Programs for Middle & High School Students

Middle or High School students participate in a biological and chemical study of natural aquatic habitats. Participants learn the importance of wetlands to humans and wildlife alike and identify their local watershed before learning to perform basic water testing procedures and aquatic animal and plant surveys.

Class size: Minimum 10 students/Maximum 40 students
Tour Times: Tuesday – Friday from 9:30 – 11:30 am,
Fee: 
$12 per student; $7 per additional chaperone

Concepts

  • Watersheds
  • Wetlands and their uses
  • Chemical, biological, and physical measurements
  • Bio-indicators
  • Threats to wetlands
  • pH testing and dissolved oxygen testing

Reservation Requests

Reservation inquiries for the 2023-24 school year are now closed. Inquiries for the 2024-25 school year will open in August.

FAQ

Please ensure that your Field Trip request has been pre-approved by your educational institution before scheduling.

An accurate count of attending students is required before submitting a scheduling request.

One adult for every 10 students is required to ensure safety and to help supervise your students. Conversely, due to the hands-on nature of our programs, we ask that you do not exceed a ratio of one adult for every 3 students.

Additional chaperones over the requirement are charged $7 per person.

The program is designed for your students; please ask parents to leave younger siblings at home.

Please advise students and parents to dress appropriately for a nature hike and the weather. Students and adults should wear closed-toe shoes for safety. Sandals or high heels are strongly discouraged.

There are no picnic facilities at the Arboretum; however, we provide a lunch area for a full-day program. Half-day programs may use our building apron if available. Picnic areas can be found within Memorial Park’s picnic loop.

Bus parking is available only at our 610 Entrance. Please look for bus parking signs. Staff will be present to assist drivers.

610 Entrance Address: 120 West Loop North Fwy, Houston, TX 77024

Programs are conducted rain or shine. Ponchos are provided for light rain. In case of severe weather, we will offer an equivalent indoor program. If cancellation is necessary due to extreme weather conditions, rescheduling may not be possible due to our tight calendar.

Rescheduling requests are addressed at the Houston Arboretum’s availability and discretion. Rescheduling a confirmed program 0-30 days prior to your scheduled date will result in a rescheduling fee of $50.00.

Program fees are non-refundable.

Payment is required in advance and in full. Accepted forms of payment are organizational check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. All checks must be made payable to: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.

Questions about policies? Please click – School Program Payment Policy (pdf).