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News & Blog

Event Lawn – Anthony Rathbun

December 23, 2022

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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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Birding as Citizen Science

The Global Big Day is a challenge to bird watchers everywhere: see as many bird species as possible in 24 hours. Will you join the challenge?

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Earth Month Wrap-up

Thank you all for joining us during Earth Month! Just because April is almost over doesn’t mean that you have to stop helping the Earth. There are tons of great environmentally-friendly things for you to do all year.

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Earth Week

Get ready to go outside (even if it’s just in your backyard) and celebrate nature with us this week! In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we’re getting ready for two fabulous events – a virtual Earth Day celebration and the City Nature Challenge!

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What Nature Means to You

Nature isn’t just a place to find animals and plants. Nature is relaxing, refreshing, comforting, and inspiring. Do you capture nature’s beauty with a camera or sketchbook? Do you jot down poems or creative writing in a nature journal? Use your art to show us how us how important nature is to you!

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The Art of Recycling

Reducing, reusing, and recycling are some of the most important things we can do to help the earth, but they can also be really fun!

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Get Social With Us!

#HoustonArboretum

Migration is slowing down, so we’re trying to en Migration is slowing down, so we’re trying to enjoy migrants like Magnolia Warblers while we can. Unlike most warblers, Magnolias prefer to be low down in trees and shrubs. They search for tiny insects and small berries to eat. Look for these small, colorful birds in dense understory along the Outer Loop or Ravine trails. #BeakOfTheWeek #WildlifeWednesday 

📸 Andrew C
Come prowl for owls! This month you have not one, Come prowl for owls! This month you have not one, but TWO fun opportunities to meet live owl ambassadors and prowl the Arboretum's trails for owls and other nocturnal wildlife. Sign up for our Adult Owl Prowl on May 24 or bring the kiddos to our Family Owl Prowl the following weekend on May 31! We can't wait to see you there!

Learn more and register on the Arboretum website.
Did you see that bee fly by? At first glance, this Did you see that bee fly by? At first glance, this insect buzzing around the gardens looks like a bee. But don’t let the colorations fool you! This insect is a species of bee fly (Poecilanthrax lucifer). They look like bees and gather nectar like bees but are in fact not bees. How do you tell them apart? First, bees have two sets of wings that they rest close to their bodies while bee flies have one set of wings that rests away from their body. Bee flies will also have very short antenna, large eyes, and skinny long legs. So why do they mimic bees? One reason is to help them avoid would-be predators. Another, more sinister reason, is they use their mimicry to invade bee’s nests. Bee flies will often lay their eggs in a nest already prepared with provisions for bee larvae. 

📸 and observation by Sr. Naturalist Patti Bonnin
Forget the jarred stuff - bird moms (and dads) are Forget the jarred stuff - bird moms (and dads) are looking for a different kind of baby food! Cardinals, woodpeckers, and even owls are busy hunting for INSECTS. Insects (especially caterpillars) are packed with protein, fat, and vitamins, and baby birds need to eat A LOT of them. For example, a single family of chickadees must feed their babies 6,000-9,000 caterpillars before they're big enough to leave the nest. The number one thing you can do to help birds in your neighborhood is to support insects! By growing native plants and limiting the use of pesticides, you can help insects thrive and ensure that birds have all the baby food they need. #MothersDay #NativePlants #HoustonArboretum
Will we see you at this week's accessible Sip & St Will we see you at this week's accessible Sip & St(roll)? Come unwind with us this coming Friday, May 16 at this fun evening event for all abilities. Stroll or roll along a 1/2 mile route through the Arboretum while enjoying your choice of beer or wine and light bites. This is the perfect opportunity to take a mindful walk and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring at the Arboretum. Registration is required for this 21+ event. 

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

📸 Anthony Rathbun Photography

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