News & Blog

Author: hancprod

DIY Toad Abode

June 29, 2015

Toad abodes are a whimsical and practical projects and make charming additions to any garden. Toads are beneficial critters because they consume insects and…

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Arboretum Early Bird Coffee

June 4, 2015

We proudly announce the arrival of the Arboretum Early Bird Coffee! This coffee is a result of a community partnership between local coffee roaster, Katz Coffee and the Houston Arboretum…

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Owls of Houston and SE Texas

May 6, 2015

Owls are not common backyard birds, but they are very desirable guests who can provide lovely nighttime sounds and excellent pest control…

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Did you know that bats are the pollinators of the

Did you know that bats are the pollinators of the tequila agave? Learn more about these fascinating flying mammals at Going Batty on Saturday, September 14 where you'll enjoy a delicious tequila popsicle as you listen to a local bat expert. Then we’ll go on a bat hike using special detectors to listen to bat sonar over the Arboretum.

Learn more and register for this 21+ event at the link in our bio.

That stinky skunk! Well, not an actual skunk, but

That stinky skunk! Well, not an actual skunk, but a skunkvine! Skunkvine, Paederia foetida, is an aggressive, twining vine that can grow stems up to 35 feet long and will quickly overtake anything in its path. It is an invasive plant native to the temperate climates of Asia and has now invaded much of Southwest United States and Hawaii. Skunkvine, also called stinkvine, gets its name from the pungent odor that is released when you crush or break the leaves. The smell created by the leave’s sulfur compounds has been described as rotting cabbage or sewer-like. Additionally, skunkvine is difficult to get rid of. It has a thick, woody stem that easily resprouts when cut down and it produces an abundance of seeds. Once the plant has established itself, it will grow in a dense layer, killing off any native vegetation in its path. Sewer-smelling leaves, destructive, invasive AND difficult to get rid of? Why would anyone want this plant in their gardens? Originally, this plant was cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its delicate pink and white flowers and beautiful climbing vines.

📸 and observation by Sr. Naturalist Patti Bonnin

Teen homeschoolers are invited to join us this fal

For the last week and a half the Arboretum has hos

For the last week and a half the Arboretum has hosted a bird celebrity: a rare Black-whiskered Vireo! This bird usually spends the summer in the Caribbean and the winter in South America, so seeing it in an urban Houston area is pretty special. A number of birders have been lucky enough to see the vireo, and we’ve all enjoyed the paparazzi atmosphere of binoculars and cameras patrolling the Event Lawn, Ravine Trail, and Display Walk. Eager birdwatchers have been spotting many other cool birds in their quest for the vireo – go and see what you can find! #BeakOfTheWeek #WildlifeWednesday

📸 Kenneth Cole Schneider

Are you a teacher or school administrator looking

Are you a teacher or school administrator looking for a fun, educational way to get your students engaged with the natural world? Reservation requests for our fall Field Trips are now open! Whether you're looking for half-day or full-day programs, self-guided experiences, or having us bring nature to you, we have something for all grade levels.

Learn more and submit a reservation request at https://houstonarboretum.org/programs-trips/educator-programs/field-trips/

The Nature Center Building will be closed Monday, September 2 for Labor Day. The trails, Nature Playscape, and outdoor restrooms will remain open.

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