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  • Plan Your Visit
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News & Blog

summer tanager map

June 5, 2015

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2026 Alfresco Gala raises $500,000

Houston Arboretum’s 2026 Alfresco Gala, honoring Main Street Capital, raised $500,000 to fund conservation and education programs.

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Arboretum receives $50,000 grant from The John M. O’Quinn Foundation for free parking

The first Sunday of free parking is April 12, in honor of Earth Month. After that, free parking will be available on the second Sunday of every month through March 14, 2027.

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Houston Arboretum & Nature Center awarded Level 1 Accreditation by ArbNet Accreditation Program

The Houston Arboretum has been awarded a Level 1 Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum.

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Richard King Mellon Foundation Awards $90,000 Grant for Fall 2025 Conservation Project

The grant will fund the removal of invasive plant species and support hiring Student Conservation Association program participants, who will help restore the Arboretum’s woodland habitats.

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Reflecting on 20 Years at the Arboretum

20 years ago, I stepped into my role at the Arboretum with a deep love for nature and a desire to help more people experience its beauty.

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Houston Monarch Story arrives at the Arboretum

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is excited to announce the opening of the Houston Monarch Story, an interactive art installation celebrating Monarch butterflies and their vital habitat.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Composting

If you’d like to do your part for the planet and begin composting, here are some simple steps to get you started. 

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Board Spotlight: Dr. Cullen Geiselman Muse

As her Board service draws to a close, it is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge the unparalleled leadership of Dr. Cullen Geiselman Muse.

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Inside a Prescribed Fire

Prescribed fire is vital for ecosystem health and community safety. Find out what is it like to be on the ground for one.

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The Great Owl Rescue

On a cool February morning, a visitor spotted three white puffballs. They were Great Horned Owl chicks, and they were in trouble!

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Experiencing Fall Migration

Happy Fall Migration! It may have just started to feel like autumn, but for birds, the subtle change in daylight hours at the end of August was enough to trigger their urge to travel.

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The Dog Days of Summer

We’re entering the Dog Days of Summer in a much more literal way this year – with multiple coyote and fox sightings!

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Get Social With Us!

#HoustonArboretum

As you make your weekend plans, please be aware th As you make your weekend plans, please be aware that the Nature Playscape will be closed this Saturday, May 9 from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm for a private birthday party. 

Interested in hosting your child's birthday at the Arboretum? Learn more about our Birthday Party Packages at https://houstonarboretum.org/facilities/birthday-parties/
With so many tall trees, the Arboretum is no stran With so many tall trees, the Arboretum is no stranger to lightning strikes. While some trees survive, many die from the strike’s extreme heat and resulting damage. 

Earlier this year, the pine tree in front of the Nature Center building was struck by lightning, and it unfortunately was not one of the lucky ones that was able to survive a strike. For visitor safety, we will be removing the pine tree today, May 7. Because of the tree’s size, the front entrance of the Nature Center, as well as several surrounding trails and walkways, will be closed for the day. If you are visiting today, please give the tree removal team plenty of space and follow posted signage for alternate access to the Nature Center.
Last Saturday was an incredible day for birding at Last Saturday was an incredible day for birding at the Arboretum! We ran an accessible bird walk during our Connecting Communities event and watched a beautiful Mississippi Kite swoop right over our heads. These insect-eating raptors just arrived from their winter home in Argentina. 

Later, more migrating birds arrived to rest and refuel as they faced strong north winds. We had amazing closeup views of male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Blackburnian Warblers, Golden-winged Warblers, and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. It was wonderful seeing these tired birds feasting on insects, seeds, and nectar among the Arboretum’s native plants and drinking fresh water from our bird drips. Houston is a crucial rest stop for migrating birds and you can help them by providing native plants and clean water so they can find food, shelter, and something to drink. #BeakOfTheWeek #WildlifeWednesday 

📸 Rosemary Brooks, Kelsey Low
Explore the trails with us on Friday, May 15 at ou Explore the trails with us on Friday, May 15 at our accessible Sip & St(roll)! This 21+ event includes a sunset st(roll) along a curated, ADA accessible nature trail, two glasses of wine or Saint Arnold beer, and tasty happy hour treats.

Learn more and register at https://houstonarboretum.org/event/accessible-sip-and-stroll/

📸 @rathbun_photography
Our next Free Second Sunday is this Sunday, May 10 Our next Free Second Sunday is this Sunday, May 10, and we can't think of a better way to celebrate Mother's Day! If you stop by in the afternoon, make sure to check out our free, family-friendly Discover Nature Together Scavenger Hunt from 2- 3 pm focusing on the world of water at the Arboretum. 

Can't make it this weekend? Free Second Sundays run April 12, 2026 - March 14, 2027 thanks to a generous grant from The John M. O'Quinn Foundation.

Learn more at https://houstonarboretum.org/free-second-sundays/

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The Nature Playscape will be closed for a private event on Saturday, May 9 from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm.
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