cost is $15 per session or $45 per month.

Yoga on the Way Home - Thursday, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. 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 $12 per session when registering for a month.

Tyke Hike - Mondays, Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, 10 – 11 a.m. Children 18 months to 3 years with their adult companions can join naturalist Naletta Galbraith for a nature story reading and stroller-friendly hike on the Arboretum trails. Cost is $2 per child, pay at the door.

Naturalist Explorers: Frog and Toad Together - Saturday, Jan. 21, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. or 1 – 3 p.m.
Naturalist Explorers introduces children ages 5 to 8 to the natural world in a fun atmosphere.
Cost is $18 for members; $33 for non-members.

Edible Wild Plants - Saturday, Jan. 21, 1– 5 p.m. From acorns to wild violets, the Texas landscape is filled with an abundance of wild edibles. Come learn where to find, how to identify, and proper preparation of the fruits, shoots, roots and salad greens growing all around you. Cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members.

Family Owl Prowl - Saturday, Jan. 21, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Bring your family on the trails with Arboretum naturalists on a leisurely hike to look and listen for Great Horned and Eastern Screech owls, flying squirrels, and any other critters that might lurk out of sight in the darkness. After our trek in the woods, we’ll relax on the back porch with hot chocolate, cider, and homemade cookies for the kids, with wine and cheese for the adults. Cost is $30 for members; $40 for non-members.