Mindfulness in Nature
2026-02-05 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-02-12 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-02-19 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-02-26 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-03-05 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-03-12 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-03-19 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-03-26 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Chicago)
Thursdays February 5-March 26FREE for members / $5 nonmembersRegistration is requiredAges 50+

In this special series for seniors, each session will begin with guided meditation followed by a different nature-based activity such as gardening, mindful birding, or nature journaling. This series is designed to foster connection, health, and well-being in older adults through meaningful engagement with the natural world.

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

Classes

Sensory Walk

February 5

March 19

Gardening

February 12

Nature Scavenger Hunt

February 19

Mindful Birding

February 26

Natural Art

March 5

Botany Walk

March 12

Nature Journaling

March 26

Instructor bio: Angela Kim is an occupational therapy doctoral student from Texas Woman’s University with a passion for health promotion and community wellness. Her capstone project is focused on using nature-based interventions to enhance physical, mental, and social well-being in older adults. In her free time, Angela enjoys exploring local trails, going on walks, and running with friends.

Backyard Wildlife Habitat Certification Series
2026-02-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-04 10:00 - 12:00
Second Saturday of the month January-April10:00 am – 12:00 pm$160 member / $220 nonmemberAges 16+; minors must be accompanied by an adult

Make your New Year’s resolution to help the environment a reality! This series of classes will take you step-by-step through the process of planning, planting, and maintaining a backyard wildlife habitat that meets National Wildlife Federation certification standards. At the end of the series, you will receive your own Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat sign!

January 3 – PlanningFebruary 7 – Food & Nesting PlacesMarch 7 – Water & ShelterApril 4 – Sustaining & Certifying

Class fee includes the price of NWF Backyard Wildlife Certification registration and sign. Classes will involve brief walks outdoors; please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

register online

Registration closes Friday, January 2 at 12 pm

Blood Drive
2026-02-07 10:00 - 14:30, 2026-03-07 10:00 - 14:30, 2026-04-04 10:00 - 14:30, 2026-05-02 10:00 - 14:30
The Houston Arboretum is partnering with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center to host regular blood drives at the Arboretum. Click a date below to sign up to donate blood. All types of blood are needed to support the needs of our city. All successful donors will receive a voucher for a free Arboretum Individual Membership!

2026

january 3

february 7

March 7

April 4

may 2

june 13

july 11

august 1

september 26

october 3

november 7

december 12

If all time slots are grayed out, there are no more appointments available for that day.

If you are coming to donate, please use the 610 Entrance for easiest access to the Donor Coach.

Questions?

Donor AdvocatesDo you have questions about your eligibility to give blood? Need more information about a test result? Please contact us with any medical questions you may have before, during or after your donation.

Donor Advocates team is available:

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday–Friday Email: donoradvocacy@giveblood.org | Call: (713) 791-6608 The Blood Center will respond to your email within 24 hours during regular business hours. You may also check the Eligibility Page for basic eligibility questions: https://www.giveblood.org/donate/check-eligibility/

Customer ExperienceDo you need to change your appointment? Have a question about our Donor Rewards program? Can’t find your Donor ID?

Customer Experience team is available:

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday–FridayEmail: cs@giveblood.org | Call: (713) 791-6373 or +1 (877) 948-5433 toll-freeThe Blood Center will respond to your email within 24 hours during regular business hours. You may also email Alyssa Giraldo at agiraldo@giveblood.org to reschedule your appointment.

Second Saturday Bird Survey
2026-02-14 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-03-14 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-04-11 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-05-09 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

Tapas on the Trails
2026-02-14 17:00 - 21:00
$110 member / $125 nonmember per personVIP Upgrade $40 per personAges 21+No entry after 7:15 pm

Enjoy tasty tapas and perfectly paired libations while supporting your Houston Arboretum. This special evening features a romantic walk on softly lit trails, through the forest and under the moonlight. Guests will experience six food stops and sample specially selected beers and wines. Help raise funds for the Arboretum’s mission of conservation and nature education while enjoying our most unique event of the year.

Early bird registration opens Monday, December 1. Receive $10 off per ticket when you register before December 31.

Tapas on the Trails is a rain or shine event. Current forecasts show a chance of light to moderate rain throughout the day, so we recommend dressing for the weather. Our team has prepared for wet weather and have a rain plan in place, so we are confident the evening will be fantastic regardless of conditions.

At this time, there is no rain date and no planned cancellation. If anything changes, all registered guests will be notified immediately.

register online

View the Menu

Menu crafted by expert chefs at Cotton Culinary, Kelly Prohl of Double Decanted, and Lennie Ambrose of Saint Arnold Brewing Company.

Vegetarian options available at sign up.

Vip Experience – Sold Out

Participants are invited to upgrade to a VIP Experience for an additional $40 donation to the Arboretum.

Each upgrade includes:

A bubbly welcome beverage and special first bite

An exclusive live animal encounter

A raffle ticket for a 1.5-liter magnum bottle of wine (valued at more than $150)

Access to VIP Lounge

PARKING & RIDE-SHARING

Parking is free for all guests during Tapas on the Trails, and cars left overnight will not be towed. Do not leave valuables in your car. You can park at either the 610 or Woodway Parking Loops and follow the signs to the McGovern Education Campus and Nature Center. The pathway from the Woodway Loop to the Nature Center is lit by permanent pathway lights and check-in is located inside the Nature Center building.

The Arboretum recommends using a designated driver, ride-sharing, or taxi service for guests who drink alcohol. Drivers may pick-up at the 610 (120 W. Loop N Fwy) or Woodway (4501 Woodway Dr) Entrances, so please be aware of this when booking their services.

Volunteers

We are looking for adult volunteers (21+) to help us with Tapas on the Trails this year! Volunteers must be comfortable working outside, serving alcohol, and staying for a 4-hour shift. Volunteers will receive free event parking, food during their shift, and our heartfelt gratitude.

Sign Up to Volunteer

Sponsors & Partners

DIY Nature Journals
2026-02-21 10:00 - 12:00
$22 member / $37 nonmemberAges 12+, minors must be accompanied by an adult

Nature journals are a relaxing way to hone your observation skills, develop your creativity, and practice living in the moment. In this class we’ll create handmade nature notebooks, walk the trails to make some observations, and discuss ways to actually keep journaling throughout the year.

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

Register Online

Growing Native Milkweed
2026-02-28 10:00 - 12:00
$22 member / $37 nonmember (per person)Ages 12+, minors must be accompanied by an adult

Everyone loves milkweed, but it can be challenging to grow. In this class we’ll de-mystify milkweed, from the best species to grow in your conditions to the best ways to start seed and even the right soil and pots for your precious plants.

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

sold out

Pup Crawl & Pet Expo
2026-03-08 15:00 - 18:00
$45 for adults 21+Ages 21+Includes 4 beers and 1 commemorative glass

Registration required for all guests

Celebrate 10 years of great beer and fur-ever friends out on the trails! After four special beer stops surrounded by nature, you and your pup will have the opportunity to enjoy local pet vendors at the expo, win exclusive raffle prizes, and walk away with a commemorative Pup Crawl glass.

Register Online

Proceeds support the missions of Houston Arboretum & Nature Center and BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions.

This event is rain or shine. If the event is cancelled, ticket price is considered a donation to the organizations.

Interested in becoming a vendor in the Pet Expo? Please contact barcadoptions@houstontx.gov for more information about availability and registration.

parking

Parking is free for Arboretum Members, but you must enter your Member parking code in the kiosks or on the Park Mobile or Park Houston apps. Nonmembers must pay a $6.50 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 Member parking code or pay the parking fee. Please do not leave valuables in your car.

volunteer

We need YOU! Houston Arboretum is looking for adults [21+] to volunteer at the Saint Arnold Pup Crawl & Pet Expo on Sunday, March 8. Volunteers will help staff Pup Crawl Stations, engage with guests, and hand out Saint Arnold’s beer.

sign up today!

partners

Spring Plant Sale
2026-03-20 09:00 - 2026-03-21 14:00
Friday & Saturday, March 20 & 219:00 am – 2:00 pm

Upgrade your garden with Texas native plants at our Spring Plant Sale! The Sale features perennial and annual wildflowers (including milkweed), grasses, shrubs, and trees – perfect for attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to your yard or garden while helping to conserve water, reduce mowing, protect the soil, and save money on fertilizer and pesticides. Members receive discounts on all plant sale purchases!

plant list

The plant list is subject to change and quantities may be limited.

plant pricing

4-inch$4.501-gallon$14Milkweed$163-5 gallon$30

All proceeds support the Houston Arboretum’s dual mission of conservation and education.

Plant Sale Tips

Arrive early for your best chance at getting your desired plants

Become a Member for discounts on Plant Sale purchases

Enter via the 610 Entrance and park along the parking loop for easy access to the Plant Sale

Bring your own cart if you have one! Limited carts will be available to transport plants at the sale.

Amazing Race
2026-03-22 13:00 - 15:00
$35 member / $45 nonmember (family of four, $5 each additional family member)All ages

Trek through the trails. Find clues. Complete challenges. Do you have what it takes to finish an Arboretum-style Amazing Race? Come explore the Arboretum during this fun family program!

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.

Members in the Meadow
2026-04-04 10:00 - 12:00
Free for Loblolly, Redbud, and Live Oak MembersAges 21+

Join former Arboretum Natural Resource Specialist Nova for an intimate two-hour walk through the trails as spring comes alive. This slow-paced, in-depth tour will highlight the Arboretum’s diverse habitats, seasonal wildflowers in bloom, and the flurry of pollinator activity that defines this vibrant time of year.

We’ll begin with fresh coffee and light morning bites before heading out. Space is limited to 20 participants to ensure a personal and engaging experience.

This special event is open exclusively to Loblolly, Redbud, and Live Oak Members. Not a Member? Join today!

register online

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes. The event will take place rain or shine.

Beginner Tree ID
2026-04-11 10:30 - 12:30
$22 member / $37 nonmember (per person)Ages 12+, minors must be accompanied by an adult

There are over sixty species of trees in Houston – which ones grow in your neighborhood? In this class we’ll learn the basics of tree ID, from tree anatomy to common tree groups and what to look for in the field. We’ll start in the classroom and, weather permitting, we’ll also examine real trees on the trails to test our new skills.

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

sold out

Instructor bio: Rafael Renteria is a Certified Arborist who has worked with trees since graduating from Texas A&M in 2019. He has worked as a park ranger, tree climber, and tree farm manager with Trees for Houston, and now works as the Arboretum’s Forest Ecologist.

2026 Alfresco Gala
2026-04-17 18:30 - 23:00
underwriting levels

Live Oak | $25,000

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

Burr Oak | $15,000

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

White Oak | $10,000

Includes one table of ten (10) guests

Post Oak | $6,000

Includes one table of eight (8) guests

Willow Oak | $1,000

Includes one (1) individual ticket

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

Live Oak

Marilyn and Harry Kirk

Burr Oak

AnonymousCarrie and John-Hays Compton / Amy and Leyton WoolfJohn and Mary Austill Flournoy / McCord DevelopmentJohn P. McGovern FoundationMoonshot Compost

White Oak

Andrew AbendsheinCaroline and Andrew Bean / Camille and Ryan StuckeyFirst Horizon BankMelissa and Daniel Goodman / Nancy Kate and Mark PrescottHicks Thomas LLPAllyson and Jason KinzelMarilyn and Harry Kirk of ACT Pipe & Supply, Inc.Kirkland & Ellis LLPMain Street Capital CorporationAngela and Trent McKennaBetty and Stephen NewtonKatie Padden and Rick EvansGigi and Ernie PekmezarisPorter Hedges LLPMary Sommers and Sam PyneService Wire Co.Katy and Sandy ShurinSheppard Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP / Sandra and John Keville / Stephanie Bennett and Chad Mills / Ashley and John MontgomerySmithTroutman Pepper Locke LLP

Post Oak

Katherine and David AndrewArnold & PorterKatie and Scott Arnoldy, Julie and Ryan Bergeron, Patty and Sam Bowen, Casey and Will HedgesBank OZKBarbara BushongCentral BankSusan Cooley / Mary and John Craddock (in honor of Katherine and John Plumb)Katie and Billy DavisDeloitteRuth and Dan FlournoyForney ConstructionMelinda Hall (in honor of Sandy and Katy Shurin)Amanda and Frank HauserMelinda and Jeffery HildebrandHeather and Wayne Kearney, Molly and Duncan Lamme, Laura Sheffield and Chad Dodd, Lisa and David StoneKim and Scott MartinAllie and HD PappasKatherine and John PlumbKatherine and Richard RoseWalter P MooreJanna and David Webber

Willow Oak

Brenda and Michael BenignoKyle and Susanna CahillHumberto Padilla GonzalezHarry PangasJulie and Frank ParkerTrustmark Bank

Generous Donors

Caroline and Will BrownDechert LLPCatherine and Patrick ElkinsCece and Mack FowlerHelen Fraser (in honor of Katherine and John Plumb)Betsy and Joe KellyElizabeth and Dash KohlhausenConnie LinTiffany and James MelchersKatharine and Mosby PerrowPriscilla and Steve PlumbPatricia and David StoneCabell Wood (in honor of Katherine and John Plumb)Susan Yang and Daniel Hu

Blackberry Celebration
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00
$37 member / $52 nonmemberAges 16+, minors must be accompanied by an adult

What’s better than making homemade jam? In this class we’re celebrating blackberry season by working together to make blackberry freezer jam. We’ll also learn about wild blackberries and (weather permitting) go on a berry-picking hike.

Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy and dress for the weather.

Register Online

Connecting Communities
2026-05-02 10:00 - 12:00
an outdoors for all event

Free, no registration requiredAll ages

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center celebrates diversity in our ecosystems AND in our communities! The Arboretum is proud to join the national Outdoors for All movement encouraging Houstonians of all backgrounds to explore and enjoy the natural world. Connect with local outdoor affinity groups, see demonstrations of our all-terrain GRIT Freedom Chair, attend an inclusive bird outing, check out community resources, go for a sensory-based hike, and participate in activities for guests of all ages and abilities.

This event will be held rain or shine and will be outdoors. Please dress for the weather.

Activities

Timed Activities

10:15 am – Inclusive Bird Hike with ASL interpreter

11:00 am – ASL Storytime

Ongoing Activities

Crafts & Yard Games

Sensory Nature Hike

Little Free Library Book Drive – bring a book, take a book!

GRIT All-terrain chair demonstrations

Photo Booth

Blood Drive – sign up in advance!

Food Trucks

The Toasted

Berry’s Ices

Community Partners

Native Plant Society

Texas Master Naturalists

Brazos Bookstore

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Kleb Woods

Houston Zoo

Young Monarchs

Gulf Coast Blood

Houston Stilt Walkers

Photo Dash Photo Booth

Accommodations

There will be an ASL interpreter on site as well as a sensory and first aid room.

Parking

Parking is first-come, first-serve, and it is free for the duration of the event.

Presented By
