Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Scales & Cocktails
2024-07-20 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
$35 member / $50 nonmemberInstructor: Kelsey LowAges 16+

Mix and mingle with a wild crowd – our reptile ambassadors! Enjoy a tasty cocktail as you meet some scaly, cold-blooded friends up close and personal. You’ll learn why there’s no need to be afraid of snakes, lizards, and turtles, and discover the important roles they play in the ecosystem. Finally, we’ll go on a hike to enjoy our nighttime trails.

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes. We will offer you the chance to pet some of our reptile ambassadors, but don’t worry – it’s not mandatory! You can admire them from a distance if you prefer.

Due to continued power outages from Hurricane Beryl, this class has been cancelled. Registrants, please check your email for more information.

this event has been cancelled

Second Saturday Bird Survey
2024-07-13 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-06-08 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-05-11 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-04-13 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-03-09 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-02-10 08:00 - 10:00, 2024-01-13 08:00 - 10:00
2nd Saturday of the month8:00 – 10:00 amFree, but donations appreciatedAll ages, minors must be accompanied by an adult

Work on your bird watching skills while helping the Arboretum monitor bird populations on a fun, relaxed morning walk. Join us on the second Saturday of each month in front of the Nature Center building for a two-hour bird survey led by Arboretum staff members Kelsey Low and Theo Ostler. We welcome all levels of bird watching skill and all ages (as long as you’re quiet) – but no dogs, please!

If you have binoculars of your own, please bring them. We have a limited number of binoculars available to borrow

Outdoor Wellness Day
2024-05-18 10:00 - 12:00
FREEAll ages

this event has been cancelled due to storm damage.

Connecting to nature can help relieve stress and boost your overall mental and physical health. In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Arboretum invites you to explore the benefits of spending time in natural spaces.

Meadow Happy Hour Hike
2024-05-09 18:30 - 20:30
Free for Evergreen Members / $20 all other registrantsInstructor: Kelsey Low & Christine MansfieldAges 21+

Unwind after a long day in the beautiful Meadow! Join us for this come-and-go event to enjoy a Saint Arnold Brewing Company beer and fun activities that you can do at your own pace, including sweep netting for insects, making seed balls, and more.

Class will be held rain or shine. Please dress for the weather.

register online

about evergreen

Evergreen is a membership group for young professionals and Arboretum supporters ages 21 and up. As an Evergreen Member, you will be part of a group that supports conservation and education while socializing in the Arboretum’s beautiful outdoor setting. Evergreen events will allow you to meet like-minded Houstonians as you participate in fun and educational activities that will introduce you to the Arboretum’s local flora and fauna.

Mythical Creatures
2024-05-04 10:00 - 12:00
$20 member / $30 nonmemberInstructor: Patti BonninAges 7-12

Bigfoot, Griffins, Jackalope, Unicorns…who is your favorite cryptid? Join fellow Cryptozoologists as we study real fantastical creatures that dwell here at the Arboretum and compare them to the mythical beasts lurking just beyond the shadows. We will learn about folklore, adaptations, and even create our own Mythical Creature!

Please come dressed for the out of doors, including closed-toe shoes. This is a drop-off class. Parents and siblings are welcome to explore the Arboretum’s grounds on their own.

Registration for Arboretum Members opens Tuesday, December 5. Nonmember registration opens Tuesday, December 12.

register online

2024 Alfresco Gala
2024-04-19 19:00 - 22:00
underwriting levels

Prairie | $25,000

Includes two tables of ten (10) guests each, an elevated wine experience

Savanna | $15,000

Includes one table of twelve (12) guests, an elevated wine experience

Wetland | $10,000

Includes one table of ten (10) guests

SOLD OUT – Ravine | $6,000

Includes one table of eight (8) guests

SOLD OUT – Woodland | $1,000

Includes one (1) individual ticket

underwriter pdf

Purchase a ticket or table

make a donation

If you are making a donation, please select Alfresco Gala in the Type of Gift dropdown.

Thank you to our generous underwriters

prairie | $25,000

Bracewell LLPMarilyn & Harry Kirk

Savanna | $15,000

AnonymousJohn P. McGovern FoundationKirkland & Ellis LLPMoonshot CompostJohanna and Will Rider, Melanie and Danny SavitzService Wire Co.SIP IndustriesWalter & Shirley Wang Foundation (in honor of Marilyn and Harry Kirk)

wetland | $10,000

ACT Pipe & Supply, Inc.AkinLiz and David Anders, Nicole and Evan Katz, Michel and Philip Mullett, Brooke and Billy O’Neil, Whitney and Robert RussellLauren and Max Barrett, Brittany and Brad Dinerstein, Leigh and Chris Joseph, Allie and HD Pappas, Mona and Andrew SarofimBrown Foundation / Andrew AbendsheinCarnelian Energy CapitalDeloitte / Sandy and Katy ShurinFirst Horizon BankHicks ThomasHolland & Knight / Donna and Greg MeeceAllyson and Jason KinzelLatham & Watkins LLPLocke Lord LLP and the Kayser FoundationMain Street CapitalMary Sommers & Sam PyneVinson & Elkins LLP

ravine | $6,000

Lauren and Adam AllenKatherine and David AndrewArnold & PorterBaker Botts LLPBartlett Tree ExpertsCentral BankRuth and Dan Flournoy (in honor of Marilyn and Harry Kirk)Forney Construction (in honor of Jason Burt)Melinda and Jeff HildebrandHunton Andrews KurthAnnie and Spencer Kerr, Amy and Robert UrquhartMayer Brown LLPDallas McNamara (in honor of Ann Wier Jones)Betty and Steve NewtonGigi & Ernie PekmezarisGeorgia and Michael Piazza, Lindsay and Mark Schmulen, Brittany and Daniel ZeplainPorter Hedges LLPJanna and David WebberWillkie Farr & Gallagher LLPAmy & Leyton Woolf

woodland | $1,000

Grow and CompanyNancy JaphetMeg MaloneKatharine and Mosby PerrowSuzanne M. Potter-Padilla and Humberto Padilla

Generous Donors

Jay AlicandriAnonymousMeredith and Patrick ChastangSami and Justin GreféEthel and Chap Hutcheson (in honor of Marilyn and Harry Kirk)Isla and Joseph JornayvazKristie and Kyle KafkaAllison and Tucker KnightKim and Scott MartinHarry PangasBeth Robertson (in honor of Debbie Markey)Lillie Robertson (in honor of Cullen Geiselman Muse)Laura SheffieldSidley Austin LLP (in honor of Annie and Spencer Kerr)Daniel Hu and Susan Yang

Spring Scavenger Hunt
2024-04-14 14:00 - 16:00
$10 member / $20 nonmember (family of four, $5 each additional family member)Family Tree Membership or above required for Member rate.Instructor: Patti BonninAll ages

Put your observation skills to the test in our family-friendly Spring Scavenger Hunt! Families will receive a set of clues and compete to solve nature-themed riddles. Work as a team as you trek the trails to complete the hunt!

register online

Please come dressed for the out of doors, including closed-toe shoes. This is a family program; parents are required to attend program with children.

Harp & Hula: Music & Dance from Hawaii
2024-03-23 11:00 - 12:00
$8 per personInstructor: Ocean Music ActionAll ages

Join harpist Megan Conley and friends for a children’s program of music highlighting animals from the ocean, land, and sky of the Hawaiian Islands. Children will hear music from the islands and learn the art of hula, integrating music, movement, and storytelling into a beautiful dance.

register online

Please come dressed for the outdoors, including closed-toe shoes. This is a family program; parents are required to attend program with children.

The Secret Life of Songbirds
2024-03-23 10:00 - 12:00
$25 member / $35 nonmemberInstructor: Kelsey LowAges 12+

Mockingbirds, robins, and other songbirds seem fluffy and adorable, but their secret life is wilder than any soap opera! Join us for a taste of the drama going on in your backyard, from desperate bachelors to cheating spouses to serial killers that literally hide behind a mask…

Class will be held rain or shine. Please dress for the weather.

sold out

Eco-printing with Evergreen
2024-03-21 18:30 - 20:30
Free for Evergreen Members / $20 all other registrantsInstructor: Kelsey Low & Christine MansfieldAges 21+

Let nature do the artistic work for you with eco-printing! We’ll use local plants to create cyanotypes and hammered botanical prints in this fun, relaxed class. We’ll provide paper, but you can also bring a white cotton shirt or tote if you’d like to do your botanical print on fabric.

Class will be held rain or shine. Please dress for the weather.

register online

about evergreen

Evergreen is a membership group for young professionals and Arboretum supporters ages 21 and up. As an Evergreen Member, you will be part of a group that supports conservation and education while socializing in the Arboretum’s beautiful outdoor setting. Evergreen events will allow you to meet like-minded Houstonians as you participate in fun and educational activities that will introduce you to the Arboretum’s local flora and fauna.

Photo credit Bernd Hutschenreuther

HOUstory: Archeology in Houston
2024-03-16 18:00 - 20:00
$35 member / $50 nonmemberInstructor: Houston Archeological SocietyAges 16+

Houston’s roots go deep! Grab a Saint Arnold Brewing Company beer and light bites as you enjoy a fascinating glimpse of our history presented by the Houston Archeological Society. They’ll talk about what real digs can tell us about Houston’s past. After the presentation we’ll go on a night hike to explore the landscape that helped shape Houston’s history.

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

register online

Photo credit Anthony Rathbun

Arboretum Archeology Day
2024-02-24 10:00 - 12:00
FREEAll ages

Discover history’s secrets as we take a glimpse into the past. Join the Houston Arboretum, the Houston Archeology Society, and the American Indian Center of Houston as we present Arboretum Archeology Day! Learn about tools of the trade, see prehistoric and historic artifacts, and examine real bones and skulls from native animals. Put your archeology skills to the test with pottery shard measuring and ceramic reconstruction. Children are welcome to participate in the Soil Screening Lab for a small fee.

soil screening lab

$5 donation per personAges 5 and upParents must accompany their children

Ready to get your hands dirty? Join our team of archeologists as they screen soil for artifacts. Learn more about the archeology process from screening and artifact recovery to bagging and tagging!

Please dress for the outdoors, including closed-toe shoes. Gloves will be provided if needed.

Wild Romance
2024-02-17 18:00 - 20:00
$35 member / $50 nonmemberInstructor: Kelsey LowAges 16+

Love is wild! Bring a friend or partner, grab a Saint Arnold Brewing Company beer and some light bites, and get ready for a fun night of games and activities inspired by real animal courtship. Impress potential “mates” through turtle dancing, feather fashion, scent matching, and more. You’ll be moving in between stations through the evening, but all activities can be done sitting down.

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

This event has been canceled.

Wolf Moon Hike
2024-01-25 18:30 - 20:30
Free for Evergreen Members / $20 all other registrantsInstructor: Kelsey Low & Christine MansfieldAges 21+

Have a howlin’ good time under the full Wolf Moon! We’ll grab some beverages and go for a walk in the woods while we chat about coyotes, foxes, and the joys and challenges of living with urban wildlife. Bring your questions and your sense of adventure.

Class will be held rain or shine. Please dress for the weather.

This event has SOLD OUT. Click the link below for our Evergreen page for links to upcoming events!

evergreen

about evergreen

Evergreen is a membership group for young professionals and Arboretum supporters ages 21 and up. As an Evergreen Member, you will be part of a group that supports conservation and education while socializing in the Arboretum’s beautiful outdoor setting. Evergreen events will allow you to meet like-minded Houstonians as you participate in fun and educational activities that will introduce you to the Arboretum’s local flora and fauna.

Holiday Sip & Stroll
2023-12-15 17:30 - 19:00
$50 member / $55 nonmemberAges 21 and up

Soak in the festive cheer at special holiday-themed sip stops as you stroll along lightly decorated Arboretum trails. Your evening walk includes three glasses of wine or Saint Arnold beer, delicious light bites, and a limited-edition etched glass to take home, along with a special bonus stop featuring wine tastings from The Cause Urban Winery. Don’t forget to check out the Holiday Market!

sold out

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

holiday market

New this year, stop by the Holiday Market featuring goods from some of our favorite vendors – perfect for last minute holiday shopping.

Candescent Books

I PLANT AND CLAY

Just Wreaths

Lela & Hyde Candle Co.

NAVIGO

Otterwell Studio

Uncommon Bees

parking

Parking is free for all Arboretum members, but you must enter your membership parking code in the kiosks or on the Park Mobile or Park Houston apps. Nonmembers must pay a $5.50 parking fee which directly supports the Arboretum’s mission of nature education and conservation. All guests are subject to ticketing if they do not enter their membership parking code or pay the parking fee. Please do not leave valuables in your car. Outside restrooms are located at the Nature Center building.

rain & cancellations

This event is rain or shine. No refunds will be processed unless the event is completely cancelled.

Fall Picnics
2023-12-10 11:30 - 13:00, 2023-11-19 11:30 - 13:00, 2023-10-22 11:30 - 13:00
$75 per Picnic Basket (feeds 2)

Welcome fall with delicious delights at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center! Have a picnic under the beautiful trees while supporting this Houston landmark. What could be better? How about a 6 pack of brews from Houston’s own Saint Arnold Brewing Company?

A Bayou City Picnic has got you covered with all the essentials for the perfect picnic. Price includes a classic picnic blanket, waters, utensils, plates, napkins, and cleanup. For an extra special afternoon, don’t forget to add wine and flowers!

Learn more & register

sponsors

DIY Candles
2023-12-09 13:00 - 15:00
$35 member / $45 nonmemberInstructor: Kelsey LowAges 12 and up

Light up the darkest days of the year by making your own beautiful candles! In this fun class, we’ll roll beeswax taper candles and pour beeswax tealights. We’ll also learn how to safely decorate our candles with botanical materials and other fancy trimmings. Perfect for last-minute holiday gifts!

Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy.

register online

Woodland Wizards
2023-12-02 16:00 - 18:00
$20 member / $30 nonmemberInstructor: Patti BonninAges 5-10

We are pleased to inform you that you are invited to attend the Arboretum’s School of Woodland Wizardry! Study magical creatures, decorate your own wand, make a batch of butterbeer (kid-friendly!), and practice your potions. Then join Professor Patti on a scavenger hunt through the Forbidden Forest. Come dressed as your favorite witch, wizard, or muggle! (Costumes encouraged but not required.)

Please come dressed for the out of doors, including closed-toe shoes. This is a drop-off class. Parents and siblings are welcome to explore the Arboretum’s grounds on their own.

Registration for Arboretum Members opens Tuesday, August 8. Nonmember registration opens Tuesday, August 15.

sold out

The Secret Life of Soil
2023-11-11 10:30 - 12:30
$25 member / $35 nonmemberInstructor: Quinn FanningAges 12 and up

What makes dirt and soil? How did it come to be? And most importantly, how do plants build pumpkins out of it? In this hands-on class, you’ll learn what we know about the biotic and abiotic factors that form our many soil types, how they affect above ground life, and what you can do to leave your garden’s soil better than you found it. Weather permitting we’ll also go on a brief walk.

Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and wear walking shoes.

register online

Instructor bio: Quinn Fanning has been foresting for several conservation corps, volunteering at community gardens, and intensively gardening with native plants since he graduated from UT in 2021. He now works as the Arboretum’s Native Landscape and Gardening Technician.

Evergreen Holiday Happy Hour
2023-11-09 18:00 - 20:00
FreeAges 21+

Get in the holiday spirit with Evergreen and The Currents, Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s YP group! Join us for this annual tradition where you’ll get to meet and mingle with other nature-loving young professionals. This year’s happy hour will be at Saint Arnold’s Beer Garden & Restaurant.

This fun, free event is open to Evergreen Members, The Currents, and anyone interested in learning more. No registration necessary, we’ll see you at the Beer Garden!

CSI: Mystery on the Trails
2023-11-04 14:00 - 16:00
$20 member / $30 nonmemberInstructor: Patti BonninAges 7-12

Mysterious things have been spotted on the trails. A pile of feathers, a fluff of fur, mysterious tracks….what is going on? Put your observation and deductive reasoning skills to the test as we study a hypothetical crime scene in the woods to try to answer the questions: what happened and who dunnit?! Together we will learn about animal adaptations, how to identify tracks and scat, and explore habitats to solve the riddle of the Mystery on the Trails.

Please come dressed for the outdoors, including closed-toe shoes. This is a drop-off class. Parents and siblings are welcome to explore the Arboretum’s grounds on their own.

Registration for Arboretum Members opens Tuesday, August 8. Nonmember registration opens Tuesday, August 15.

sold out

Howl at the Moon
2023-10-28 18:00 - 20:00
$40 member / $50 nonmemberInstructor: Kelly NorridAges 16 and up

Have a howlin’ good time under the full Hunter’s Moon! Join Urban Wildlife Biologist Kelly Norrid for a discussion about one of our most misunderstood animals, the coyote. You’ll enjoy drinks and light bites while you learn about these urban survivors and get tips on being a good coyote neighbor. After the talk we’ll go on a night hike to explore coyote habitat and look for nocturnal wildlife.

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

register online

Instructor bio: Kelly Norrid is a Houston Urban Wildlife Biologist with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. He provides guidance, management recommendations, and public outreach focused on urban animals. He also engages in research and is currently looking at coyote diets in urban Houston.
